I was on a Graduate Route visa which expired on 24 January 2026.
Before my visa expiry, my employer and solicitor had already started the process for a Skilled Worker visa under a Business Development Manager role. My employer received a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on 10 November 2025.
However, my solicitor went on leave and did not respond to my messages for a long time. He only got back to us on 17 December 2025, explaining that he had travelled abroad for medical reasons.
When he attempted to assign the CoS, it was no longer available in the SMS portal. After contacting the Home Office, we were informed that the CoS had expired automatically on 20 November 2025, which was the end of the allocation year. We were not aware of this rule.
My solicitor admitted there was a mistake, but we later understood from the Home Office that this expiry happens automatically if unused.
A new CoS request was submitted on 17 December 2025. My employer also tried multiple times to secure priority service, but we were unsuccessful.
As my visa expiry was approaching, I waited until 15 January 2026, but there was still no CoS. I was under a lot of stress and not receiving proper guidance from my solicitor.
At that point, a friend referred me to another solicitor who said he could “extend” my visa for 6 months. Without fully understanding the situation due to stress, I provided my details and he submitted a SET(P) application on 15 January 2026, even though I was not eligible for that route.
I later realised this mistake and questioned the solicitor, who assured me it would not affect my future applications.
Eventually, my employer received a new CoS on 22 March 2026, and I applied for a Skilled Worker visa on 23 March 2026.
On 14 April 2026, I received an email from the Home Office stating that my application has been marked as “complex”.
Currently, I still have access to my eVisa and share code.
I am very stressed and worried about the outcome, as I come from a struggling family background and need to support them. I would really appreciate if anyone could share insights on what might happen next or if they have experienced a similar situation.