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Skilled Worker Visa To ILR – 5 Years Route
Are you looking to apply for ILR as a skilled worker? To get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from a Skilled Worker visa, you must have completed five continuous years of lawful residence, pass the “Life in the UK” test, prove your English language ability, and meet salary thresholds. You can apply online up to 28 days before you reach the five-year mark.
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In this article, we will explore the process of transitioning from a Skilled Worker Visa to an ILR, including eligibility criteria, required documents, challenges, and tips for a successful application.
Table of Contents
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s primary work immigration route for individuals with a job offer from a licensed sponsor. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and gives skilled migrants the right to work, study, and bring dependants to the UK.
Key Features
- Tied to a licensed employer
- Must meet salary thresholds
- Offers a clear pathway to ILR after 5 years
- Allows job switching with a new CoS
Who Is Eligible To Apply for ILR As A Skilled Worker?
Eligibility depends on meeting immigration, employment, and financial conditions.
Requirements
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Minimum salary (Standard or Going Rate)
- Job at RQF Level 3 or higher
- Approved English language level
- Sufficient maintenance funding (if required)
- Employer must be Home Office-approved
ILR Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa to ILR
To transition from Skilled Worker Visa to ILR, applicants must satisfy strict criteria under the Immigration Rules.
Residency and Continuous Residence Rules
To qualify for ILR through the Skilled Worker route, you must:
- Complete 5 continuous years in eligible visa categories
- Not exceed 180 days of absences per year
- Maintain lawful immigration leave throughout
Absences are counted on a rolling 12-month basis, not calendar years.
Salary Requirement For Skilled Worker Visa To ILR
To qualify for ILR, you must meet the required salary threshold:
- Minimum £25,000 per year to £41,700
- OR the going rate for your job code—whichever is higher
Salary must reflect actual guaranteed earnings—not bonuses or overtime. You must meet the salary requirement for ILR purposes from the below table.
Applicant’s circumstances | General salary | Going rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | All cases where rows B to E do not apply | Salary of at least £41,700 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Table 1 or Table 1a of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
| B | The applicant was sponsored in their most recent permission for a job in Appendix Immigration Salary List, and rows C to E do not apply. | Salary of at least £33,400 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Table 1 or Table 1a of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
| C | The applicant meets the requirements of SW 4.2(b), save that references to being sponsored should be read as meeting the requirements in SW 24.1. to SW 24.2, and rows D and E do not apply. | Salary of at least £31,300 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Tables 2 to 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
| D | The applicant was sponsored in their most recent permission for a job in either: • Appendix Immigration Salary List (or the previous Appendix Shortage Occupation List), and the applicant meets the requirements of SW 4.2(b), save that references to being sponsored should be read as meeting the requirements in SW 24.1. to SW 24.2; or • a health or education SOC 2020 occupation code listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations (or a related SOC 2010 occupation code shown in that table); and, in either case, row E does not apply. | Salary of at least £25,000 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Tables 2 to 5 of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
| E | The 5-year qualifying period for settlement includes time as a Tier 2 (General) Migrant in which the applicant was sponsored for a job in one of the following SOC 2010 occupation codes: • 2111 Chemical scientists • 2112 Biological scientists and biochemists • 2113 Physical scientists • 2114 Social and humanities scientists • 2119 Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified • 2150 Research and development managers • 2311 Higher education teaching professionals | Salary of at least £25,000 per year | At least the going rate in the table at SW 14.5(c), if the applicant has continued to be sponsored in that SOC 2010 occupation code, or the equivalent SOC 2020 occupation code shown in Table 2 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, ever since. At least the relevant going rate in Tables 2 to 5 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, in other cases. |
Salary under the table in SW 24.3 is subject to the following:
(a) salary will be considered as set out in SW 14.1. to SW 14.5. (and in SW 14.3., references to the salary thresholds of £41,700, £33,400, £31,300 or £25,000 per year should be read as including references in the table in SW 24.3 above); and
(b) if the applicant is currently absent from work for one of the reasons set out in Part Suitability paragraph SUI 36.1., or has returned from such an absence within the month before the date of application, consideration will be based on their salary on their return to work, as stated by their sponsor.
English Language Requirement For Skilled Worker Visa To ILR
ILR applicants must meet the B1 English requirement through:
- SELT tests (e.g., IELTS Life Skills)
- A degree taught in English
- English-speaking nationality exemptions
28 Days ILR Rule
You can apply for indefinite leave to remain 28 days before completing 5 years in the UK as a skilled worker. Generally, skilled worker visas are granted for a period of up to five years. At the end of 5 years as a skilled worker, you are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
After obtaining ILR, you will have the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions. After indefinite leave to remain, you can apply for British citizenship.
Step-by-Step ILR Application Process
This section provides a detailed breakdown of how to progress from a Skilled Worker visa to ILR. Following the steps carefully reduces mistakes and speeds up approval.
Preparing Your Documentation
Prepare the following essential documents:
- Current passport & BRP
- Employer letter confirming continued employment & salary compliance
- Pay slips (usually 6 months)
- Bank statements (optional but recommended)
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate
- English language certificate (if required)
- Absence records for 5 years
- CoS reference for confirmation (if needed)
Completing the SET(O) Form
The ILR form for Skilled Workers is SET(O). You must:
- Answer all employment and residence questions accurately
- Provide absence details with reasons
- Confirm salary and job code
- Upload supporting evidence digitally
Incorrect information may lead to delays or refusal.
Biometrics and UKVCAS Appointment
After submission, you’ll book a UKVCAS appointment to:
- Provide fingerprints
- Take your photograph
- Upload documents (or have staff do it)
Priority services may process your application within 5 working days and within 24 hours under priority services.
Switching from Skilled Worker Visa to ILR: Timelines & Costs
Let’s break down timelines and financial expectations for your ILR journey.
When Can You Apply?
You can apply:
- 28 days before completing 5 years of continuous residency
The qualifying period to apply for a skilled worker to ILR is 5 years. In the 5 years you’ve lived in the UK, you can include time you’ve had on any combination of the following visas:
- any Tier 1 visa – except Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
- Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General)
- Scale-up Worker
- T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
- International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
- Innovator Founder
- Global Talent
- Representative of an Overseas Business
ILR Application Fees and Additional Costs
Here’s a breakdown of costs:
| Fee Type | Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| ILR Application Fee | £3,029 |
| Super Priority Fee | £1,000 |
| UKVCAS Appointment | Free–£199 (location dependent) |
| English Test (B1) | £150–£200 |
| Life in the UK Test | £50 |
Contact our expert immigration solicitors today for fast, reliable, and results-driven legal support.
Pathway to British Citizenship
After gaining ILR, applicants may apply for British Citizenship after 12 months, provided they meet residence and good character requirements.
Qualifying period for ILR as a skilled worker
You must have lived in the UK for 5 years before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. The earliest the application for the Skilled Worker ILR can be submitted is 28 days before reaching 5 years qualifying period in the UK.
Length of stay and qualifying period for ILR
The qualifying period for ILR from a Skilled Worker Visa is five years. This means that you can apply for ILR after completing five years of continuous residence in the UK as a skilled worker.
During your qualifying period, you must ensure that you do not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any consecutive 12-month period. Any absences exceeding this limit can reset your qualifying period, delaying your eligibility for ILR.
Continuous residence/absences under a skilled worker visa
To qualify for ILR after 5 years as a skilled worker, you must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. If you don’t meet the residence requirement under Appendix continuous residence, the application is likely to be refused.
Please note, that the immigration rules were updated in January 2018 to include absences in any consecutive 12 month period. Previously, the 180 days of absence was considered for fixed 12 months periods going back from the date of application.
Applications submitted after 11 January 2018 will be subject to the current immigration rules where absences are considered on a rolling basis, rather than in separate consecutive 12-month periods.
Sponsorship requirement
The eligibility rules under Appendix Skilled Worker (paragraph SW 24.1.) require the sponsor (employer) to still hold a Skilled Worker licence at the time of your ILR application. The sponsor must confirm they require the applicant to work for them for the foreseeable future, and the applicant will be paid at least the minimum salary in paragraph SW 24.3. for the foreseeable future. You will need your certificate of sponsorship number to complete the application.
Super priority for ILR under the skilled worker
You have the option to apply for ILR as a skilled worker under super priority service to get a faster decision. Our experienced immigration lawyers can submit your ILR application under priority submission to get you a quick decision.
The fee for indefinite leave to remain is £3,029. It costs an additional £1000 for super priority processing (24 hours) and £500 for priority processing (5-day processing) where eligible.
Our expert immigration solicitors handle Super Priority ILR applications for Skilled Worker Visa holders with precision and speed.
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Frequently asked questions for skilled worker visa to ILR
Can I switch employers before applying for ILR?
Yes, but your new employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue a new CoS.
Does maternity or paternity leave affect ILR eligibility?
No—these absences are permitted and exempt from the 180-day rule.
Do I need to meet the salary threshold at the time of ILR?
Yes. Your employer must certify continued employment at the required salary.
Can dependants apply for ILR at the same time?
Yes, if they have completed 5 years as dependants.
What happens if my ILR is refused?
You may request an Administrative Review or submit a fresh application.
When can I apply for ILR with a skilled worker visa?
The earliest you can apply for ILR with a skilled worker visa is up to 28 days before you complete your 5-year qualifying residence period. If an application is submitted any sooner than 28 days before completion of this period it may be refused.
