Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker after completing five years of continuous residence in the UK on a qualifying work visa route.

To qualify for ILR as a skilled worker, you must meet the eligibility requirements, including the 5-year continuous residence, salary, employment, and Life in the UK Test requirements. You can usually apply up to 28 days before completing your five-year qualifying period and must apply online from within the UK.

UK immigration rules can change frequently. Being aware of the latest requirements, application process, and common mistakes can help make your ILR application smoother and increase your chances of success. Consulting a qualified immigration solicitor ensures you have the most up-to-date guidance.

For expert legal assistance with your ILR application as a Skilled Worker, call Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or submit our online enquiry form.

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What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker gives eligible applicants permanent settlement in the UK after completing the required qualifying period. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK without immigration time restrictions and can provide a route to British citizenship.

Most Skilled Workers can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, provided they meet the relevant salary, employment, continuous residence, Life in the UK Test and other settlement requirements.

Can I Apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker After 5 Years?

Yes. You can usually apply for ILR after completing 5 years in the UK on a qualifying immigration route, including the Skilled Worker route. You must meet the continuous residence, salary, employment and other settlement requirements.

The earliest you can normally apply is 28 days before completing your 5-year qualifying period. Applying earlier than this may result in your application being refused.

Requirements for ILR as a Skilled Worker

To qualify for ILR as a Skilled Worker, you need to:

• Have completed 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
• Have spent the required qualifying period on an eligible immigration route.
• Meet the continuous residence and absence requirements.
• Continue to be required for your sponsored job.
• Meet the applicable salary requirement.
• Have a sponsor that remains approved by the Home Office.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt.
• Meet the applicable suitability requirements.
• Have your current or most recent permission as a Skilled Worker.

The 5-year qualifying period does not necessarily have to consist entirely of time on a Skilled Worker visa. Certain other qualifying routes can be combined, including Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Scale-up Worker, T2 Minister of Religion and International Sportsperson routes, subject to the rules.

Do I Need 5 Years on a Skilled Worker Visa for ILR?

No. You may be able to combine time spent on certain qualifying UK immigration routes to reach the required 5-year period.

For example, qualifying time can include periods on a Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) visa, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Scale-up Worker and certain other routes.

However, time spent in the UK as a dependant cannot be counted towards your own 5-year Skilled Worker settlement qualifying period.

Continuous Residence and the 180-Day Rule

You must meet the continuous residence requirement for the 5-year qualifying period.

You must normally not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

If you have travelled frequently during your qualifying period, you should calculate your absences carefully before applying. Your travel history can affect whether you meet the continuous residence requirement.

Skilled Worker ILR Salary Requirement

You must meet the applicable salary requirement when applying for ILR as a Skilled Worker. The amount depends on your occupation, when you received your first Skilled Worker or equivalent visa, and whether special salary rules apply to your role.

Under the standard current rules, you will generally need to be paid at least the higher of £41,700 per year or the applicable going rate for your occupation. Different salary thresholds can apply to healthcare and education workers, jobs on the Immigration Salary List and applicants who obtained their first Skilled Worker or equivalent visa before 4 April 2024.

Your employer must also confirm that you are still needed for the job and that the relevant salary requirements will continue to be met after you are granted ILR.

Do I Need to Pass an English Test for Skilled Worker ILR?

You do not normally need to prove your English language ability again when applying for Skilled Worker ILR under the current rules if you already met the English requirement when you obtained your visa.

However, the rules are changing. For applications made on or after 26 March 2027, Skilled Worker settlement applicants will generally need to demonstrate English at CEFR B2 in speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies.

See our ILR English Language Requirements Guide for current requirements and upcoming changes.

Life in the UK Test for ILR as a Skilled Worker

If you are aged 18 to 64, you must normally pass the Life in the UK Test before applying for ILR as a Skilled Worker, unless an exemption applies.

The test currently costs £50, and you need to score at least 75% to pass.

See our ILR Life in the UK Test Guide for requirements, exemptions, booking and preparation advice.

Documents Required for ILR as a Skilled Worker

When applying for ILR as a Skilled Worker, you will generally need documents confirming your identity, immigration status, employment and eligibility for settlement.

Typical documents may include:

• Current passport or travel document
• BRP or eVisa details
• Evidence of your Life in the UK Test
• Evidence relating to your current Skilled Worker permission
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship details, where relevant
• Employer confirmation that you are still required for your job
• Evidence of your salary and employment
• Evidence of continuous residence or travel history, where required
• Any documents relating to dependants applying with you
• Certified translations for documents that are not in English or Welsh
• Any additional documents requested by UKVI

See our ILR Documents Checklist for a detailed list.

How to Apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker

You must apply online to settle in the UK as a Skilled Worker. You will need to provide your supporting documents, pay the application fee and provide your biometric information when required.

Step-by-Step Skilled Worker ILR Application

1. Check your 5-year qualifying period and make sure you are within 28 days of completing it.
2. Check your continuous residence and calculate your UK absences.
3. Check your salary and employment requirements with your sponsor.
4. Pass the Life in the UK Test, if required.
5. Gather your supporting documents.
6. Complete and submit your online ILR application.
7. Pay the application fee.
8. Attend your biometric appointment if required.
9. Wait for the Home Office decision. Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your application is pending.
10. Access your eVisa once your ILR is granted.

GOV.UK confirms that you must be in the UK when you apply and must not travel outside the specified Common Travel Area while your application is pending.

How Much Does Skilled Worker ILR Cost?

The standard Home Office fee for an ILR application as a Skilled Worker is £3,226 per applicant. There is no separate fee for providing your fingerprints and photograph.

You may also pay additional fees if you use an optional faster decision service.

The current faster services include:

• Priority service: £500 extra, usually a decision within 5 working days.
• Super priority service: £1,000 extra, usually a decision by the end of the next working day after providing biometrics on a weekday.

See our ILR Fees & Costs Guide for a full breakdown of application and additional costs.

How Long Does Skilled Worker ILR Take?

A standard Skilled Worker ILR application is usually decided within 6 months of providing your fingerprints and photograph.

If eligible, you can pay for a faster decision:

• Priority: usually within 5 working days.
• Super priority: usually by the end of the next working day, subject to the applicable appointment and biometric rules.

What Happens After Skilled Worker ILR?

Once your ILR is granted, you can live, work and study in the UK without being subject to immigration time limits. You may also be able to apply for British citizenship once you meet the separate citizenship requirements.

If you remain outside the UK for more than 2 years at a time, you can generally lose your ILR status.

Why Choose Wembley Solicitors?

Applying for Skilled Worker ILR involves checking several requirements, including your 5-year qualifying period, absences, salary, sponsored employment and supporting documents.

Wembley Solicitors is an SRA-regulated law firm (SRA No. 806549) with 17+ years of experience in UK immigration law.

Clients choose Wembley Solicitors for:

• Specialist immigration experience - advice on Skilled Worker visas, ILR and other UK immigration matters.
• ILR application support - help checking your qualifying period, salary and settlement requirements.
• Document checking - assistance preparing the evidence required for your application.
• Clear, practical advice - guidance throughout the application process.
• Transparent pricing - clear information about legal fees before you proceed.
• Local and UK-wide service - based in Wembley and assisting clients across London and the UK.

If you're approaching five years on a Skilled Worker visa and are unsure whether you qualify for ILR, our immigration solicitors can review your circumstances and advise you on the appropriate route.

Need Help with Your Skilled Worker ILR Application?

If you're approaching 5 years on the Skilled Worker route, getting your qualifying period, absences, salary and supporting documents right is important.

Our immigration solicitors can review your circumstances, check your eligibility and guide you through your Skilled Worker ILR application.

Contact Wembley Solicitors today on 020 3417 3700 or enquire online for professional advice on your Skilled Worker ILR application.