ILR application step-by-step (Skilled Worker route)

This walks through the settlement (indefinite leave to remain) process for the Skilled Worker route in the order things actually happen, with the checks and paperwork that trip people up at each stage.

Last verified: 2026-07-04 against gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-tier-2-t2-skilled-worker-visa (eligibility and apply pages).

1. Confirm your continuous residence date

Everything else in this guide depends on one date: when your continuous qualifying period on the Skilled Worker route (or its predecessor, Tier 2) started. GOV.UK requires "lived and worked in the UK for 5 years" with specific rules on what counts — switches between sponsors, gaps in sponsorship, and time on other visa categories can all affect this. Confirm your own start date against your visa grant letter or eVisa record rather than assuming, then run it through the ILR Absence Calculator — it uses that same date for both the 28-day window and the 180-day absence check.

2. Check your absences against the 180-day rule

You must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period across the whole 5 years, unless a specific exception applies. This is checked window-by-window, not per calendar year — see the 180-day absence rule with worked examples for how that actually plays out, including the case where two unremarkable trips combine to breach the limit.

3. Confirm your salary and sponsorship still meet the requirements

GOV.UK's own wording is that you must "meet the salary requirements" and continue to do so — your sponsor needs to confirm your job is still required and that you're still being paid in line with the going rate for it. You'll need a document from your employer confirming this as part of your application. Salary thresholds are updated periodically, so check the current figure for your occupation code directly on GOV.UK rather than relying on what applied when your visa was granted.

4. Book and pass the Life in the UK test (if you're 18–64)

If you're between 18 and 64, you need to book and pass the Life in the UK test before you apply — it's not part of the application itself, so leave time for it (and for a retake, if needed) before your 28-day window opens. The fee is £50 for a standard weekday slot booked more than 48 hours ahead (verified against gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test on 2026-07-04). You do not need to prove your English language level again — that was already assessed when your Skilled Worker visa was granted.

5. Work out the earliest date you can apply

You can apply from 28 days before you complete your 5-year qualifying period — not before. Applying earlier risks refusal on the basis that you haven't completed the required period, and there's no guarantee of a fee refund. See the 28-day early application window explained for the full rule and a worked example.

6. Work out the total cost

The Home Office fee is currently £3,226 per applicant — the same figure applies to any dependants included on the application (verified against gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-tier-2-t2-skilled-worker-visa on 2026-07-04). If you're applying alongside a partner or children, use the Family Immigration Cost Planner to see the combined total, including the Life in the UK test and any priority service you add.

7. Apply online

You apply online through GOV.UK — the form can be saved and completed later, so you don't need to finish it in one sitting. Assisted digital help is available if you're not confident using a computer or don't have reliable internet access, though it doesn't provide immigration advice.

Important: once you've applied, GOV.UK is explicit that "you must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision." This surprises a lot of applicants who are used to travelling freely on their existing visa — plan any travel, including work trips, before you submit the application, not after.

8. Attend your biometric appointment (UKVCAS)

After applying, you book a biometric appointment through UKVCAS to give your fingerprints and photo, and to submit or have your supporting documents checked. You won't get a decision at the appointment itself. See what happens at the UKVCAS biometrics appointment for what to bring and how the appointment types differ.

9. Wait for a decision

GOV.UK doesn't publish a single fixed processing time for settlement applications — check the estimated time shown when you apply, or consider a priority or super priority service (added cost — see the cost planner tool) if your timeline is tight. You'll be notified through the same online account you applied with.