Status
Current leave as a Skilled Worker
You must hold valid permission as a Skilled Worker (or eligible predecessor) at the date you apply.
- We verify grant history and any gaps
- Plan filing date vs. visa expiry
Indefinite Leave to Remain • Skilled Worker
Skilled Worker ILR — settle in the UK after 5 years
We confirm you qualify on the Skilled Worker route, check continuous residence and absences, confirm salary meets the ILR threshold and going rate with an employer letter, ensure KoLL (Life in the UK + English), and file a clean, decision-ready ILR application.
Eligibility at a glance — Skilled Worker (ILR)
We confirm your qualifying residence, salary and sponsorship position, KoLL, and suitability before filing a decision-ready ILR application.
Residence
Continuous residence
We calculate your qualifying period under Appendix Continuous Residence and check absences.
- Track days outside the UK across each 12-month period
- Apply any permitted exceptions where relevant
Salary
Settlement salary & going rate
Your pay must meet the ILR salary threshold and at least the going rate for your SOC (or applicable national pay scale).
- Check SOC code, hours and pro-rating rules
- Account for any transitional provisions if applicable
Sponsor
Employer confirmation letter
Letter on headed paper confirming job title, SOC code, salary and that you’re required for the foreseeable future.
- Include sponsor licence details and contact
- We provide a compliant template
KoLL
Life in the UK & English (B1)
Most adult applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and show English at B1 (or be exempt).
- Accepted SELT providers or degree route
- Age/medical exemptions assessed
Suitability
General grounds
Checks on criminality, deception, NHS/immigration debts and compliance with conditions.
- We assess risks and prepare mitigation if needed
Documents you’ll usually need
We’ll give you a tailored checklist and assemble a clean, indexed PDF bundle for upload.
Identity & status
- Current & previous passports (if available)
- BRP/eVisa; previous grants as a Skilled Worker (or eligible predecessor)
- Any Home Office correspondence or reference numbers
Residence & absences
- Address history covering your qualifying period
- Proofs across the period (council tax/tenancy, utilities, bank statements)
- Travel history to calculate time outside the UK
Salary & pay
- Payslips (recent months) and matching bank statements
- Contract/offer letter and latest HR confirmation
- Evidence hours meet the required minimum and pro-rating rules
Sponsor & SOC
- Job title, duties and SOC code (going-rate check)
- Historic CoS details (if relevant) and current role description
- Any national pay scale/sector evidence (e.g., NHS, teachers)
Employer letter
- On headed paper: job title, SOC, salary, hours
- Confirms you’re required for the foreseeable future
- Includes sponsor licence number and contact details
KoLL
- Life in the UK test pass reference
- English at B1 (SELT) or accepted degree (with ECCTIS if needed)
- Age/medical exemption evidence (if applicable)
Tip: Make sure payslips, bank statements and the employer letter all align (salary, hours, job title). We provide templates and an index so your case is easy for UKVI to verify.
How your Skilled Worker ILR application runs
Clear steps from qualifying residence to decision — we prepare and file on time.
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Step 1
Qualifying date & status check
Confirm continuous residence on the Skilled Worker route, valid permission at filing, and clean grant history.
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Step 2
Residence & absences
Calculate qualifying period under Appendix Continuous Residence and map all travel outside the UK.
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Step 3
Salary & going rate
Check your salary meets the ILR threshold and at least the SOC going rate (considering hours and any transitional rules).
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Step 4
Sponsor confirmation
Obtain an employer letter on headed paper confirming job title, SOC code, salary, hours and that you’re required for the foreseeable future.
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Step 5
KoLL & submission
Verify Life in the UK pass and English (B1 or exemption), complete forms, arrange biometrics/ID, and file a decision-ready bundle.
Fees & processing times (Skilled Worker ILR)
Current Home Office fees and typical decision timelines. Priority services may be available at checkout.
Application fee
Indefinite Leave to Remain
£3,029
Per applicant (main or dependant). Biometrics/ID verification required.
KoLL
Life in the UK Test
£50
Book at an approved test centre; keep your pass reference for the application.
Priority
Faster decision (where available)
Priority: +£500
Super Priority: +£1,000
Priority aims for ~5 working days; Super Priority aims for next working day after biometrics.
Timelines
Typical processing time
Standard: usually within ~6 months
Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man while your in-country ILR is pending.
IHS: ILR applications do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge. We’ll confirm all fees and any priority availability before filing.
Skilled Worker ILR — FAQs
Quick answers to common questions. For tailored advice on your facts, book a consultation.
How is “continuous residence” calculated for Skilled Worker ILR?
We assess time in the UK under the continuous residence rules and check absences across each relevant 12-month period, applying any permitted exceptions where they fit your circumstances.
What salary do I need at settlement?
Your pay must meet the ILR salary threshold and at least the going rate for your SOC code (pro-rated for hours). We confirm your SOC, hours, and any transitional provisions before filing.
Can I change employer and still qualify?
Changing sponsors is allowed, provided you maintained valid permission and continuous residence. We’ll check your grant history and ensure no gaps.
What should the employer letter say?
On headed paper: job title, SOC code, salary and hours, and confirmation you’re required for the foreseeable future. We provide a compliant template for HR.
Do I need Life in the UK and English B1?
Most adult applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and show English at B1 (or qualify for an exemption). We confirm accepted SELT/degree options.
Will maternity/paternity or long sick leave affect my ILR?
Authorised leave can be compatible with ILR. We’ll review your dates and evidence to ensure your residence and salary position still meet the rules.
Can I travel while my ILR is pending?
Travel can affect an in-country application. Speak to us first so we can explain the risks and timing options.
Ready to submit your Skilled Worker ILR?
We’ll confirm eligibility, checklist your evidence, and file a decision-ready application.