Skilled Worker ILR

From T2 / Skilled Worker visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Standard path is 5 years — but watch out for the 2026 changes.

Your Typical Timeline

1 Year 1
Visa Granted

3 Year 3
Extension / Renewal

5 Year 5
ILR Window
Apply 28 days early

10 2026 Risk
Earned Settlement

Eligibility Checklist

Mark what you already have — see how close you are to ILR.

5 Years Continuous Residence: No more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period. Salary Threshold: Earning above £38,700 (or the going rate for your SOC code). English Language: Passed B1 level test (or UK degree taught in English). Life in the UK Test: Passed (reference number ready). Employer Letter: Confirming job security & continuing employment.

💰 Salary Rules (2026)

You must meet the higher of these three thresholds:

£38,700 per year – General minimum threshold
Going Rate – Specific to your SOC 2020 occupation code
£15.88 per hour – Minimum hourly rate

Transitional Protection (Pre-April 2024):
If you were granted Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024, your threshold remains lower (£29,000 or old going rate).

👨‍👩‍👧 Dependants on Skilled Worker Visa

Your partner and children can apply for ILR at the same time if:

They have completed their own 5-year qualifying period as your dependant
They have passed the Life in the UK test (if aged 18–64)
They meet the English language requirement (B1 level)

Note: Children turning 18 during the application usually do not need to pass Life in the UK test if part of the family unit.

Absence Decision Flow

Start: Do you have 5 full years on Skilled Worker visa?

Check absences: More than 180 days in ANY rolling 12-month period?

Yes → Break in continuity
(unless serious/compassionate reasons)

No → Eligible to apply for ILR

⚠️ 2026 Warning

If you do not apply for ILR before April 2026, you may fall under the new 10-year earned settlement route. Act early if close to 5 years.

Useful Tools

[ilr_calculator] Absence Calculator Employer Letter Template ILR Application Checklist PDF