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Dear Team,

I am planning to submit my ILR application under the Skilled Worker (main) route in the coming weeks, and I have a few questions. Here are my details:

Tier 2 ICT Dependent: Initial UK entry in September 2018; started working as a dependent from April 2019.
Just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020), I managed to secure sponsorship from my employer. My dependent visa was set to expire on August 23, 2020.

Due to COVID-related delays, my immigration consultant submitted my Tier 2 General Visa application on August 14, 2020. While I don't have the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issuance date, I do have the CoS reference number, and the CoS was issued in the first week of August.

I continued working for the same company while waiting for an appointment. The appointment took place in late September, and I finally received my BRP for Tier 2 General status on October 15, 2020.

Given this timeline and the COVID concession guidance, am I correct in assuming that I would be eligible to apply for ILR starting July 17, 2025?

Also, do I need my original CoS copy as part of the ILR documents?

Thanks in advance.

The qualifying period can be counted from the very first date of your visa application date as per COVID concession. The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your 5 years.

The date the SOC was issued is irrelevant. The date you stared working is irrelevant. The date of ILR application is largely irrelevant. You do not need to prove anything regarding your CoS.

Read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision

zimba wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 23, 2025 2:03 pm

The qualifying period can be counted from the very first date of your visa application date as per COVID concession. The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your 5 years.

The date of ILR application is largely irrelevant. You do not need to prove anything regarding your CoS.

Read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision

Thank you for your response, Zimba. Does this mean I should avoid applying for a priority visa (5-day service), as the decision may not be finalized until after 14th August?

Imperial311 wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 23, 2025 5:11 pm

zimba wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 23, 2025 2:03 pm

The qualifying period can be counted from the very first date of your visa application date as per COVID concession. The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your 5 years.

The date of ILR application is largely irrelevant. You do not need to prove anything regarding your CoS.

Read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision

Thank you for your response, Zimba. Does this mean I should avoid applying for a priority visa (5-day service), as the decision may not be finalized until after 14th August?

No. Read it again !!