Earliest date for ILR and Covid concession query

[uceissm]

Hi,I have a query ILR application data and covid concession rules

I was on Tier 4 student visa from 2019-2021, I was in the UK during this period at the date of application for my Tier 2 Visa.

My date of application (paid IHS and Visa fee) for Tier 2 visa is 12/08/2020.

I have received the invitation to use the IDV app on 05/09/2020.

The Tier 2 BRP granted at 14/11/2020 and BRP start date is 14/11/2020.

I have gone through other posts. it seems that due to Covid concession, the earliest date I can apply ILR is actually 12/08/2025 minus 28 days. which makes it 15/07/2025 this year.

May I ask if my understanding is correct on this earliest date?

Also, may I please ask if I need to specify this covid concession rules in my cover letter?

My concern is that some caseworkers might not be 100% familar with this covid concession rule and put the application on hold. I have heard one case below that one people's application been put on hold by caseworker and had to wait additional months for their application until their BRP valid date.

Has this happened to anyone before?

Case:
Her case is that she applied the T2 visa at 21/03/2020, received the BRP at 12/06/2020 during covid, she made the application in Feb 2025 using the covid concession rules to calculate the date.

However, home office emailed her asking she to apply in June 2025. She tried to argue back with home office however, this is what she has received from home office "We are able to either withdraw this application (this is non-refunable), or you can submit a further application under an appropriate route and we can vary this application and refund any excess fees paid"

[zimba]

Your understanding is correct. Many have received their ILR the same exact way. If you want to include a cover letter then it is up to you. Note that UKVI knows the rules and all the caseworkers are required to follow the rules. In some rare circumstance, errors may happen which will be rectified by the UKVI.

I am not familiar with the case you described, however the response form the UKVI suggests the applicant probably applied for ILR using an incorrect form/route (as they suggested the applicant to apply under an 'appropriate route')

[uceissm]

Thank you zimba. I guess there is one way to find out in July 2025 then

Thank you for your help

[uceissm]

Your understanding is correct. Many have received their ILR the same exact way. If you want to include a cover letter then it is up to you. Note that UKVI knows the rules and all the caseworkers are required to follow the rules. In some rare circumstance, errors may happen which will be rectified by the UKVI.

I am not familiar with the case you described, however the response form the UKVI suggests the applicant probably applied for ILR using an incorrect form/route (as they suggested the applicant to apply under an 'appropriate route')

Please may I ask one more thing.

If I have decided to apply on the day 15 July 2025.

May I please ask if this date<15 July 2025> means the appointment date to have my finger printed? This means that I can start to fill the application form now, pay the application fee, and find a finger print date on or after 15 July 2025.

Or if this date <15 July 2025> means date when I pay for the application fee? This means that I will have to find the finger print date at a later stage.

Thank you so much

[zimba]

The date of biometrics is irrelevant. All it matters is the date of ILR decision.

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

[Raslam]

Hi,

I am in the exact same situation. Can you please post your ILR decision here. Please. My Tier 2 application date was 12/08/2020 as well. Many Thanks

[lastminute007]

Hello can I kindly ask the outcome please? Thank you.