2 week gap between skilled worker visa expiry and ILR eligibility

Hey,

I applied for 5 years skilled worker visa which i've just received. i was a bit confused about the dates mentioned on letter which i've received with it. The visa duration mentioned is from 10 April 2022 to 27 Feb 2027 which makes up-to 4 years 10 months 17 days.

Can anyone tell me why isn't for 5 full years? and are there any extensions if i were to apply for IRL in future?

Thanks!

What were the dates in the CoS?

If the dates were from 28th February 2022 to 27th February 2027 and you applied late, your visa is valid from the date of decision. It is not backdated.

Thanks for your reply!

The dates on my CoS were 14th Feb 2022 to 13 Feb 2027! I had my biometrics on 25th March, the delay was due to tb test and appointments at vfs.

What are my options now?

Thanks

Your visa validity is correct then, 13th Feb 2027 plus 14 days.

You can extend later if needed.

Okay thanks!

Just one more thing , since i have my visa now and have 90 days before i can travel to uk, does the start date matter now ( of course if my employee agrees) or i can travel anytime within those 90 days?

Although the visa allows you to travel in the next 90 days, you should start working within 28 days of visa becoming valid or work start date on CoS, whichever is the latest (in your case visa issuance date matters). This is because

You must normally stop sponsoring the worker and inform us via your SMS
account if the start date is delayed by more than 28 days after whichever is
the latest of:
• the start date recorded on the worker’s CoS (including any amendment to
that date you have told us about via SMS while the worker was awaiting a
decision on their application)
• the date the worker’s entry clearance (visa) becomes valid

Thanks!

So the issuance date would be 10th April, which is the start date on the vignette? Do i have to be in the country within 28 days of this date or start working? Because my employer is flexible and i can start to work before i fly.

10th April is correct

Ask your employer to check with UKVI. The guidance does not mention if remote working for this purpose is allowed.

Alright, thanks! If for some reason i plan to plan travel after 28 days of my issuance date , could my employer use the 'SmS' to inform them so it won't be a problem?

As the title says, I’m two weeks short of being eligible for ILR. My employer sponsored me back in 2022 for five years, but due to processing delays and visa applications, it took longer than expected. At that time, I informed my employer, and they added an SMS (note) in the system.

What are my options now? My employer is willing to provide a COS for an extension, but I’ve heard it usually requires a minimum of one year, which would add significantly to the IHS cost. Are there any alternatives? Has anyone been in a similar situation and managed to get a shorter COS? Could the SMS note they added help in any way?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Topics merged because visa start and expiry dates are important and useful so we dont have to trawl through old posts!!!

Apply for ILR and delay yiur biometrics appointment. You have e 45 working days to attend the biometrics trics by which time you should be within the 28 days.

Thanks for your reply!

This has been suggested by few other people as well. Are there any risks involved in this?

Are these your current skilled worker visa start and expiry date?

Almeera wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 11, 2022 11:35 am

10 April 2022 to 27 Feb 2027

yes, my dates are 10th April 2022 to 27th Feb 2027.

Then you'll be eligible for ILR in 2027!

Almeera wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 29, 2025 2:55 pm

What are my options now?

You don't need to worry about this now.

If the current rules remain the same you may be able to get biometrics delayed and perhaps be eligible when an ILR decision is made.

Again, no need to worry about this now. The immigration rules are constantly changing and likely even more in the near future. Your circumstances now might not be the same in 2027.

Thanks! yes of course there have been lots of changing. I was just researching and prepping for best possible scenario.