Ict Dependent -> Skilled Visa -> ILR 5-Year Route (Skilled Worker Visa) – Start of Qualifying Period

This is my friend details

First entry to UK as ICT dependent: 16/05/2016

Skilled worker VISA Application submitted : 10/ June/2020

Biometric done: 24/July/2020

Application decision email from Home office : Tue, Jul 28, 2020

BRP place and date of issue : 28 July 2020

Extension visa Application submitted and payment made : 12/ July/2023

Biometric on: 13/July/2023

Application decision email from Home office : 09/Nov/2023

22 August 2025 current BRP will expire.

Could you please let me know the earliest dates when can apply for ILR settlement and book the biometric appointment? Have to wait for whole 5 years in Skilled Visa to go for biometric? Thanks in advance.

He will be eligible for ILR in May 2025, within 28 days of completing his 5 years.
This is because the UKVI now allows skilled workers to count the time since their initial application submission date towards their ILR, assuming they applied between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 and were subsequently granted a visa:

Due to major disruption to UKVI services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tier 2
(General) and Skilled Worker applicants in the UK were permitted to start work for
their sponsors while waiting for decisions on their applications. This time while they
were waiting, but able to work, also counts towards the continuous 5-year period.
The applicant must have been in the UK with permission (including as a visitor or
with Exceptional Assurance), and the application must have been:

• for permission to stay
• made between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive)
• supported by a CoS on the date of application
• granted

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... worker.pdf

Thank you for your reply, @zimba. Yes, he submitted the application on 10th June 2020, but the BRP was issued only from 28th July 2020. Based on your message, does this mean he is eligible to apply for ILR from 12th May 2020? That’s fantastic, as we were expecting eligibility from 30th June 2025. Also, could the biometric be taken anytime within the 5-year period, specifically up to 28 days before the 5 years?

It means he can be granted ILR from May 2025. The date of biometrics is irrelevant

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