ILR

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and would appreciate some clarification.

My visa start date was 11 April 2021, and I entered the UK on 12 April 2021. I understand that I will complete 5 years of residence on 11 April 2026, and considering the 28-day rule, I believe I can apply from 14 March 2026.

However, I am hoping to apply as early as possible to avoid any potential new ILR rule changes that may come into effect around that time.

My questions are:
1. Would it be possible to apply slightly earlier than 14 March 2026 — for example, on 2 March 2026 — or would that fall outside the 28-day window and risk refusal?
2. In terms of rule changes, would the rules that apply to me be the ones in place at the time I submit my ILR application, or would the new rules apply?
3. If I submit my ILR application and later decide to withdraw it before attending the biometric appointment, would I receive a full refund of the application fee?

I’m currently on the Skilled Worker route and have maintained continuous lawful residence.

I would really appreciate any guidance from those who have experience with similar timelines or recent applications.

Thank you in advance!

1. READ --> All you need to know about applying early, the application date, 28-day concession and more

2. The immigration rules on the day you submitted your application, applies

3. Yes

Immigration and nationality refunds policy

Thank you very much, Zimba — I really appreciate it.

Could you please confirm whether the 28-day concession applies to the date of decision? My understanding is that it applies only to the date the application is submitted.

You must count backwards from whichever of the following is most beneficial to the applicant to see whether they meet the qualifying period:

i) the date of application

ii) any date up to 28 days after the date of application

iii) the date of decision

if the applicant is applying for settlement on the UK Ancestry route, and their last grant of permission was not as a person with UK Ancestry, the date their most recent permission as a person with UK Ancestry expired

Yes as the concession, is NOT part of the rules.

The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your qualifying period.
In a nutshell, this means you can get ILR without fully completing your full qualifying period.
This is a procedural concession offered by UKVI that applies to all ILR applications. It is not part of the immigration rules.