10 yr ILR - Council Tax, Eng. Test, Deadline.

Dear Experts,

My wife and I came to UK more than 10 years ago and have a couple of kids born here. Our Tier 2 long-term staff and dependant visas are expiring next Friday. The solicitor helping with long residence ILR application, yesterday evening, asked for
* Last 10 years of council tax statements
* English test certificate in speaking, listening, reading and writing

Are they really needed?
We have an English test certificate in speaking and listening from Trinity, based on advice of another solicitor in the same firm but now on vacation. In addition, he had given a list of documents for adults (life in Uk test, old and new passports, BRPs, absences list) but never mentioned council tax. No action was advised for kids born here until adults receive ILR as kids are then eligible for citizenship.

Lastly, is there a grace period, post visa expiry, for ILR application?
Any views from you can help shape my discussion with HR and solicitor on Monday.

Thanks,
imab

Council tax bills are NOT required.

You only need the following for Each person applying individually.

All passports covering 10 years.
Liuk test each
English B1 test each that is on the current UKVI approved list.

The form asks for your absence, you do not need a separate document.

You do NOT need any documents relating to your employment or address

There is NO grace period you must each apply and pay online BEFORE your current visa expires.

You also do NOT need a solicitor for this application. It is not a difficult application to make.

Many Thanks CR001, very helpful.

I took a stab at the application and you are right, its straightforward.

Before declaration, I see a document list with checkbox and instruction to provide as many as possible (mainly passport, BRP, proof of relationship with spouse & kids). There is no distinction between mandatory and optional. I assume the list you shared is mandatory and rest would be optional.

The list I shared are the ONLY documents you need.

Proof of relationship is NOT required

The checklist is generic.

Thanks CR001 for your inputs !!