Reduced Visa Period Caused Shortage of Days to ILR - Visa Expires Before 5 yrs (COVID-19)

I was a student in the UK and had switched from TIER 4 to TIER 2-General in April 2020.
I was only provided with a skilled visa that was valid only for 1 year, 9 months, and 23 days, which is 69 days short of the 2 years visa period that was applied during the COVID-19.

* Initial Visa Appointment: 30th March 2020 (Cancelled due to COVID-19)
* Revised Visa Appointment: 20th June 2020 (Date of when application was made)
* Dates mentioned in COS:
* Start Date – 1st April 2020
* End Date – 31st March 2022 (2 years)
* Actual Visa Issued by Home Office: 
* Date of Issue – 23/06/2020
* Valid Until – 14/04/2022 (1 year, 9 months, and 23 days)

My renewal application was processed correctly, I received 3 yrs and 23days visa that is about to expire on 14th Apr 2025.
* Date of Issue: 22/03/2022
* Valid Until: 14/04/2025

Shortage in my initial visa has put me 69 days short of total 5 year to ILR. I had a valid Tier 4 visa during the time period I waited to apply on the 20th of June.

In the “skilled worker caseworker guidance” the mention is “applicants in the UK were permitted to start work for their sponsors while waiting for decisions on their applications.” Whereas in my case I was waiting to apply since my appointment was cancelled and moved to date that was 82 days after the original appointment date. However my COS start date was 1st April 2020

Do I need to apply for a TIER-2 visa extension to cover the 69 days shortage period??

‘or’ am I qualified to apply for ILR? If so what date should be considered as a start date?

Your advice will be much appreciated as I am way too confused and stressed. Thanks in advance.

Tier 2 route no longer exists and it has been gone for several years.

This question is being asked almost daily now, answered here: https://www.immigrationboards.com/viewt ... 2#p2187358

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

Hi Zimba,

Thanks! I have seen your earlier responses before and I felt my case was a bit different and that is why a new post.

All those earlier applicants were waiting for a decision after applying as stated in the “skilled worker caseworker guidance” the mention is “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.”

But in my case I was still waiting to apply since they cancelled my initial appointment on 30th March 2020 due to COVID and I was able to submit my application only on 20th of June 2020, so I am not sure if I am qualified under this exception.

Thanks in advance!

'Waiting for a decision' refers to the period starting from the date when the application was made. This is clear in the rules. The date of the biometrics appointment is irrelevant. Do not confuse yourself