Skilled Worker Visa Extension Query

Hi,

I've got a query wrt my skilled worker visa extension that is due to expire by mid of Jun '2025.

Date first came to UK: 08th Aug 2022
Initial Visa type: Partner Dependent Visa

Then I've got a job here in UK and switched to Skilled worker visa. Below are the details,

Skilled Worker CoS Start date: 01st Jun 2023
Skilled Worker CoS End date: 01st Jun 2025
Skilled Worker Visa valid from: 25th July 2023
Skilled Worker Visa valid until: 15th June 2025

As per above skilled visa expiry, I am short of 39 days to complete 2 full years in my Skilled worker visa (2023-2025). My visa extension for next 3 years is due by mid of June ‘2025. To be eligible for an ILR application by end of the 5th year (Jun’ 2028), I need to fill the gap for the mentioned 39 days as above.

Considering this, I’m planning to raise CoS extension from my current Visa end date for next 3 years. The extension CoS work Start and End date to be as follows,

Extension CoS Start date: 16th Jun 2025
Extension CoS End date: 15th Jun 2028

Taking above extension CoS End date into consideration, I believe the Visa would be granted until 29th Jun 2028 (considering Home Office would usually grant 14 days from actual CoS end date). With this visa validity, I assume I would be eligible to make an ILR application within 28 days before completing the 5-year skilled worker visa period. In this case, I assume I can apply for an ILR application starting from 26th Jun 2028, where my visa would still be valid.

Could you please assist if this situation would be an ideal way to apply for the extension? If there is any other suggestion, please let me know.

Thanks

When did you apply for SW visa? The ILR clock starts ticking from the day you applied.

Hampshire wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:49 am

When did you apply for SW visa? The ILR clock starts ticking from the day you applied.

Hi Hampshire,
Thanks for your response.

I've applied for and submitted the Skilled Worker application as on 08th June 2023.

However, please note that prior to applying for Skilled Worker visa, i had applied for extension of Partner Dependent visa earlier along with my spouse (who is on Global Business Mobility visa) as on 06th June 2023. The decision for this Partner Dependent visa was received as on 07th July 2023.

Further, for the Skilled Worker application I've received the decision as on 26th July 2023 with visa validity from 25th July 2023 until 15th Jun 2025, as mentioned in my previous note.

I was under impression that the clock for ILR starts ticking from the date the Skilled Worker visa is valid from. Here in my case to be from 25th July 2023. Am i wrong in my assumption here?

The ilr clock starts from skilled visa issue date, correct.

CR001 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 26, 2025 1:09 pm

The ilr clock starts from skilled visa issue date, correct.

Hi,

Thanks for your swift response. In that case could you please advise on my initial original query with the dates from when i would be eligible for applying an ILR application in 2028? I've detailed my query in my original post. Can you please check and advise on the same?

Regards,
Manoj

Within 28 days before 25th July 2028!

CR001 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:19 pm

Within 28 days before 25th July 2028!

Okay, Thanks. I hope that is on or after 27th June 2028. When I raise my CoS extension for next 3 years that is from 16th Jun 2025 to 15 Jun 2028. I believe with this CoS dates the Visa will be provided until 29 June 2028 (taking the fact that usually visa will be provided with 14 additional days from CoS end date).

So, with above calculation I hope I'll have 3 days left with my valid visa in 2028 to apply for an ILR application.

Please correct me if my understanding is wrong here.

Thanks once again!

You can have a CoS and then a visa for three years starting from June 2025 and should be eligible for ILR before it expires in 2028.

The date of application is irrelevant, the important thing here is being eligible for ILR at the date of decision (visa issue date + 5 years - 28 days). For example, you can apply for ILR in late April/May 2028 - before visa expiry date - and book biometrics at a date that ensures the decision will be made within that timeframe.

These are hypothetical scenarios and the rules may change, you will be eligible for ILR under the SW route in more than 3 years!