Seeking Advice: Navigating ILR Eligibility with Covid-Induced Absences & Impending Visa Expiry

[Shrikantt]

Dear All,

I have to Apply for ILR when my Visa expires on 12th April 2025. I am on Sole Rep Visa which i got in january 2020 and I entered UK at that time , after living for few days in Feb i went back to take my Family from India but could not come back due to Covid, I re-entered in January 2021. I Need some advice and a good Immigration Lawyer who can represent my case and guide me through this process. I am confused between applying for ILR ( as i completed 5 year technically , rather 5 years and 3 years but with almost a 11 month Gap ) or should I apply for 1 year extension ( In case of Sole Rep Visa I am not sure if you get 1 year after you 3+ 2 year ). any help on this topic is deeply appreciated.

Thanks,
Shrikant

[zimba]

Any discretion is up to the UKVI. You do not need a lawyer, they cannot do anything to make discretion possible or represent such a case in a way you think. I suggest applying and seeking discretion as UKVI may consider the COVID period as exceptional