The implication of Fee Waiver on ILR settlement

[BenAde]

Good afternoon, esteemed professionals.

I would appreciate your guidance regarding an immigration matter.

I was granted a Skilled Worker visa in 2022 through employment with a private hospital, where I worked until March 2025. I then moved to an NHS Trust, remaining on a Skilled Worker visa. However, my new employer issued me with only a one-year Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), assuring me that it would be renewed approximately 60 days before its expiry.

Unfortunately, from 9 April 2025, the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship increased to £25,000. When my visa was due to expire in March 2026, my annual salary was £24,937, which was £63 below the required threshold. An NHS pay increase was scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2026, which would have increased my salary to £25,690. However, there was a gap of only 15 days between my visa expiry and the implementation of the salary increase.

I approached my NHS Trust for assistance in finding a solution that would enable me to meet the salary threshold before my visa expired, but unfortunately, my request was unsuccessful. As a result, I had no option but to submit a fee waiver application in order to maintain my lawful stay in the United Kingdom.

I was deeply disappointed that my NHS Trust was unable to support me during such a critical period. Consequently, I applied for another NHS position, which I successfully secured, and my new NHS Trust has now issued me with a Certificate of Sponsorship.

My main concern is whether the period during which my fee waiver application was pending will count towards my qualifying continuous residence for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

I would be grateful for any immigration professional advice or insight.
Thank you in advance.