Immigrationboards.com

Hello,

I would like to request clarification on the earliest eligibility to apply for ILR.

I had applied for 5 year Tier 2 General visa along with my dependents during the Covid-19 period. The start date of the visa got delayed and the entire period of the visa was short by approximately 2 months and 7 days.

I was already working for my employer when I applied to switch from my spouse's Tier 2 ICT PBS dependent visa into Tier 2 General.
Date of Application of Tier 2 General - 13/08/2020.
Cos Work start & end Dates - 17/08/2020 to 16/08/2025.
Got an email to use IDV app instead of face to face biometrics appointment- 28/08/2020.
IDV app made available - 05/09/2020.
IDV app biometrics done and docs uploaded - 07/09/2020.
UKVI Delay notice email - 22/09/2020.
Tier 2 General visa granted for me and my dependents - 07/11/2020
main visa and dependents valid until - 30/08/2025.

Can you please review my details and let me know when I would be able to apply for my ILR and also for my dependents.
I'm not sure if I have to make another extension before becoming eligible or can I apply before this current visa comes to an end.

Thank you very much for your inputs and help.

slxmi.

You can get ILR earlier by benefiting from COVID concession, your dependants cannot.
UKVI now allows skilled workers to count the time since their initial application submission date towards their ILR, assuming they applied between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 and were subsequently granted a visa:

Due to major disruption to UKVI services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tier 2
(General) and 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.
The applicant must have been in the UK with permission (including as a visitor or
with Exceptional Assurance), and the application must have been:

• for permission to stay
• made between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive)
• supported by a CoS on the date of application
• granted

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... worker.pdf

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

Hi Zimba,

Thank you for your reply.
Based on my dates/timeline, can you please advice on the earliest date that I can apply for ILR and also what and how can my dependents apply for ILR or is there another process they need to follow. Can you please advice.
Thank you.

Earliest date of ILR eligibility for you: 13/08/2020 + 5 years - 28 days
Earliest date of ILR eligibility for them: 07/11/2020 + 5 years - 28 days

Your dependants can apply for ILR close to their visa expiry, then delay the biometrics appointment until their eligibility date. They get up to 45 working days