Immigrationboards.com

Hello,

I would like to request clarification regarding the earliest date I am eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - SET (O).

Previous visa: Tier 4 (Student), valid until 22-Mar-2021

1. First qualifying visa (Employer 1): Tier 2 (General), valid until 11-Oct-2023
   Online application submitted on 23-Sep-2020 from within the UK
   Granted on 26-Nov-2020
2. Second qualifying visa (Employer 1): Skilled Worker extension, valid until 25-Oct-2026
3. Third qualifying visa (Employer 2): Skilled Worker, valid until 08-Dec-2026

Using the COVID concession outlined in the Caseworker Guidance relevant to my first qualifying visa, I believe the earliest date I can apply for ILR is:

• 23-Sep-2020 + 5 years − 28 days = 26-Aug-2025

I would be grateful if you could confirm the following:

1. Is 26-Aug-2025 the correct date for my earliest ILR eligibility?
2. Would the earliest eligibility date change if I began working for my first sponsor in October 2020? Or would 26-Aug-2025 still apply?

Thank you for your assistance.

1. Correct
2. The work start date is irrelevant.

This is being asked and answered almost daily: https://www.immigrationboards.com/viewt ... 7#p2195079

Thank you both for your help - I will apply for ILR using the 26-Aug-2025 date.

Just a quick question regarding the timing of the application and biometrics appointment. From what I’ve read on these forums, only the date the caseworker makes the decision is relevant, as the qualifying period is counted backwards from that decision date.

With that in mind—and since 26 August 2025 is the earliest date I’m eligible for ILR—I plan to submit the application using the priority service (decision in 5 working days) about a week before that date, and then schedule the biometrics appointment for, say, 27 August 2025. This way, even if the caseworker reviews my application on the date of the biometrics appointment, it would still be after the 26 August 2025 ILR qualifying date.

Could you please confirm whether this plan makes sense?

Yes this is fine

Thanks Zimba!

Hi Zimba,

I received my successful ILR decision yesterday (priority route). Thank you for all your help and guidance - you're a star!

Congratulations