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Good day. Please I have a question on behalf of a family friend. Does a two year Tier 5 visas (Government exchange) count on the 5 year route to indefinite leave to remain for a dependent? So my friend's wife started on a T5 visa for two years and later changed to a skill worker visa for three years, we know it won’t count for her as the main applicant, however will it count for him as a dependent and can he qualify after 5 years for ILR?

Yes, the dependent visa does count.

However, a skilled worker dependet cannot apply for ILR independently before the main visa holder applies for ILR.

They either apply together or the dependnet applies after the main applicant has ILR

CR001 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 15, 2025 5:21 pm

Yes, the dependent visa does count.

However, a skilled worker dependet cannot apply for ILR independently before the main visa holder applies for ILR.

They either apply together or the dependnet applies after the main applicant has ILR

Thanks for your prompt response and insight. My follow up question is would the main applicant who was previously under the Tier 5 visa for 2 years and now on skilled worker visa (3 years) apply for ILR after the combined 5 years? Or do they have to be on the skilled for visa for 5 years before applying for ILR?

The main visa holder needs 5 years on the skilled worker visa route to qualify for ilr. The tier 5 does not count for the main visa holder.