ILR from GTV with gap employment

[conloc]

Hi,

I am in GTV (fast track route), I already applied for 3 years visa. but my contract is only for 21 months and could be 33 months (depends on the project length and renew contract). I could have 3 months gap of employment. Do I need to find the job immediately in this three months or I can apply for GTV even I have 3 months of unemployment? In the case, I cannot apply for ILR can I get an extension for 2 years more.

Thanks.

[lolo2]

An employment gap is not an issue.

You qualify for ILR as long as your endorsement has not been withdrawn by the endorsing body at the time of the application and you have earned money in your expert field - together with all the other common requirements to apply for ILR.

See: GTV to ILR

[conloc]

That means even last three months I do not work I am still eligible? Because there is question what is your occupation now?

Thanks

[lolo2]

The form only asks whether the applicant is employed or self-employed when filling the application out.

ILR from the GT route does not have a specific employment requirement, the only thing you need to demonstrate is earnings - and more specifically 'previous earnings' - in the expert field which you were endorsed for. The guidance puts emphasis on 'previous earnings', so my understanding is that you may have earned that money at any stage of your leave and you should have appropriate evidence to demonstrate it.

I've not seen anyone under GTV applying for ILR when they're unemployed, provided you can do any job with this visa. Also GTV holders don't have access to public funds. If you look at other posts here, some members have successfully applied for ILR when doing a completely different job.

Not sure when your visa is valid from, but these rules are not static and may change in the future - if you're just starting.