Global Talent Visa – ILR Eligibility Timing and Extension Dilemma
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 2:09 pm
I’m currently on a Global Talent Visa and navigating the path to ILR. I’d appreciate some advice on the best approach regarding visa extension.
Here’s my situation:
Visa Type: Global Talent Visa (eligible for ILR in 3 years)
Visa Validity: June 1, 2022 – June 1, 2025
First Entry to the UK: July 30 – August 18, 2022 (short visit)
Moved to the UK for work: January 4, 2023
Since then: Continuously resident in the UK, with only standard vacations abroad
I understand that I won’t be eligible for ILR in June 2025, as I wasn’t continuously resident for 180 days during the first year of my visa (June 2022 – June 2023). I plan to apply for ILR in early 2026, once I complete 3 years of continuous residence from January 2023. Please correct me if I am wrong
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My main question:
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My visa expires in June 2025. My dependents will only be eligible for ILR in another 2 years. Given this, I’m trying to decide:
1. Should I extend my visa for 1 year now and manage my dependents’ extension later when I get my ILR?
2. Or is it better to extend for 3 years now, but I end up paying additional IHS surcharge? So trying to figure out which is more economical as well.
Would really appreciate any thoughts, especially if you’ve been through something similar. Thanks!
Here’s my situation:
Visa Type: Global Talent Visa (eligible for ILR in 3 years)
Visa Validity: June 1, 2022 – June 1, 2025
First Entry to the UK: July 30 – August 18, 2022 (short visit)
Moved to the UK for work: January 4, 2023
Since then: Continuously resident in the UK, with only standard vacations abroad
I understand that I won’t be eligible for ILR in June 2025, as I wasn’t continuously resident for 180 days during the first year of my visa (June 2022 – June 2023). I plan to apply for ILR in early 2026, once I complete 3 years of continuous residence from January 2023. Please correct me if I am wrong
-----------------------
My main question:
-----------------------
My visa expires in June 2025. My dependents will only be eligible for ILR in another 2 years. Given this, I’m trying to decide:
1. Should I extend my visa for 1 year now and manage my dependents’ extension later when I get my ILR?
2. Or is it better to extend for 3 years now, but I end up paying additional IHS surcharge? So trying to figure out which is more economical as well.
Would really appreciate any thoughts, especially if you’ve been through something similar. Thanks!