Moving from Tier 5 to Tier 2 during Covid

[m2074]

Hi,

I was switching from Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) visa to Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) in June 2020. My employer had a CoS but could not assign it to me due to Covid. The government extended all visas until they decided what to do and then my Tier 2 got granted in September 2020. My contract stated I could continue until the government made a decision.

When my renewal of visa happened in August 2023, they mentioned that I will be eligible for ILR in August 2025. I wanted to see if the three months where I should have been sponsored can count towards my time towards ILR?

Wondering if there is any exception or anyone has gone through anything similar?

Thanks,

Mala

[CR001]

I wanted to see if the three months where I should have been sponsored can count towards my time towards ILR?

It doesn't count no.

Wondering if there is any exception or anyone has gone through anything similar?

There isn't any exception.

Nothing prevented employers from assigning a CoS during covid.

[m2074]

Ok thanks - I wasn't able to leave the country to get my BRP, so was told the CoS cannot be assigned. That is a shame.