When is the earliest I can apply for ILR?

[GrimAI]

Hi,

I am interested in switching to a Global Talent Visa for Exceptional Talent. I know that the visa allows ILR to be filed after 3 years and past time spent on Tier 2 General visa can be used. I was just wondering if I would be eligible. My visa history is below.

Tier 2 General from 2016-2019 (3 years). Tier 4 from 2019-2021. Tier 2 General from 2021 onwards.

If the switch for a Global Talent Visa were successful, would I be able to use the Tier 2 General time from 2016-2019 towards the ILR qualification and file for ILR asap if I receive the Global Talent Visa?

Or would I only be able to use the Tier 2 General time from 2021?

Thank you!

[CR001]

would I be able to use the Tier 2 General time from 2016-2019 towards the ILR qualification and file for ILR asap if I receive the Global Talent Visa?

No.

Or would I only be able to use the Tier 2 General time from 2021?

Yes.

[GrimAI]

would I be able to use the Tier 2 General time from 2016-2019 towards the ILR qualification and file for ILR asap if I receive the Global Talent Visa?

No.

Or would I only be able to use the Tier 2 General time from 2021?

Yes.

Ah bummer! Thanks for the quick reply! I was trying to find guidance but couldn't find anything, hence posting here.

[CR001]

You need to meet the qualifying period with holding qualifying visas continuously. Your tier 4 visa broke that and is not a qualifying visa.

[GrimAI]

You need to meet the qualifying period with holding qualifying visas continuously. Your tier 4 visa broke that and is not a qualifying visa.

Makes sense. Assuming that's the case even though I switched Visas within the UK?

Btw, is there Home Office guidance on this? I searched through the website but couldn't find much. I believe you but just want to double check the exact wording.

[CR001]

It is stated in the immigration rules, para GT 11.1, ie the new skilled worker visa which replaced tier 2 General. It makes no difference about switching within the UK. You need 3 years continuous residence in a qualifying visa.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... bal-talent

[GrimAI]

It is stated in the immigration rules, para GT 11.1, ie the new skilled worker visa which replaced tier 2 General. It makes no difference about switching within the UK. You need 3 years continuous residence in a qualifying visa.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... bal-talent

Thanks so much! I read through that but I didn't realize that continuous residence only referred to specific visa types and unbroken at that (which I now understand after looking at the Home Office guidance about it)

[GrimAI]

Hello,

1. If I apply under the 5 year route, am I eligible to apply for ILR in mid-June (June 17) 2025 based on the below?
2. And is my partner eligible on July 4 2026 or on August 1, 2026 on the 5-year route (5 years continuous residence in UK)?

Me

5 year route
Skilled worker visa issued (in the UK, switched from Tier 4 to Skilled worker): July 15, 2020
Started working from: August 17, 2020

10 year route (Tier 2 Visa -> Tier 4 visa -> Skilled worker visa)
First visa valid from: Sep 13, 2015
Entry to UK: Sep 28, 2015

Partner

Skilled worker dependent
Visa valid from date: Aug 1, 2021
Entry to UK: Aug 28, 2021

[zimba]

When did you apply for the skilled worker visa ?