Application for ILR

[sa-179]

I was working on Tier 5 then applied for change of visa to Tier 2 within uk In July 2020, I was allowed to start working in NHS due to COVID while awaiting for visa decision as per Home office rules at that time.
My visa was approved in October, 2020.

Now I need to apply for ILR, Can I apply for ILR from date of application? or 28 days before application date ??
or Should I count my 5 years from October ,2020 when my visa was approved.

Please bear in mind that we were allowed to work if we have COS issued and visa application is submitted and employer can allow us to start work as there were delays in visa application decision due to COVID 19

[zimba]

UKVI allows skilled workers to count the time since their initial application submission date towards their ILR, assuming they applied between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 and were subsequently granted such visa:

Due to major disruption to UKVI services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tier 2
(General) and Skilled Worker applicants in the UK were permitted to start work for
their sponsors while waiting for decisions on their applications. This time while they
were waiting, but able to work, also counts towards the continuous 5-year period.
The applicant must have been in the UK with permission (including as a visitor or
with Exceptional Assurance), and the application must have been:

• for permission to stay
• made between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive)
• supported by a CoS on the date of application
• granted

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... worker.pdf

Also, read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision

[sa-179]

Thank you so much for very detailed reply