ILR Application Earliest Eligibility Date

[Imperial311]

Dear Team,

I am planning to submit my ILR application under the Skilled Worker (main) route in the coming weeks, and I have a few questions. Here are my details:

Tier 2 ICT Dependent: Initial UK entry in September 2018; started working as a dependent from April 2019.
Just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020), I managed to secure sponsorship from my employer. My dependent visa was set to expire on August 23, 2020.

Due to COVID-related delays, my immigration consultant submitted my Tier 2 General Visa application on August 14, 2020. While I don't have the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issuance date, I do have the CoS reference number, and the CoS was issued in the first week of August.

I continued working for the same company while waiting for an appointment. The appointment took place in late September, and I finally received my BRP for Tier 2 General status on October 15, 2020.

Given this timeline and the COVID concession guidance, am I correct in assuming that I would be eligible to apply for ILR starting July 17, 2025?

Also, do I need my original CoS copy as part of the ILR documents?

Thanks in advance.

[zimba]

The qualifying period can be counted from the very first date of your visa application date as per COVID concession. The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your 5 years.

The date of ILR application is largely irrelevant. You do not need to prove anything regarding your CoS.

Read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision

[Imperial311]

The qualifying period can be counted from the very first date of your visa application date as per COVID concession. The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your 5 years.

The date of ILR application is largely irrelevant. You do not need to prove anything regarding your CoS.

Read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision

Thank you for your response, Zimba. Does this mean I should avoid applying for a priority visa (5-day service), as the decision may not be finalized until after 14th August?

[zimba]

The qualifying period can be counted from the very first date of your visa application date as per COVID concession. The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your 5 years.

The date of ILR application is largely irrelevant. You do not need to prove anything regarding your CoS.

Read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision

Thank you for your response, Zimba. Does this mean I should avoid applying for a priority visa (5-day service), as the decision may not be finalized until after 14th August?

No. Read it again !!