ILR eligibilty queries based on dates

[Aiex]

Hi,

I am looking into settlement applications and found some varied information online. There are two instances below I wanted to see if anyone could help with to build on understanding for a lot more settlement applications (pending any changes to the criteria as per the immigration white paper).

Example 1)

The individual entered the UK on 18/05/2021, therefore their qualifying period would be 18/05/2026, they can apply 28 days early so from 20/04/2026. Their visa expires on 11/04/2026, so a shortfall of 9 days.

Is it safe to lodge and pay the fees on 06/04/2026 (which will give us 5 days before the expiry of the visa enabling us to request and receive an ECS check ensuring the individual can continue to work throughout the process) and delay the biometrics (and uploading of any supporting documents) until the middle of May so we do not receive a decision before they would qualify?

Example 2)

The individual arrived to the UK on 01/06/2021 however their entry clearance vignette was valid from 15/05/2021. Using the valid from date their qualifying period would be 15/05/2026, and they can apply 28 days before so from 17/04/2026. Calculating from 15/05/2021, they were not out of the UK for longer than 180 days in any rolling year including any time between their valid from date and actual arrival date (15/05/2021 to 01/06/2021).

Are we OK to use the valid from date as the start of their qualifying period? As an example, if their visa expires on 25/04/2026, are we OK to apply on 17/04/2026 using their valid from date as the start date for their qualifying period, and the end date of the qualifying period would be 15/05/2026?

Thanks in advance for any support/thoughts/suggestions!

[CR001]

Skilled Worker route qualifying period starts from.visa issue date.

Different visa routes have different rules. Best to focus on only your route rather what might apply to routes you are not on