Earliest date to apply for ILR - Skilled Worker Visa - Outside UK

[Sp1190]

Hello All,

I hope you're doing well. I need assistance calculating my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) eligibility date based on my 5-year Skilled Worker Visa application made outside UK. I

Here are the relevant dates:

1st SW Visa Application Date Outside UK: 25/04/2021

1st Visa Decision Date: 04/05/2021

Date on Vignette on Passport : 05/07/2021- 03/10/2021

Entry in UK Date: 06/07/2021

BRP Start Date: 21/06/2021 - 23/05/2024

2nd BRP Start Date: 01/05/2024 - 22/05/2026

Many Thanks

[razergd1]

If you meet the conditions as far as I understand the rules it will be 5/7/26 (28 days before).
I guess that the system will be overhauled in 4/26, so you will need to review the rules in force at the time of the application.

[Sp1190]

Dear Razergd1,

Thank you for your response.

Just to confirm—does this mean I will need to extend my Skilled Worker visa for a third time, even if only for a few months, since it expires on 22/05/2026, which is before the eligibility date you mentioned?

Also, am I allowed to use the decision letter date instead?

I would appreciate further clarification from the moderators as well.

Many thanks.

[lolo2]

You don't need to apply for another visa.

This is the relevant date:

BRP Start Date: 21/06/2021

You will be eligible for ILR on 21-06-2021 + 5 years - 28 days.

The application can be submitted before current visa expiry date and ensure the ILR decision is taken on that date or after - provided the current rules regarding time remain in place.

[Sp1190]

Thank you!
If that the case and if I calculate,
21-06-2021 + 5 years -28 days = 24/05/2026, still short of 2 full days, 2nd BRP Expiry date is 22/05/2026.
do I need to apply for extension, in that case?
Your response is highly appreciated.
Many Thanks

[lolo2]

No.

Read again.

ensure the ILR decision is taken on that date or after

You must apply before visa expiry date and then arrange biometrics etc in a way so that the ILR decision is taken on the date you calculated or later.

[Sp1190]

Thank you!

Dear Zimba and Other Moderators,
Please can you confirm on above post and replies and your guidance is highly appreciated.
Many Thanks

[razergd1]

I missed your BRP start date
@Sp1190 is correct.

Sorry for the confusion...
Please read my signature.

[zimba]

Thank you!

Dear Zimba and Other Moderators,
Please can you confirm on above post and replies and your guidance is highly appreciated.
Many Thanks

The advice is correct above

Read --> All you need to know about applying early, the application date, 28-day concession and more

[Sp1190]

Many thanks! I appreciate all your comments and responses.

Dear Zimba,

Based on the guidance you provided:

I can use the date on my first BRP to calculate the 5-year ILR eligibility period. This would be 5 years from that date, minus 28 days before I can apply.

1st BRP date: 21/06/2021
+ 5 years
– 28 days

Eligible application date: 24/05/2026

My current BRP expires on 22/05/2026.

If I submit my application before 22/05/2026—for example, on 20/05/2026—and then delay my biometric appointment by around 30–35 days, the biometric date would be approximately 24/06/2026. Using priority service (5-day processing), my ILR decision would likely fall around 29/06/2026, which is after 21/06/2026.

Please let me know if my calculation is correct. I truly appreciate your help and guidance. Many thanks!

[zimba]

Yes that is a perfectly fine approach

[Sp1190]

Thank you Zimba! Really appreciate your guidance!

Few people in other groups mentioned that I can use my 1st Visa decision date -28 days.

Which is 04/05/2021 - 28 days = 07/04/2026.

Not sure how people tend to apply logic in above case, even when the 1st SWV application was made outside UK.

Many Thanks

[zimba]

Because the qualifying period starts from very first visa approval date