Can a UK Skilled Worker Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

Thinking of planting roots in the UK after landing a job there? The Skilled Worker visa offers more than just work authorisation; it could be your gateway to long-term residence and, eventually, British citizenship. But how realistic is that path, and what should you watch out for?

Can a UK Skilled Worker Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes, the UK Skilled Worker visa can lead to permanent residency, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After five continuous years in a qualifying job under this visa, applicants may become eligible to settle permanently in the UK.

What Does This Mean?

The UK government has designed the Skilled Worker route as more than just a short-term work solution. It’s part of a structured immigration framework that rewards stability, contribution to the economy, and compliance with visa conditions. If you remain in eligible employment, meet salary thresholds, pass the Life in the UK Test, and avoid extended absences, you’re likely to qualify for ILR after five years.

This unlocks significant benefits: no more visa renewals, freedom to switch employers without sponsorship, access to public funds (if eligible), and a direct path to British citizenship.

Why This Matters

Permanent residency isn’t just a legal upgrade; it’s a life-changing status. It means security, long-term career planning, and stability for your family. Many applicants start out unsure whether temporary work authorisation could ever lead to a future in the UK. The Skilled Worker route proves it can.

Back in 2017, a close colleague of mine moved to London on a Tier 2 General Visa, now known as the Skilled Worker visa. He was hired by a fintech firm that promised career growth but offered little guidance on long-term planning. At first, he didn’t even know ILR was an option. It wasn’t until year three, after his second visa extension, that he stumbled across the ILR eligibility rules. Fast-forward to year five: he applied successfully, and today, he owns a home in South London, no longer tied to a single employer. For him, the Skilled Worker visa wasn’t just a job permit; it was a foundation for a permanent life in the UK.

Understanding the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The Foundation of the Skilled Worker Route

The UK Skilled Worker visa is a cornerstone of the country’s modern immigration system. Replacing the former Tier 2 (General) visa, this route enables foreign nationals to work in the UK in a qualified role offered by a licensed sponsor. It’s not a generic work visa; it’s specifically aligned with the UK’s economic priorities, focusing on industries facing labour shortages or requiring specialised skills. The visa operates within a points-based framework, which awards points for attributes like job offer, salary level, and English language proficiency.

To qualify, an applicant must secure a genuine job offer from a UK employer authorised to sponsor Skilled Workers. The position must be listed among eligible occupations, and it must pay at least the minimum salary threshold, which varies by role. The applicant must also prove their knowledge of English, usually through a recognised test or academic qualification.

Job Categories and Employer Sponsorship

Not all UK jobs qualify under this scheme. The government maintains an evolving list of eligible occupations that reflect labour market needs. These include roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, education, and finance. Skilled Worker visa holders must be sponsored by an employer who is registered and approved by the UK Home Office. This sponsorship includes a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which details the nature of the job and the salary.

Employers play a crucial role in this process, not just in hiring, but in ensuring that the role meets immigration criteria. While the visa gives the worker rights to stay and work in the UK, it also binds them to their sponsor unless they transfer their sponsorship to a new eligible employer.

Duration and Extension

The visa is typically granted for up to five years at a time. Importantly, there’s no maximum cap on how long you can stay in the UK under the Skilled Worker route, provided you keep renewing it and remain eligible. Many choose to use the initial five-year period as a stepping stone to permanent residency. You can extend the visa before it expires or apply for ILR if you’ve met the criteria.

Renewals require you to remain in a qualifying job, continue meeting salary thresholds, and maintain legal status without prolonged absences. A change in job role or employer requires a new CoS and visa update, but doesn’t reset the clock for ILR, as long as there’s no break in qualifying employment.

Rights and Restrictions Under the Visa

While the Skilled Worker visa grants wide-ranging work rights, it’s not without restrictions. Visa holders can work only in the role defined by their CoS, unless they apply to change jobs. They cannot access public funds such as welfare benefits, and their residency is conditional on maintaining employment with an authorised sponsor.

Dependants, spouses and children can join the primary visa holder and have the right to work or study in the UK. However, they must also adhere to immigration rules and cannot stay in the UK independently if the primary visa holder’s status lapses or is revoked.

Why This Visa Matters for Long-Term Planning

The significance of the Skilled Worker visa lies in its dual role. It offers immediate employment rights while laying down a clear path to permanent residency. For professionals looking to invest in their careers and future in the UK, it provides structure and predictability. Unlike temporary work permits in some countries, the UK’s system is designed to reward long-term contribution and integration.

Understanding the structure and rules of this visa early on helps applicants make smarter decisions, whether it’s about choosing a sponsor, navigating job changes, or preparing for ILR down the line. By treating the Skilled Worker visa not just as a job pass, but as a residency pipeline, professionals can better plan their future in the UK.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Definition and Purpose

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s version of permanent residency. It grants a person the right to live and work in the UK without time restrictions. Unlike a visa, ILR does not tie you to a specific employer or sponsor and allows you to build a stable life in the UK, including access to public services and benefits, if eligible.

Achieving ILR is a major milestone in the UK immigration journey. It’s typically the last stage before applying for British citizenship, but many people remain on ILR for years without becoming citizens, depending on personal or legal preferences.

Key Benefits of ILR

• No Visa Renewals: You are no longer required to extend or renew your visa.
• Free to Change Jobs: You can work for any employer or even be self-employed.
• Access to Public Funds: If eligible, ILR holders may apply for state benefits.
• Pathway to Citizenship: ILR is a prerequisite for applying for British citizenship.
• Family Stability: Dependants can also apply for ILR, enabling long-term settlement for the entire family.

Eligibility Criteria Overview

To qualify for ILR through the Skilled Worker route, applicants must meet several conditions:

• 5 Years of Continuous Residence: Must have lived in the UK under a qualifying visa.
• Sponsorship Continuity: Remain in an eligible job with a licensed sponsor throughout.
• Salary Threshold: Meet or exceed the required salary level based on your occupation.
• Life in the UK Test: Pass this test to prove knowledge of British culture and laws.
• Absence Limits: Have not been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

ILR vs. British Citizenship

ILR gives you most of the rights that UK citizens enjoy, but not all. You can’t vote in general elections or hold a UK passport. To become a British citizen, you must first hold ILR for at least 12 months (unless married to a UK citizen), then apply under naturalisation rules.

Understanding the distinction between ILR and citizenship helps manage expectations. ILR secures your status in the UK; citizenship is about full legal integration.

Eligibility Criteria for ILR via Skilled Worker Route

According to the UK Home Office, Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of continuous residence, provided they meet all eligibility requirements, including sponsorship, salary thresholds, and passing the Life in the UK Test.

The Five-Year Residence Requirement

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through the Skilled Worker visa route, the primary condition is five continuous years of lawful residence in the UK under a qualifying immigration category. This five-year period must be spent specifically on a Skilled Worker visa or a previous visa type that qualifies, such as the now-replaced Tier 2 (General) visa. It’s important that the five years are not interrupted by significant absences or changes to ineligible visa categories, as that can reset the clock.

Maintaining Continuous Employment

One of the most crucial eligibility requirements is maintaining employment in a qualifying job throughout the five-year period. The job must be with an employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Workers, and it must continue to meet the occupational and salary requirements of the route. If a visa holder changes employers or job roles during the five years, they must go through the appropriate process to update their Certificate of Sponsorship and ensure that the new job still qualifies under the Skilled Worker framework.

Any gaps in employment, job switches without updated sponsorship, or loss of sponsorship status can jeopardise the continuity of the visa period. However, switching employers is allowed, provided the correct procedures are followed. The Home Office allows such changes as long as the applicant continues to meet the core conditions of the visa.

Meeting the Salary Threshold

Applicants must be earning at least the required salary for their occupation at the time of their ILR application. This salary threshold depends on several factors, including the job role, the occupation code, and whether the job is considered a shortage occupation. The salary must not only meet the general minimum threshold but must also align with the “going rate” for that specific occupation, as defined by the Home Office.

For those sponsored under transitional arrangements, for example, if their sponsorship began before certain policy changes in April 202, the salary requirements may follow older benchmarks. However, most applicants will need to meet updated, and often stricter, salary criteria. Failing to do so could result in rejection, even if all other conditions are satisfied.

Passing the Life in the UK Test

A mandatory requirement for all ILR applicants is the Life in the UK Test. This exam evaluates an applicant’s knowledge of British history, culture, values, and legal systems. It consists of 24 multiple-choice questions drawn from a government-issued handbook and must be passed before applying for ILR. Applicants must take the test at an approved centre and should retain the reference number provided upon passing, as it will be required during the application process.

The test is considered a formality by some, but can be a significant hurdle if not prepared for. It’s designed to ensure that those settling in the UK understand its social and civic structures, a principle that aligns with broader integration goals.

Residence and Absence Rules

Applicants must also adhere to specific residence requirements. This includes not being absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying five years. Absences are calculated precisely, and any breach of this rule can reset the qualifying period. Exceptions may apply for work-related travel or compassionate circumstances, but these must be well documented and justified.

It’s also essential that the applicant’s time in the UK be lawful and under a qualifying visa category for the entire period. Any breaks in lawful status, even administrative oversights, can disqualify an applicant. Therefore, tracking visa expiry dates, renewal windows, and sponsorship updates is critical throughout the five-year period.

English Language Proficiency

Though English language proficiency is typically assessed during the initial visa application, some applicants may need to reconfirm this requirement if there are doubts or if they transitioned from a different visa category that didn’t previously require it. Generally, if English language proof was accepted for the initial Skilled Worker visa and has not expired, it will not need to be resubmitted. Still, it’s wise to keep all original documentation and ensure compliance with the current list of approved tests and qualifications.

Required Documents for ILR Application

The Importance of Document Preparation

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a detailed and document-heavy process. Even if you meet every eligibility criterion, your application can be refused if your documentation is incomplete, inconsistent, or submitted incorrectly. The UK Home Office uses your documents to verify your immigration history, employment, income, residence, and overall compliance with visa rules. Therefore, preparing the right evidence in the right format is as critical as meeting the actual requirements.

One of the biggest challenges applicants face is timing. Most of the documents must be current at the time of submission, and many have limited validity windows. As a result, it is highly advisable to start gathering documentation several months before your planned ILR application date to allow time for corrections, updates, or reissues if needed.

Proof of Employment and Sponsorship

A key requirement is proving that you are still employed in a qualifying job and that your employer is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visa holders. You will need a letter from your employer confirming your job title, start date, salary, and continued need for your services. This letter should also verify that your employment meets the requirements for Skilled Worker ILR, including the applicable salary threshold and job classification.

In addition to the employer letter, you may be asked to provide a copy of your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), pay slips covering several months, and recent bank statements showing salary deposits. If your employment has changed during your five-year stay, evidence of any previous sponsorships and visa updates must also be included to show an uninterrupted work history under qualifying conditions.

Evidence of Continuous Residence

To meet the five-year residence rule, you must provide evidence that you have continuously lived in the UK without excessive absences. The Home Office requires proof for each year covered by the application. This can include tenancy agreements, council tax letters, utility bills, or official correspondence from banks, educational institutions, or government departments.

You will also need to account for any trips outside the UK during the qualifying period. This is done through a detailed travel history, listing the purpose and length of each absence. It’s essential that your time outside the UK remains within permitted limits and that every trip is backed by entry and exit stamps, travel tickets, or passport scans to avoid delays or questions.

Life in the UK Test and Identity Documents

The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement, and you must include the unique reference number provided upon passing the test. This reference proves to the Home Office that you’ve completed the assessment successfully. You should also submit your current passport and any old passports covering your five-year stay, especially if they contain relevant travel history. If your visa was issued as a biometric residence permit (BRP), you must include the original card with your application.

Your identity documentation must be up to date and clearly linked to all your supporting documents. Any discrepancies in name, address, or dates should be explained and backed by legal evidence, such as name change certificates or letters from official authorities.

English Language Evidence

If your initial Skilled Worker visa application included a valid English language certificate, and that certificate remains on the approved list and hasn’t expired, you may not need to resubmit it. However, if you’re applying under a different qualifying visa or your certificate is no longer valid, you’ll need to submit updated proof. Acceptable documents include results from approved English tests or academic qualifications taught in English, verified by UK ENIC (formerly NARIC).

English language documentation, while often overlooked, can cause avoidable delays if not handled properly. It’s important to check the most current list of accepted tests and verify your certificate’s continued validity before applying.

How to Apply for ILR in the UK

Application Timing and Planning

Before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), timing is crucial. You can submit your application up to 28 days before you complete the required five years of continuous residence in the UK. Submitting too early will lead to rejection, while submitting late could disrupt your lawful status.

Plan well in advance to gather documentation, check eligibility, and avoid gaps in employment or sponsorship. Ensure that all your travel records, employment letters, salary documentation, and proof of continuous residence are up to date.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Complete the Online Application: Visit the UK Home Office website and fill out the “Settle in the UK in various immigration categories” application (Form SET(O)). Answer each question carefully, as errors or omissions can cause delays or rejection.
• Pay the Application Fee: The standard fee for ILR is £3,029 per person. You’ll also need to pay for biometric enrolment and may choose to pay for faster processing options.
• Book a Biometric Appointment: After submitting the application, you’ll be directed to the UKVCAS system to book your biometric appointment. This includes fingerprinting and a photograph.
• Upload Supporting Documents: All required documents must be uploaded to the UKVCAS portal. This includes identity documents, employer letters, salary proof, and proof of residence.
• Attend Your Appointment: Go to the biometric enrolment appointment on the scheduled date. Bring your documents, but most will already be submitted online.
• Wait for a Decision: Standard applications usually take around 6 months, though priority (within 5 working days) and super-priority (next working day) services are available for an extra fee.

Post-Submission Process

After submission, the Home Office will assess your eligibility based on your documents and immigration history. If more information is needed, you may be contacted for clarification. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive confirmation by email or post, followed by your Biometric Residence Permit reflecting ILR status.

Maintaining your legal status while your application is being processed is essential. If your current visa expires during the decision window, the conditions of your Skilled Worker visa will automatically continue under the “Section 3C leave” provision until a decision is made.

Costs and Processing Time

Understanding the Financial Commitment

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Skilled Worker visa route requires thoughtful budgeting. While the application itself is a major milestone, the financial aspect can be a significant consideration for many. The Home Office charges a standard application fee for each individual applying—whether it’s the primary visa holder or any dependants. This fee must be paid upfront during the online application process and is non-refundable, even if the application is later denied.

Beyond the base fee, applicants are also required to attend a biometric enrolment appointment. This process includes fingerprinting and taking a digital photograph. Although the biometric enrolment fee is relatively modest, it is compulsory and is added to your total application cost. Applicants should plan for this as part of their ILR budget.

Optional Expedited Processing

For those who need faster processing, the UK immigration system offers two premium services: priority and super-priority. These optional services allow applicants to receive a decision much faster than the standard timeline, but they do come at an additional cost. Priority processing typically results in a decision within a few working days, while super-priority aims for next working day turnaround after biometric enrolment.

Choosing an expedited service depends on individual circumstances. Some applicants opt for faster processing due to job transitions, urgent travel plans, or time-sensitive family matters. Others may feel comfortable waiting out the standard timeline, especially if their current visa is still valid and they do not anticipate any immediate changes to their circumstances.

Typical Timelines

Standard ILR applications generally take several months to process, although times can vary based on application volumes, document verification, and case complexity. During this period, the applicant’s existing visa status remains valid, provided the application was submitted before the visa expiry date. It’s also important to note that no travel should be undertaken while the ILR application is pending, as leaving the UK during this time could cause the application to be withdrawn.

Below is a summary of the different processing options and timelines associated with each:

Each processing route has its benefits depending on how soon a decision is needed. Applicants should balance urgency with cost and choose the service that best aligns with their needs.

From Dubai to the UK: How UAE Residents Can Begin the Skilled Worker Route

Starting the Journey: Securing a Job Offer

For residents of Dubai who aspire to work and eventually settle in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa provides a clearly defined pathway. The first step in this journey is obtaining a formal job offer from a UK-based employer. This employer must be approved by the UK Home Office and listed on the official register of licensed sponsors. The job must meet the minimum skill level and salary threshold specified for Skilled Worker visa eligibility. This offer forms the foundation of your visa application, as the employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, an electronic record with a unique reference number confirming the details of your employment.

Identifying a suitable job can be time-consuming, and applicants should focus on sectors that are actively recruiting international talent. Fields such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, and construction often have strong demand. It’s essential to ensure that the job offer includes full-time employment, meets the required pay scale, and falls within one of the eligible occupation codes defined by the UK immigration system.

Preparing the Visa Application

Once you have received a valid job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship, the next step is to prepare your Skilled Worker visa application. This application is submitted online via the UK government’s official portal. You will be required to submit a number of documents to prove your eligibility. These include a valid passport, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence that you meet the salary and skill requirements. Some applicants may also need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, especially if they have been living in Dubai for more than six months.

In addition, you will need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself upon arrival in the UK, unless your employer has indicated on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover these costs. The online application must be filled out with careful attention to detail, and any inaccuracies could delay the process or result in a refusal.

Attending the Biometric Appointment in Dubai

After submitting the application online, you must book an appointment at a visa application centre in Dubai. These centres, operated by commercial partners such as VFS Global, will collect your biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. At this stage, you will also submit your original documents for review, although in many cases, document submission is handled digitally prior to the appointment.

The biometric appointment is a critical part of the application process and must be attended in person. Missing the appointment or failing to bring the required documentation can delay your visa decision. Once the appointment is completed, your documents will be forwarded to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for processing.

Receiving Your Visa and Planning the Move

If your application is successful, you will receive a vignette sticker in your passport allowing you to travel to the UK within a 30-day window. You must enter the UK during this period and then collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated post office upon arrival. This BRP serves as your official visa document and confirms your right to work and live in the UK under the Skilled Worker route.

With your visa granted, the next steps include planning your relocation, securing housing, and preparing for life in a new country. Many applicants from Dubai find the transition to the UK manageable due to their familiarity with English, existing expatriate networks, and shared business practices. However, it’s still essential to research local customs, banking procedures, healthcare registration, and schooling if relocating with family.

Upcoming Changes in 2025: Will the 5-Year ILR Path Still Apply?

The Shift Toward a Longer Residency Requirement

Recent government proposals have introduced the possibility of extending the minimum residency period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten. This shift is part of a broader reform aimed at tightening the UK’s immigration system and ensuring that long-term settlement is more closely aligned with long-term contribution. The proposed change is not yet implemented universally, but public statements and draft policy papers suggest that new Skilled Worker visa applicants in the coming months may be subject to these extended requirements.

This has created a degree of uncertainty for both current and future applicants. For now, the five-year ILR rule continues to apply, but prospective Skilled Workers should monitor updates closely to ensure they understand how these changes might affect their long-term plans.

Grandfathering Provisions for Existing Visa Holders

One of the key elements in the proposed changes is the concept of “grandfathering.” This means that individuals who are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa before the new rules take effect may continue on the current five-year route to settlement. The idea is to prevent midstream disruption to those who have already made substantial progress toward ILR under the current system.

However, this protection is not guaranteed in all cases. It will likely depend on the precise date of application, visa grant, and whether any changes to employment or visa conditions occur after the reforms are enacted. Applicants close to reaching their five-year mark should aim to submit their ILR applications before any new rules take effect, while those planning to apply for a Skilled Worker visa soon should prepare for the possibility of a longer settlement journey.

Introduction of “Earned Settlement” Pathways

Another major feature of the proposed reforms is the creation of an “earned settlement” model. Under this framework, individuals could qualify for ILR in less than ten years if they meet specific criteria related to earnings, skill level, and national contribution. This mirrors systems used in countries like Canada, where permanent residency is granted more quickly to applicants who contribute significantly to the economy or public services.

Although the details are not finalised, the general intent is to allow high-skilled professionals or those working in critical sectors to access accelerated settlement, while others may need to wait longer. This marks a significant departure from the more uniform five-year standard that currently applies across most qualifying visa categories.

What Applicants Should Do Now

With changes looming, clarity and timing are critical. If you are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, it’s important to track your timeline carefully and ensure you remain compliant with your visa terms to avoid any delays in qualifying for ILR. If you’re planning to apply soon, you should weigh the advantages of entering the system now, while the five-year rule still stands, versus the possibility of facing new criteria later.

The UK government has committed to further consultation and detailed announcements before implementing these changes. Still, those interested in long-term settlement should remain informed and, where possible, take action before the reform takes full effect.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Path to ILR

• Track your qualifying period precisely
  Start counting from the date your Skilled Worker visa was issued, not the date you entered the UK. Be mindful of any gaps due to job changes or visa renewals.
• Avoid excessive absences from the UK
  Do not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying five years. Keep travel records, boarding passes, and passport stamps as proof.
• Maintain valid employment with a licensed sponsor
  Ensure your job continues to meet salary and occupation requirements. If you change employers, update your Certificate of Sponsorship and visa before starting the new job.
• Keep salary evidence and employer letters up to date
  Store payslips, P60S, and HR letters throughout your stay. These will be essential for proving salary thresholds and ongoing employment.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test early
  Schedule and pass the test before your fifth year to avoid last-minute delays. Keep the certificate or reference number safe.
• Organise your documents systematically
  Maintain a well-labelled file with passports, biometric residence permits, sponsorship letters, proof of address, and travel logs.
• Stay alert to policy updates
  Immigration rules are evolving, especially with the new 2025 proposals. Regularly check the Home Office website or consult a legal adviser.
• Apply for ILR on time
  Submit your application no earlier than 28 days before completing five years. Missing this window can reset your eligibility period.
• Use professional support if needed
  If your immigration history is complex, seek help from a regulated immigration adviser to review your documents and strategy.
  

Ready to Expand Your Horizons?

Whether you’re beginning your Skilled Worker visa journey or exploring broader global residency options, The Open World is your expert partner for immigration and investment pathways. With services spanning the UK, EU, UAE, and beyond, they offer tailored strategy, compliance guidance, and ongoing support.

Begin your relocation journey today with The Open World – Residencies & Citizenship. Schedule a consultation to explore the best options for your future

Final Thoughts

The journey from a UK Skilled Worker visa to permanent residency is one of careful planning, legal compliance, and consistent contribution. While the pathway is clearly defined, typically five years of qualifying work, it requires vigilance at every stage, from securing the right job offer to meeting salary thresholds, maintaining lawful residence, and preparing a strong ILR application.

With proposed policy changes on the horizon, timing matters more than ever. Those already in the system should stay informed and act early to lock in current rules, while new applicants should prepare for evolving requirements. Despite the complexities, the Skilled Worker route remains one of the most reliable avenues to build a lasting future in the UK, if approached with foresight and discipline.

FAQs 

Does time spent on a Tier 2 (General) visa count toward ILR under the Skilled Worker route?
Yes. The Tier 2 (General) visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa, and time spent lawfully under Tier 2 typically counts toward the five-year ILR requirement, as long as it was continuous and compliant.

Can I switch jobs while on a Skilled Worker visa and still qualify for ILR?
Yes, but you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and update your visa accordingly before starting the new role. As long as you maintain continuous qualifying employment, switching jobs won’t reset your ILR clock.

What if I had a gap in employment or switched to a different visa temporarily?
Gaps in employment or switching to a non-qualifying visa can interrupt your five-year residency period. You may need to restart the clock if the gap exceeds allowed limits or the visa switch disqualifies your previous time.

Do dependents need to meet the same five-year requirement to get ILR?
Yes. Each dependant—whether a spouse, partner, or child—must also complete five continuous years in the UK under a valid dependant visa before applying for ILR. Their time must align with the main applicant’s period of lawful stay.

Can I travel while my ILR application is being processed?
No. Leaving the UK while your ILR application is pending may result in your application being considered withdrawn. You must remain in the UK until a decision is made and your new status is confirmed.

Do I need to submit a new English test for ILR?
Not always. If you already met the English language requirement during your Skilled Worker visa application and your certificate remains valid under current rules, you likely won’t need to submit it again.

What happens if my ILR application is refused?
You may have the right to request an administrative review or appeal, depending on the reason for refusal. In most cases, it’s advisable to seek legal advice immediately and explore your options while maintaining a valid immigration status.