ILR As a Skilled Worker
You may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker up to 28 days before completing the required 5-year residency period, either as a Skilled Worker or Tier 2 General Migrant, or through a combination of other eligible work visa categories. This qualifying period begins from the date your initial visa application for entry clearance or leave to remain was granted.
To apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker, you must complete the SET (O) application form online and meet all the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix Skilled Worker and Appendix Skilled Occupations. For quicker processing, applicants can opt to submit their ILR application via the Super Priority Service, allowing for a decision from the Home Office UKVI within 24 hours. Aden & Co Solicitors can assist you with ensuring your application meets all the necessary requirements for a smooth and expedited process.
Complimentary Immigration Guidance for ILR as a Skilled Worker
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert team of immigration solicitors is ready to offer complimentary, one-time immigration advice for your ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application as a skilled worker. You can conveniently submit your inquiries online, and our specialists will provide you with professional guidance at no cost. Alternatively, you can schedule a consultation online to receive in-depth legal advice and assistance from one of our skilled immigration solicitors regarding your ILR application.
Expert Solicitors for ILR as a Skilled Worker
Aden & Co Solicitors’ team of experienced immigration solicitors specializes in providing expert legal advice and representation for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications as a Skilled Worker. Our services are offered on a fixed fee basis, ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind throughout your application process. With our team’s expertise, we can also submit your ILR application through the Super Priority Service, allowing you to receive a decision within 24 hours.
At Aden & Co Solicitors, we take pride in our reputation for delivering exceptional legal services. The high quality of our work is reflected in the 5-star Google Reviews given by 99% of our clients, showcasing the trust and satisfaction our clients place in us for their ILR Skilled Worker visa applications.
ILR Requirements for Skilled Workers: Key Criteria with Aden & Co Solicitors
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker, or as a Tier 2 General Migrant, you must satisfy the following conditions:
You must have completed a continuous 5-year period in the UK under any of the following immigration categories:
- Skilled Worker
- Global Talent
- Innovator Founder
- T2 Minister of Religion
- International Sportsperson
- Representative of an Overseas Business
- Tier 1 Migrant (excluding Graduate Entrepreneur)
- Scale-up
- Any other permission, if the application for Skilled Worker status was made between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021, supported by a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor, and granted accordingly.
- Importantly, your most recent permission should be under either the Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) categories.
- Switching from Tier 2 General to Skilled Worker before applying for ILR is not necessary,
- as the Skilled Worker definition under UK immigration rules also encompasses
- Tier 2 General Migrants.
Continuous Residence:
You must demonstrate continuous residence in the UK as required by Appendix Continuous Residence for ILR under the Skilled Worker or Tier 2 General Migrant routes.
Knowledge of Life in the UK:
Applicants must also meet the requirements outlined in Appendix KOL UK. Since the English language requirement would have already been fulfilled in previous Skilled Worker applications, there is no need to meet it again for ILR.
Sponsorship and Salary Requirements for Skilled Workers
To ensure compliance with Home Office regulations regarding Skilled Worker sponsorship, Aden & Co Solicitors must adhere to the following sponsorship and salary requirements when hiring or retaining international employees. The table below summarizes the salary expectations for different applicant scenarios.
Key Provisions:
- Sponsor Approval: The sponsor (Aden & Co Solicitors) must still be approved by the Home Office to sponsor Skilled Workers on the decision date.
- Employment Confirmation: The sponsor must confirm that the employee is required to continue working for them and will receive a salary in line with the requirements outlined in the table.
- Salary Thresholds: The applicant’s salary must meet or exceed the relevant salary conditions as specified in the table.
| Row | Applicant's Circumstances | General Salary Requirement | Going Rate Requirement |
|
A |
All cases not covered by rows B to E |
Minimum salary of £38,700 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
|
B |
Applicant was sponsored for a job in the Appendix Immigration Salary List, excluding rows C to E |
Minimum salary of £30,960 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
|
C |
Applicant meets SW 4.2(b) requirements, excluding rows D and E |
Minimum salary of £29,000 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Tables 2 to 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
|
D |
Applicant was sponsored for a job in the Appendix Immigration Salary List (or former Appendix Shortage Occupation List) or a health/education SOC 2020 occupation |
Minimum salary of £23,200 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in Tables 2 to 5 of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
|
E |
The applicant’s qualifying period for settlement includes time as a Tier 2 (General) Migrant in specific SOC 2010 occupation codes |
Minimum salary of £23,200 per year | At least the relevant going rate listed in SW 14.5(c), or the equivalent SOC 2020 occupation code in Tables 2 to 5 of Appendix Skilled Occupations |
In accordance with SW 24.4, the salary mentioned in SW 24.3 is governed by the following conditions:
(a) The salary will be evaluated as outlined in SW 14.1 to SW 14.5, with specific reference to the thresholds stated in SW 14.3. (the amounts of £38,700, £29,000, or £23,200 annually, as listed in SW 24.3, should also be considered within these references); and
(b) If the applicant is currently on leave for any of the reasons specified in Part 9, paragraph 9.30.1, or if they have recently returned from such leave within one month prior to the application, their salary will be assessed based on the amount upon their return to work, as confirmed by their sponsor, Aden & Co Solicitors.
Can I Use Priority or Super Priority Service for ILR as a Skilled Worker?
If you’re applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a skilled worker, you may be wondering whether you can expedite your application. As expert solicitors from Aden & Co Solicitors based in London, we are authorized by the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and its partners UKVCAS Sopra Steria to offer Priority and Super Priority Services. By opting for the Super Priority Service, you can receive a decision on your ILR application within 24 hours.
Our dedicated team of solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors specializes in preparing and submitting ILR applications for skilled workers. With our Priority and Super Priority Services, you no longer have to endure months or even years of waiting for a decision on your ILR application.
How Can We Assist with Your ILR Application as a Skilled Worker?
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our highly experienced team offers professional legal guidance and representation on a fixed-fee basis for your ILR application as a skilled worker. The fee will cover the entire process until the Home Office UKVI makes a final decision. Our skilled worker visa solicitors handle every aspect of your ILR application, including:
- Detailed Advice on Eligibility: We’ll guide you through the requirements your application must meet for a successful outcome.
- Comprehensive Document Support: A full list of required supporting documents will be prepared and emailed to you, ensuring all documents align with UK immigration rules.
- Document Assessment: Our team will thoroughly review your supporting documents to confirm compliance with the Immigration Rules.
- Completion of Application: We will complete the relevant ILR application form on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Fast-Track Submission: Where eligible, we will submit your ILR application via Priority or Super Priority Service for quicker processing.
- Biometric Appointment Arrangement: Once your application is submitted, we will schedule your appointment for biometric enrolment at an application centre.
- Tailored Cover Letter: Our solicitors will draft a detailed cover letter supporting your ILR application, explaining how you meet all legal criteria.
- Document Upload: Before your biometrics appointment, our team will upload all necessary documents online.
- Comprehensive Follow-Up: We will manage all follow-up actions with UKVI, ensuring that your ILR application is handled effectively until a final decision is made.
What Are the Costs for ILR as a Skilled Worker?
If you’re applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a skilled worker, here is a breakdown of the associated costs:
Fixed Fees for ILR Applications
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our fixed fee for managing your ILR application ranges between £800 + VAT and £1,200 + VAT, depending on the complexity of your case. This fee covers all essential aspects of your application, including:
- Comprehensive advice on required documentation.
- Document review and verification.
- Completing and submitting your application online.
- Scheduling a biometric enrolment appointment.
- Drafting a cover letter to support your application.
- Uploading all supporting documents.
- Handling all follow-up work with the Home Office UKVI until a final decision is reached.
The agreed fee is based on the specific demands of your case. Initially, you’ll pay 50% of the total fee upon starting the application, with the balance due once the application is fully prepared and ready for submission.
“Limited Budget? Explore Our Other Services
If you cannot afford the full-service option, we offer alternative services:
- Immigration advice and consultation for a one-time fee of £100 (VAT inclusive).
- Document checking service for a flat rate of £300 (VAT inclusive).”
UKVI Fees for ILR Applications
In addition to the professional fees, you will need to cover the Home Office UKVI charges. The standard ILR application fee is £2,885. If you require an expedited decision within 24 hours, an additional £1,000 will be charged for the Super Priority Service.
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FAQs – Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for Skilled Workers:
Can I expedite my ILR application as a Skilled Worker using Priority or Super Priority services?
Yes, you can accelerate your ILR application as a Skilled Worker by utilizing the Priority or Super Priority services. Aden & Co Solicitors, as recognized immigration experts based in London, are registered with the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and UKVCAS Sopra Steria to offer these services. Through Super Priority, a decision can be made within 24 hours, while Priority Service delivers results within 5 working days. This service allows you to avoid lengthy processing times, which can sometimes extend for months or even years.
When can I submit my ILR application as a Skilled Worker?
You may apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker 28 days before completing the mandatory five-year qualifying period.
What is the qualifying period for ILR as a Skilled Worker?
To qualify for ILR as a Skilled Worker, applicants must have lawfully resided in the UK for a continuous five-year period. This period can consist of time spent under any combination of the following visa categories:
- Skilled Worker
- Global Talent
- Innovator Founder
- T2 Minister of Religion
- International Sportsperson
- Representative of an Overseas Business
- Tier 1 (excluding Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur)
- Scale-up
- Any other visa route, provided the application was for permission to stay during a pending Skilled Worker application submitted between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021. The application must have been supported by a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor and subsequently approved.
The final visa status prior to the ILR application must be under the Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) routes. Applicants are not required to switch from Tier 2 (General) to Skilled Worker before applying for settlement, as both are classified under Skilled Worker in the UK Immigration Rules.
What are the continuous residence requirements for ILR as a Skilled Worker?
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker, you must adhere to the continuous residence requirement, as detailed in Appendix Continuous Residence. This criterion applies throughout the entire qualifying period under the Skilled Worker or Tier 2 General Migrant visa.
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirements for ILR as a Skilled Worker?
Yes, to apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker, you must pass the Life in the UK test, as outlined in Appendix KOL UK. However, you are not required to meet the English language requirement again, as you would have already fulfilled this criterion during your initial Skilled Worker visa application.
Can I combine time spent on an ECAA Turkish Worker or ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa with my Skilled Worker visa to qualify for ILR?
No, time spent under an ECAA Turkish Worker or ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa cannot be combined with time spent on a Skilled Worker visa when applying for ILR. Once you switch to a Skilled Worker visa, the qualifying period for ILR begins anew.