From Skilled Worker to ILR: The Final Step Towards Calling the UK “Home”

For thousands of professionals living and working in the UK, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) signifies much more than just an immigration achievement. It symbolises stability, belonging, and the moment when the UK truly begins to feel like home.

If you’ve been on a Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2 General), ILR marks the final and most detailed step in your immigration journey. But getting it right takes more than just completing five years of residence. It requires understanding the requirements, planning ahead, and avoiding common pitfalls.

🧭 1. Who Can Apply for ILR under the Skilled Worker Route

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if you meet all the following conditions:

• You’ve lived and worked in the UK for 5 continuous years under a Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) visa.
• You’re still employed by a licensed UK sponsor.
• Your current job is genuine and ongoing, matching your original sponsorship.
• Your salary meets or exceeds the required ILR threshold for your occupation.
• You’ve passed both the Life in the UK Test and the English language requirement.]
• You’ve had no serious immigration or criminal issues during your stay.

You can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before completing your 5 years.

To meet the 5-year qualifying period, you must accumulate time spent under valid permission in one or more of the following immigration categories: Global Talent, Innovator Founder, T2 Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, Representative of an Overseas Business, Tier 1 (excluding Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur), and Scale-up Worker. 

✈️ 2. Absences from the UK

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the ILR process.

To qualify for ILR, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period within those 5 years.

Important points to note:

• Both business and personal travel count toward this total.
• Days of departure and return are not counted as absences.
• Excessive absences (even for valid reasons) may reset your qualifying period.
• You must provide evidence (e.g., flight records, employer letters) if questioned.

Tip: Start tracking your absences at least a year before applying — reconstructing travel history later is one of the biggest causes of delay.

💷 3. Salary Requirement

To qualify for ILR, your salary must meet at least the higher of:

• The general ILR salary threshold, or
• The “going rate” for your job’s SOC code (as listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations).

As of 2025, the standard ILR salary threshold is £41,700 per year. However, lower thresholds apply if:

• Your job is on the Immigration Salary List,
• You work in health or education, or
• You were granted your Skilled Worker visa before 4 April 2024 (transitional protection).

For these cases, the minimum salary may range between £25,000 and £33,400, provided it still meets the applicable going rate.

Your employer must confirm:

• Your current salary
• Your job title and SOC code
• That your role is permanent and ongoing

⚠️ Common issue: If you’ve been promoted or changed job titles without updating your sponsorship record, this can cause a SOC code mismatch — one of the most common reasons for ILR delays. 

🗣️ 4. English Language Requirement

To apply for ILR, you must demonstrate English language ability at level B1 or higher (CEFR).

You can meet this requirement by:

• Passing an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, Trinity College SELT)
• Holding a degree taught in English (verified by Ecctis)
• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)

Check that your test or qualification is still valid — expired certificates can lead to refusal. 

📚 5. Life in the UK Test

Every applicant for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) must pass the Life in the UK Test, which consists of 24 questions focused on British culture, history, and laws.

Here are the key details: 

• You must book your test at an approved center through the official website. 
• The fee for the test is £50. 
• To pass, you need to answer at least 18 questions correctly. 
• The certificate you receive has no expiry date, allowing you to take the test at any time before submitting your application. 

Many applicants find this test unexpected, so it’s advisable to start preparing early using the official handbook or practice apps. 

6. Most Common ILR Pitfalls

Even strong applicants make small mistakes that cause big setbacks.

Here are the top reasons ILR applications are refused or delayed:

• Too many absences or inaccurate travel records
• Incorrect SOC code or salary mismatch
• Gaps in employment or visa validity
• Expired English or Life in the UK certificates
• Missing or inconsistent documentation
• Applying too early or too late

💡 Tip: Review your full immigration history and salary data before submitting. Sometimes, one missing payslip can delay approval for months. 

7. ILR Fees (as of 2025)

Applying for ILR comes with significant costs:

👨‍👩‍👧 8. Including Dependants

You can include your dependent partner and children under 18 in your ILR application if they’ve lived with you in the UK for 5 years.

Each dependant must:

• Have maintained valid leave throughout the same period
• Avoid excessive absences
• Provide relationship evidence (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates, cohabitation proof)

If your dependants joined you later, they may need to complete their own 5-year period before qualifying for ILR.

📂 9. Documentation Checklist

A successful ILR application depends heavily on well-prepared documentation.

Typical documents include:

• Passport(s) and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Life in the UK Test certificate
• English language certificate or degree evidence
• Employer letter (confirming job, SOC code, salary, and ongoing employment)
• 6 months of payslips and bank statements
• Absence and travel record
• Proof of address
• Relationship documents (for dependants)

Tip: Label every document clearly and keep digital copies — the Home Office may request additional evidence during review.

 Final Thoughts

Reaching ILR is more than a visa milestone — it’s a symbol of your resilience, contribution, and commitment to the UK.

You’ve worked, paid taxes, integrated into your community, and contributed to the economy. Now, ILR gives you the peace of mind to plan your future without fear of expiry dates or sponsorship changes.

It’s the moment you finally stop feeling temporary — and start feeling at home.