Indefinite Leave to Remain After 5 Years on a Skilled Worker Visa (2025 Update)

If you have lived and worked in the UK for five years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may now qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is the final step toward long-term settlement and stability.

ILR gives you the right to stay in the UK permanently. You can live, work, and study without visa restrictions. You can also apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

At AHJ Immigration, we guide professionals through this important stage carefully and accurately.

What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain means you can remain in the UK without time limits.
It is proof that you have made the UK your permanent home.
Once granted, you no longer need to extend your visa or pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Who Can Apply for ILR After a Skilled Worker Visa?

You can apply for ILR if you:

• Have lived in the UK for five continuous years under a Skilled Worker Visa.
• Still work for a licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation code.
• Have met the salary requirement throughout your employment.
• Have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
• Have passed the Life in the UK Test and met the English language B1 level.

The 2025 Salary Requirement

The Home Office now requires Skilled Workers to earn at least £38,700 per year to qualify for ILR.

If your salary changed during the five years, your employer must confirm that your current pay meets the latest rate.

Documents You Need

Prepare these documents before applying:

• Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Five years of payslips and employment letters
• Confirmation from your sponsor of continued employment
• Proof of absences from the UK (travel records or letters)
• Life in the UK Test certificate
• English test certificate (B1 or higher)

Check every date and name carefully to avoid rejection.

When to Apply

You can apply within 28 days before completing five years on your Skilled Worker Visa.
Do not apply early or late — timing matters.

If your visa expires while you wait for a decision, you remain lawfully in the UK under Section 3C leave.

Life in the UK Test

This test checks your knowledge of British life, values, and history.
It has 24 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 75 percent to pass.
Book it on the official Home Office website and take valid ID with you on test day.

English Language Requirement

You must show English ability at B1 level or above.
You can use a B1 SELT certificate or a UK degree taught in English.
If you previously met B1 level on your visa, you do not need a new test.

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm your employment and salary meet Home Office rules.

Step 2: Apply Online

Complete the ILR application on GOV.UK and pay the fee.

Step 3: Biometrics Appointment

Attend a UKVCAS centre to submit fingerprints and photograph.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Submit scanned copies of your proofs and certificates.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Most decisions take 8 to 12 weeks, though priority options are available.

Fees in 2025

(Verified October 2025 Home Office data)

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Salary below required threshold
• Gaps in employment or absences not explained
• Missing test certificates
• Incorrect sponsor details
• Expired documents

A refusal can delay your settlement and affect future applications.
We review your evidence carefully to prevent mistakes.

What Happens After ILR

Once granted, you can stay in the UK without visa limits.
You can work for any employer or be self-employed.
After 12 months of ILR, you may apply for British citizenship if you meet the requirements.

If you leave the UK for more than two years, your ILR status may lapse, so maintain residence.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

Reaching ILR is a major achievement. We make sure your application is strong, accurate, and complete.

Our services include:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Check your eligibility and documents.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Detailed review of salary, absences, and tests (deducted from final fees).
• Full application service: We submit your application and manage Home Office communication.
• Follow-up support: Guidance for citizenship after ILR.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to start your ILR application today.

ILR After Skilled Work Visa FAQs

1. When can I apply for ILR after a Skilled Worker Visa?
You can apply within 28 days before completing five years in the UK.

2. Can I change employers before applying for ILR?
Yes, but you must remain in eligible Skilled Worker employment until the application date.

3. Do I need to include dependants in my ILR application?
You can apply together if your dependants have also lived in the UK for five years.

4. How long does ILR approval take?
Most applications are decided within 8 to 12 weeks.

5. Can I lose ILR status?
Yes, if you stay outside the UK for more than two continuous years.

Secure Your Future in the UK

Your Skilled Worker journey does not end here — it moves to stability and freedom.
Let AHJ Immigration guide you through a smooth ILR process.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 for a free 30-minute consultation, or book a 1-hour paid session (£120) for a detailed ILR review.