Skilled Worker ILR — settle in the UK after 5 years
We confirm you qualify on the Skilled Worker route, check continuous residence and absences, confirm salary meets the ILR threshold and going rate with an employer letter, ensure KoLL (Life in the UK + English), and file a clean, decision-ready ILR application.
Skilled Worker ILR — settle in the UK after 5 years
We confirm you qualify on the Skilled Worker route, check continuous residence and absences, confirm salary meets the ILR threshold and going rate with an employer letter, ensure KoLL (Life in the UK + English), and file a clean, decision-ready ILR application.
Eligibility at a glance — Skilled Worker (ILR)
We confirm your qualifying residence, salary and sponsorship position, KoLL, and suitability before filing a decision-ready ILR application.
( Status ) Current leave as a Skilled Worker
- You must hold valid permission as a Skilled Worker (or eligible predecessor) at the date you apply.
- * We verify grant history and any gaps
- * Plan filing date vs. visa expiry
( Residence ) Continuous residence
- We calculate your qualifying period under Appendix Continuous Residence and check absences.
- * Track days outside the UK across each 12-month period
- * Apply any permitted exceptions where relevant
( Salary ) Settlement salary & going rate
- Your pay must meet the ILR salary threshold and at least the going rate for your SOC (or applicable national pay scale).
- * Check SOC code, hours and pro-rating rules
- * Account for any transitional provisions if applicable
( Sponsor ) Employer confirmation letter
- Letter on headed paper confirming job title, SOC code, salary and that you’re required for the foreseeable future.
- * Include sponsor licence details and contact
- * We provide a compliant template
( KOLL ) Life in the UK & English (B1)
- Most adult applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and show English at B1 (or be exempt).
- * Accepted SELT providers or degree route
- * Age/medical exemptions assessed
( Suitability ) General grounds
- Checks on criminality, deception, NHS/immigration debts and compliance with conditions.
- * We assess risks and prepare mitigation if needed
Documents you’ll usually need
We’ll give you a tailored checklist and assemble a clean, indexed PDF bundle for upload
Identity & status
- * Current & previous passports (if available)
- * BRP/eVisa; previous grants as a Skilled Worker (or eligible predecessor)
- * Any Home Office correspondence or reference numbers
Residence & absences
- * Address history covering your qualifying period
- * Proofs across the period (council tax/tenancy, utilities, bank statements)
- * Travel history to calculate time outside the UK
Family life
- * Payslips (recent months) and matching bank statements
- * Contract/offer letter and latest HR confirmation
- * Evidence hours meet the required minimum and pro-rating rules
Private life
- * Job title, duties and SOC code (going-rate check)
- * Historic CoS details (if relevant) and current role description
- * Any national pay scale/sector evidence (e.g., NHS, teachers)
KOLL
- * On headed paper: job title, SOC, salary, hours
- * Confirms you’re required for the foreseeable future
- * Includes sponsor licence number and contact details
Other supporting
- * Life in the UK test pass reference
- * English at B1 (SELT) or accepted degree (with ECCTIS if needed)
- * Age/medical exemption evidence (if applicable)
How your Skilled Worker ILR application runs
Step 1 - Qualifying date & status check
Confirm continuous residence on the Skilled Worker route, valid permission at filing, and clean grant history.
Step 2 - Residence & absences
Calculate qualifying period under Appendix Continuous Residence and map all travel outside the UK
Step 3 - Salary & going rate
Check your salary meets the ILR threshold and at least the SOC going rate (considering hours and any transitional rules)
Step 4 - Sponsor confirmation
Obtain an employer letter on headed paper confirming job title, SOC code, salary, hours and that you’re required for the foreseeable future
Step 5 - KoLL & submission
Verify Life in the UK pass and English (B1 or exemption), complete forms, arrange biometrics/ID, and file a decision-ready bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
We assess time in the UK under the continuous residence rules and check absences across each relevant 12-month period, applying any permitted exceptions where they fit your circumstances.