Skilled Worker Visa to ILR | Settle in UK with Tier 2 Visa

Benefits of Choosing IAS for Your Residency Application

IAS is the ideal choice for a range of UK residency applications, such as indefinite leave to remain, long residence and permanent settlement.

Our expert, capable lawyers can help address a wide range of issues and concerns, helping to make the process of applying for residency simple and hassle-free.

At IAS, we are committed to offering the highest-quality level of service available in the law sector. When getting in touch with us for help, you will:

Fully understand all the steps you need to take to succeed in your residency application.

Be fully prepped on all Home Office-required documents and evidence you will need to submit.

Receive regular check-ins from your personal immigration lawyer throughout the entire process.

Continue to receive support from your lawyer to address any requests from the Home Office.

Services we Provide

Indefinite Leave to Remain from Skilled Worker or Tier 2 Visa in UK

Are you currently in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa and looking for a route that will allow you to settle in the UK? If so, you may be able to switch from the Skilled Worker route to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

You can extend your Skilled Worker Visa for a period of up to six years, provided you continue to work in a skilled role for a registered UK Sponsor. If you want to stay in the UK for a longer period, without being restricted by your Skilled Worker Visa regulations, you can apply for ILR after living in the UK for five years. If you are granted ILR, you will be given Permanent Residence in the UK without having to comply with specific Skilled Worker Visa regulations. This will mean that you will no longer need an employer with a Sponsorship Licence or to work in a position where there is a UK skills shortage.

While you can no longer switch from the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa to ILR, our expert lawyers may be able to help you apply for a Skilled Worker Visa to put you on the path to settlement.

ILR Requirements for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) in UK

To be eligible to switch from a Skilled Worker Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) you must have at least 5 years of legal continuous residence in the UK. These 5 years can be solely whilst in the UK under a Skilled Worker Visa, but can also include time spent living in the UK under another visa category including:

Global Talent
Innovator
T2 Minister of Religion
T2 Sportsperson
Representative of an Overseas Business
Routes that were part of the old Tier 1 category, excluding the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa

In addition, to move from the Skilled Worker route to ILR, you will need to pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test. This test will require you to show an understanding of British culture, history and current affairs. During the test you will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions and you must score 75% or more to pass the test.

You will also have to meet the English Language requirement, to do this you may need to pass a certified English language test, unless you are eligible for an exemption of this requirement.

Financial Requirements for Switching from Skilled Worker Visa to ILR

The financial requirements for switching from Skilled Worker Visa to ILR do vary based on your circumstances. If you applied for your Skilled Worker Visa before 4th April 2024 then you must have a salary of at least £29,000 or the “going rate”. If your Skilled Worker Visa was issued after this date then you must demonstrate a minimum salary of £41,700 or the going rate – whichever is higher.

For further advice and to receive an accurate assessment of what the financial requirements for you and your dependents contact the team at IAS today.

When Can I Apply for ILR from a Skilled Worker Visa in UK

To apply for ILR, you will need to have spent at least five years in the UK on the same visa. If your original Skilled Worker Visa was not granted for five years, you may need to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa extension to reach the five-year requirement.

There is also a 10-year ILR route for those who have been in the UK for 10 years under different visa categories.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

What is the Process of Switching from the Skilled Worker (Tier 2) Route to ILR?

Once you have reached this 5 year requirement, you can start the process of applying for ILR. You don’t need to wait for your Skilled Worker Visa to expire before you can apply, you can do so as soon as you have reached the residency requirement.

To apply for ILR you will need to submit the application form via the UK government website, applications can only be made online.

Once you have filled in the application form, you will also need to submit your supporting documents to the Home Office. As well as your test pass certificates, you will also need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel ID
your biometric residence permit if you have one
all the passports you’ve held during your time in the UK

Any documents not written in English or Welsh will need to be translated. You can submit your supporting documents by either uploading them into the online service or having them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment. When you apply, you’ll need to also make an appointment a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information, this is your photograph and fingerprints.

Once your application and documents have been submitted, you should receive a decision from the Home Office within 6 months.

Can My Family Members Apply for ILR with Me?

Yes, you can add your partner and children to your ILR application if they are eligible to gain Indefinite Leave to Remain status. If they do not yet meet the criteria for ILR then they can submit an application at a later date to gain leave to remain.

Processing Times and ILR Application Fees

Application Type	Fees
Indefinite leave to remain (main applicants + any dependents)	£3,226
Leave to remain	£1,407

You should also be aware of the other costs involved in with applying for ILR including £19.20 to register your biometric information. If you are applying with your family, each dependent need to pay £3,226 .

There is no set time for receive a decision on your ILR application, but a standard Indefinite Leave to Remain application will be processed within six months.

However, you can pay £1000 for super priority processing (a decision is usually given within one working day) or £500 for priority processing for your application to be decided on within five working days.

How Can IAS Help?

The immigration lawyers at IAS will help you with your switch from Skilled Worker to ILR. One of our expert lawyers can assist you with the transition, helping you to prepare for your ‘Life in the UK’ test and your English Language Test. Your lawyer will also prepare a Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This letter details your case and its merits as well as referencing any relevant UK immigration laws in support of your application. He/she will also provide a full document check, as well as completing your application form to the highest possible standard.

Call us today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or make an enquiry online for more advice. We have offices in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as in many other locations throughout the UK. We look forward to assisting you.

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Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha

Director – Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha is the director of the Immigration Advice Service. He is a committed human rights and immigration lawyer. He was awarded the IoD North West SME of the year award and commended for his work in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will be eligible to apply for ILR while holding a Skilled Worker Visa if you have been in the UK for five years and you meet the other ILR requirements. These include:

have no unspent convictions;
have been living and working in the UK;
are still in a position of employment from a registered Tier 2 Sponsor able to legally employ migrant workers.

If you were granted your Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa before April 6 2010, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if you have spent at least five years’ continuous residence in the UK.

For those who received their visa after this date, you will not be able to switch from ICT to ILR. To receive more information on your options for staying after your ICT Visa expires, get in touch with our expert advisers today on +44 (0)333 414 9244.

What our clients are saying

Immigration Advice Service4.7

Based on 2001 reviews

Ridley

1 day ago

Laura Christian has been very helpful in giving me advice and the information I needed. Immigration law is very strict and confusing, but this service breaks it down in manageable chunks and hiring them makes the application process a lot smoother and without too much stress.

Mohammed Fhaid

2 days ago

I would like to thank Mark for taking the time to review my case and provide detailed legal advice. He was professional, respectful and took the time to explain the relevant immigration options and limitations clearly. I would also like to mention that my initial contact with IAS was with Nadeen Taylor. From the beginning, I explained that my main concern was not simply obtaining a Student visa, but finding a possible lawful way to leave Gaza and continue my studies in the UK. I specifically asked whether IAS could assist with this particular aspect of my situation, and I was reassured that this could be looked into. While the advice I ultimately received clarified a number of important points, I had hoped that the specific issue of possible evacuation from Gaza, including whether there might be an exceptional or alternative legal mechanism, could be explored further. Overall, I appreciate Mark’s professionalism and the time he spent considering my circumstances. I am grateful for the assistance provided and for the clarity of the advice I received.

peter mccann

4 days ago

Very helpful and knowledgeable

Eddie O'Neil

6 days ago

Highly recommend this service. My caseworker, Charlene Phillips, was very knowledgeable, professional & was able to answer all of our questions & put our minds at ease. She helped my partner & I with the guidance we needed to make a plan which would finally see us re-locate together.

Noah Izadpanah

6 days ago

I am incredibly grateful to Clare for all the support and hard work she has given me throughout my asylum case. After everything I have been through, receiving my Visa was an incredibly emotional and unforgettable moment for me. Clare was always patient, supportive and understanding, and she stood by me throughout a very difficult period of my life. I truly appreciate all the time, effort and care she put into my case. Her support meant more to me than I can put into words, and I will never forget her kindness. Thank you so much, Clare, for everything you have done for me. ❤️

David C

7 days ago

Ms Saimah Razzaq assisted me in successfully obtaining my wife's settlement, having helped on her prior visas also. She has always been professional, efficient and helpful in advising exactly what documents and other information is required that she then checks prior to finally submitting the application. She will answer any questions that you you may have, and gives feedback along the way. I can highly recommend Saimah to assist you.

David Morley

1 week ago

Carina gave me great advice and guidance, really easy to talk to

King Hashim

1 week ago

5/5 Stars — Exellant service "I cannot thank Saima Razzaq enough for all her hard work and support throughout our ILR application process. From start to finish she was professional, patient, and kept us updated every step of the way. We faced delays and extra checks due to being self-employed, which made the process longer and more stressful than expected. Saima was there through it all — giving clear advice, helping us chase things up, and guiding us on making formal complaints and claiming a refund when the service took far longer than promised. She fought our corner properly and never gave up. My husband has now had his application approved and we are absolutely over the moon. We couldn’t have got here without Saima’s help. If you need assistance with immigration applications, Saima Razzaq is the person to go to. Thank you so much!"

C.M. Jacob

1 week ago

Han Wei was an incredible source of knowledge, support and expertise for my settlement application. I could not have acheived a positive outcome without her and her team

Robert Scheer

1 week ago

I would like to say thank you so much for all your help and support. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.

Hilary LeFur

2 weeks ago

My immigration enquiry was rather unusual and complex. I spoke to Mark Rigby an Immigration Advice Lawyer who was patient, understanding and offered clear, detailed advice. A comprehensive explanation of future procedures required and associated fees was given. This conversation was helpful and reassuring.

Adenike

2 weeks ago

Rachel was really attentive, calm and encouraging. She took the time to listen and explain everything clearly. I definitely recommend this service; it was worth the investment.

Vanshika Agrawal

2 weeks ago

Working with Abdul on our spouse visa extension has been an absolute pleasure. He’s been incredibly professional and meticulous with our paperwork. He helped us navigate the complex process of visa extension and moved so quickly whenever we needed extra help - even drafting custom letters to prove my right to work and rent while we wait for the decision. His warm, collaborative approach made this process incredibly easy. I can't thank him enough and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a brilliant immigration lawyer!

Ahmed Mansoor

2 weeks ago

I did my Spouse Visa Application inside the UK with the help of IAS and my case worker was Abdul Mutee who helped me throughout the process from documentation to the application and finally after the application I got a positive response from the home office.

Nesrine Shalabi

2 weeks ago

My residency was renewed promptly and without glitches.

Stephanie Shoemaker

2 weeks ago

My experience with IAS has been fabulous so far Laura Christian was very helpful in taking the time to research what my options were based on my needs and wants can’t recommend her enough

Katende Moses

2 weeks ago

I appreciate the professional handling and advice by counsel Shazia Ershad and the Immigration advice service as a whole.

Man Chung CHAU

2 weeks ago

Staff are nice, solicitors are reliable and helpful.

adeniyi esther oluwatobi

2 weeks ago

Shazia Ershad, was very helpful and informative while she stayed very professional during the consultation.

Josephine

3 weeks ago

I am so grateful to Immigration Lawyer Saimah Razzaq and the team at Immigration Advice Service (IAS) for helping me secure my ILR! From our very first consultation, they were professional, patient, and completely clear about what documents I needed. ILR applications can feel overwhelming, but Saimah Razzaq went through everything with incredible attention to detail and kept me updated at every step. Thanks to thier hard work and expertise, my application was approved immediately a day after my biometrics! I coudn't recommend them enough to anyone navigating the UK immigration system!

Tawanda Matonga

3 weeks ago

I spoke with Saima Jabeen about the areas where I needed assistance. She was very helpful and provided me with clear and useful information. I was satisfied with the support and guidance she provided.

Nicholas Peasgood

3 weeks ago

Very positive professional experience. My immigration advisor Mariam Adebayo helped my wife successfully obtain her Spouse visa extension. At the very start we had a face to face meeting at their Oldham office to discuss our needs, explain the process and what evidence we would need. We later received a written confirmation of advice laying out everything from timeframes, fees and documentation needed. Through out we had video calls and regular emails for updates and when our input was needed, Mariam even uploaded all of the extensive evidence as part of the application process which I was very happy with as I know from my own experience this can take a while. I would definitely use IAS again, don't be fooled in to opting for cheaper options, I came to IAS after a poor experience with a different company and so came back as I'd had a good experience with IAS way back in the 90's so know that they have been around for a years. Thank you IAS Oldham and Mariam Adebayo.

Fatima Babar

3 weeks ago

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Abdul Mutee for everything he has done throughout my visa process. The past year was incredibly stressful, especially after facing two Canada visa refusals. During this difficult time, Abdul Mutee did not simply provide guidance; he actively worked on my case and supported me every step of the way when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. Thanks to his dedication, hard work, and continuous support, my UK visa has now been approved. This approval allows me to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a dentist. I truly believe that this achievement would not have been possible without his assistance and commitment. Abdul Mutee played a significant role in making this outcome possible, and I am deeply thankful for the relief, hope, and opportunity he has given me. His efforts have made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done. I will never forget the support, encouragement, and professionalism he showed throughout this journey. Abdul Mutee's help has made a real difference in my future, and I sincerely appreciate all of his hard work and dedication.

Elizabeth chuks

3 weeks ago

I had a great experience with Anna Claridge. She was professional, friendly and very helpful throughout our consultation. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions and made sure we understood the options available to us. I really appreciate her support.

Sami Abdi

3 weeks ago

I would like to say a huge thank you to Lauren Blommel for all her help and support with my case. She has been absolutely amazing from start to finish. Lauren was very kind, professional and patient. She explained everything clearly and always made sure I understood what was happening. She worked very hard on my case and did everything she could to help me. I am extremely grateful for everything Lauren has done for me. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend Lauren to anyone who needs immigration advice and support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for everything. I truly appreciate all your hard work and support. I wish you all the best for the future!

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