Skilled Worker

Phone number is required

Reading time: 8 minutes Total views: 51

Rate:

Publication date: 18.08.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I’ve been living in the UK for almost five years on a Skilled Worker visa, and I’m now approaching the eligibility period for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Can you guide me through the legal requirements, documents I need to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes in the application process? Also, do I need to pass any language or Life in the UK test, and if so, how can your legal support help me ensure I’m fully prepared for that?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

11.08.2025 11:09:11 Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is a significant step, and it's important to ensure that you meet all the requirements and prepare your application carefully. Here's a guide to help you through the process: ### Legal Requirements 1. **Residency Requirement**: You must have lived in the UK for at least five continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa or other eligible visas. During this time, you should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. 2. **Current Visa Status**: Ensure your current visa is valid at the time of application. 3. **Absences from the UK**: Keep track of your travel history, as excessive absences can affect your eligibility. 4. **Employment**: You must still be employed by an employer who is a licensed sponsor in order to apply under this route. 5. **Salary Requirements**: Your salary must meet or exceed the minimum threshold specified for your occupation code or £25,600 per year, whichever is higher. ### Documents Required 1. **Passport and Travel Documents**: Include all current and expired passports used during your stay in the UK. 2. **Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)**: If applicable. 3. **Employer's Letter**: Confirming continued employment and details of your role and salary. 4. **Proof of Absences**: Travel documents or letters explaining any long absences from the UK. 5. **Financial Evidence**: Payslips and bank statements covering a specific period may be required. 6. **Accommodation Details**: Proof of where you live might be requested. 7. **Life in the UK Test Certificate**: This test assesses your knowledge of British customs, traditions, laws, and political systems. 8. **English Language Requirement**: Proof that you meet this requirement via an approved English language test or evidence that you are exempt (e.g., nationality from an English-speaking country). ### Common Mistakes to Avoid - Not meeting residency requirements due to excessive absences. - Incorrectly filled application forms leading to delays or rejections. - Insufficient proof of employment or salary levels not meeting thresholds. - Failing to provide original documents where required. ### Tests Required 1. **Life in the UK Test**: - Book online at one of the authorized centers well ahead of time due to high demand. - Study using official guides available online or as books covering British history, culture, and law. 2. **English Language Test**: - Take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) unless exempted by nationality or previous qualifications taught in English. ### Legal Support Legal support can help ensure: - Your documentation meets Home Office standards with thorough checks before submission. - Guidance on preparing for tests with practice materials and study tips. - Clarification on complex immigration rules tailored specifically to your circumstances. - Assistance handling any issues if complications arise during processing. Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer who can provide personalized advice based on your situation and help streamline your application process effectively. By ensuring meticulous preparation across these areas, you'll enhance your chances for a successful ILR application significantly.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

18.08.2025 09:45:11 As an immigration lawyer, I can guide you through applying for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) on a Skilled Worker visa. You must have at least 5 years of lawful residence in the UK, including all visa periods, without serious immigration breaches. Required documents include passports and BRPs for the entire period, employer letters, payslips, employment contracts, and proof of residence such as utility bills or bank statements. You also need to pass the Life in the UK Test and prove your English language proficiency (via a recognized certificate or your visa if it already confirms your level). Legal support can ensure your documents are complete and correctly organized, draft a strong cover letter, prepare responses to potential Home Office queries, and help avoid common mistakes like missing dates, income discrepancies, or insufficient evidence. Proper guidance significantly increases your chance of a successful application.

BASE (basic) 2.09

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

18.08.2025 11:17:35 Yes. If you’ve been on a Skilled Worker visa for nearly five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). A lawyer can guide you on: Eligibility requirements: continuous residence, lawful immigration status, and absence of serious criminal convictions. Required documents: passport, biometric residence permit, payslips, bank statements, P60s, employer reference, proof of absences under Home Office limits, and any previous visas. Language and Life in the UK Test: you must meet English language requirements (B1 level or approved exemption) and pass the Life in the UK Test. A lawyer can advise on test preparation, approved providers, and documentation of your results. Common mistakes to avoid: gaps in residence, incomplete or inconsistent documents, miscalculating absences, or missing deadlines. Legal support ensures your application is accurate, complete, and presented clearly, reducing risk of refusal and delays.

PREMIUM 2.99

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

It could be interesting
Similar services and articles

receive a service
In the CONSULTANT mobile app

Secure Transaction

As a Client, you are freed from all financial risks when collaborating with Contractors, as the payment amount is reserved by our service and is paid to the Contractor only after receiving confirmation from you about the completion of the stage.

If the service is not provided, the funds are returned to you. The service takes on all financial risks and acts as a guarantor and custodian of funds, and in case of disputes between the parties, acts as an independent Arbitrator.

Your money is in safe hands!