Settlement and Citizenship
Skilled Worker settlement (ILR)
The Skilled Worker route can lead to settlement, usually after five years of qualifying residence.
Settlement applications turn on detail: absences counted over rolling periods, the salary requirement at the date of application, and the employer's confirmation that the worker is still needed.
Who this is for
- Skilled Workers approaching five years of qualifying residence
- workers who have combined time in more than one immigration route
- workers with significant travel during the qualifying period
- partners and children applying alongside the main applicant
Key considerations
- the required qualifying residence in a route that counts
- continuous residence, with absences within the permitted limits
- the salary requirement applying at the date of application
- the sponsor confirming the worker is still required for the job
- the Life in the UK Test, unless an exemption applies
Evidence and information commonly required
- identity and immigration status evidence, including the UKVI account
- the employer's confirmation of employment and salary
- payslips and salary evidence for the required period
- a full record of absences from the UK
- Life in the UK Test reference details
What is actually needed depends on your circumstances. We confirm the list with you before anything is prepared.
How the process works
- Step 1
Understand the circumstances
We start with your history, your relationships, your work and your time in the UK. The right route follows from the facts.
- Step 2
Confirm the route
We explain which route fits, what it requires and what the realistic alternatives are if it does not.
- Step 3
Build the evidence
We work out what the Home Office will expect, what you already have and what needs to be obtained.
- Step 4
Prepare and submit
We prepare the application, explain anything that needs explaining and advise on what happens after submission.
Issues that may need closer attention
- absences exceeding the limit in a rolling 12-month period
- time in a route that does not count towards the qualifying period
- salary that no longer meets the applicable requirement
- dependants whose qualifying dates differ from the main applicant
- changes to the English-language position for later settlement applications
How UKU can help
- assessing your circumstances against the route requirements
- identifying issues early, before they become refusals
- advising on the evidence you will need
- preparing and checking the application
- explaining what happens after the application is submitted
Common questions
Answers for Skilled Workers and qualifying family members preparing for settlement.
Related services
Back to Settlement and CitizenshipThis page is general information about UK immigration and is not advice on your individual circumstances. Requirements, guidance and procedures change. Please obtain advice before relying on anything published here.
Tell us what you need help with
We will tell you how UKU can assist, and what the realistic options are.