ILR Based on 5-Year Skilled Worker Route (2025 Guide)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a major milestone for Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK. It grants the right to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. In this detailed guide, we explain how you can obtain ILR after completing 5 years under the Skilled Worker route in 2025.

Understanding ILR Based on 5-Year Skilled Worker Route

The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in 2020 and allows non-UK nationals to work in the UK with sponsorship from an approved employer. After 5 continuous years, eligible individuals can apply for ILR, provided they meet specific criteria around residence, earnings, and employment.

Eligibility Criteria for ILR After 5 Years

To apply for ILR based on the Skilled Worker route, you must satisfy a number of criteria. Let’s break them down:

Residence Requirement

You must have lawfully resided in the UK for a continuous 5-year period on the Skilled Worker visa (or a combination of eligible work visas). You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

Absences from the UK

The Home Office will scrutinise your travel history:

Short holidays and business trips are allowed.
Absences due to COVID-19 or exceptional personal reasons may be excused with valid documentation.

Tip: Keep detailed records of all your travel, including dates and purpose.

You must:

Still be working for a licensed UK sponsor
Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your ILR application
Be in the same occupation code as listed in your visa

Changing jobs is allowed but must be reported and sponsored properly.

Salary Threshold for ILR

You must be earning at least:

£26,200 per year, or
£10.75 per hour, or
The “going rate” for your occupation — whichever is higher.

Some occupations and new entrants may be eligible for reduced thresholds.

Documents Required for ILR Application

The application process requires well-prepared documentation:

Current passport
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Employment letter confirming job role, salary, and continuity
Payslips for the past 6 months
P60s or HMRC records
Life in the UK Test pass certificate
Proof of continuous residence (e.g., tenancy agreements, utility bills)
Absence records and travel dates

Step-by-Step ILR Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the salary, residence, and employment conditions.

Step 2: Pass the Life in the UK Test

Book your test via the official portal. It’s mandatory for all ILR applicants.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Prepare originals and digital copies for upload.

Step 4: Apply Online

Use the Gov.uk ILR application portal to submit your form.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

The ILR fee for 2025 is:

£2,885 per applicant
£19.20 for biometric enrolment

Step 6: Attend Your Biometric Appointment

Visit a UKVCAS centre to submit fingerprints and photographs.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing time is usually 8 weeks, though faster priority services are available for an extra cost.

Fees and Processing Time

Item	Cost (2025)
ILR Application Fee	£2,885
Biometric Enrolment Fee	£19.20
Super Priority Processing (Optional)	£1,000+

See: UK Visa and ILR fees list

Dependants Applying for ILR with You

Your spouse/partner and children may also apply for ILR if they have:

Lived in the UK with you for 5 years
Met the same absence and residence requirements
Not breached immigration laws

Each dependant must complete a separate application and pay the full fee.

Switching Visa Categories and Its Impact

If you’ve switched from another work visa to a Skilled Worker visa, the clock resets. Only time spent under qualifying routes such as:

Tier 2 (General)
Skilled Worker
…counts towards the 5-year period.

Time on student visas, graduate routes, or visitor visas does not count.

Common Reasons for ILR Refusal

Excessive absences from the UK
Salary below the required threshold
Incorrect or missing documents
Failure to pass the Life in the UK Test
Employment not aligned with sponsorship records

Appeals can be made, but reapplying correctly is often faster.

What Happens After You Receive ILR?

You can live and work in the UK without time limits.
You’re free from visa renewal costs.
You may travel freely but should avoid absences of 2+ years to maintain ILR status.
After 12 months of ILR (or immediately, if married to a British citizen), you may apply for British citizenship.

See our full British Citizenship After ILR Guide.

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Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional legal advice. Immigration rules can change frequently. Always refer to official UK government sources or consult with a qualified immigration advisor before submitting an application.

Conclusion

Achieving ILR through the 5-year Skilled Worker route marks a major accomplishment for migrants in the UK. It offers long-term security, stability, and a clear path to British citizenship. By understanding and meeting the eligibility criteria, preparing your documents meticulously, and following the application steps outlined above, you can maximise your chances of success in 2025.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for ILR before 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa?
No, you must complete a full 5-year qualifying period unless applying under a different accelerated route (e.g., Global Talent).

2. Do I need to still work for the same employer?
You can switch employers but must remain in a sponsored Skilled Worker role and meet the salary and occupation requirements.

3. What is the Life in the UK Test?
A multiple-choice test on British values, history, and laws — mandatory for all ILR applicants.

4. How do I prove continuous residence?
Use a combination of HMRC records, utility bills, tenancy agreements, and travel records.

5. Will time on a Graduate visa count towards ILR?
No, only time spent under qualifying work visas like Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) counts.