11/04/2026
To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK through the Skilled Worker visa route, there are several core requirements. These come from the UK Home Office immigration rules.
Below are the main requirements as of 2026.
1. 5 Years Continuous Residence in the UK
You must normally have lived and worked in the UK for 5 continuous years on a qualifying visa such as:
Skilled Worker visa
Health and Care Worker visa
Tier 2 (General) visa
You can apply up to 28 days before reaching the 5-year mark.
Absence rule
During those 5 years:
You must not be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
2. You Must Still Be Employed by a Sponsor
At the time of application:
You must still work for your sponsor/employer.
Your employer must confirm that:
You are still needed in the role
Your job continues after ILR.
Usually this is done through an employer letter or sponsor confirmation.
3. Salary Requirement
You must meet the minimum salary requirement.
Typical thresholds:
Situation Minimum Salary
Standard Skilled Worker £41,700 OR the going rate of the job
Health & Care roles (NHS band jobs) £25,000 OR the NHS going rate
Immigration Salary List jobs £33,400 OR the going rate
Old visas before April 2024 about £31,300 OR going rate
The rule is always:
You must earn whichever is higher: the threshold or the going rate for your occupation code.
4. Pass the Life in the UK Test
You must pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers:
British history
culture
laws
government
This is mandatory for applicants aged 18–64.
5. English Language Requirement
For Skilled Worker applicants:
You do NOT usually need to prove English again for ILR because you already proved it when applying for the visa.
6. No Breach of Immigration Rules
You must show:
Lawful residence for the entire 5 years
No overstaying
No serious criminal record
Your visa history must be clean.
7. Application Fee
Current cost (2026):
£3,029 per person for ILR application.
Processing time:
Usually up to 6 months
Priority services may be available.
Example for Nurses (Common Scenario)
If you are a nurse in the UK on a Health and Care Worker visa:
Typical ILR requirements:
5 years working in the UK
NHS or care employer sponsorship
Salary meets NHS band rate
Pass Life in the UK Test
Absences under 180 days per year
Then you can apply for settlement (ILR).
✔ Once you get ILR, you can:
Stay in the UK permanently
Change jobs freely
Access public funds
Apply for British citizenship after 12 months
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