How long does it take to get ILR on the Skilled Worker route?

The qualifying period is 5 years of continuous residence on a Skilled Worker visa (or the former Tier 2 General visa). After 5 years, you can apply for ILR. Processing the application then takes up to 6 months on the standard service.

What salary do I need for Skilled Worker ILR?

You must meet the salary threshold at the time of your ILR application. This is the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for your specific occupation. Transitional arrangements may apply if your visa was granted before recent threshold increases.

Do I still need my employer to sponsor me after ILR?

No. Once you have ILR, you no longer need a sponsor. You can work for any employer, be self-employed, or start your own business without any immigration restrictions.

ILR on the Skilled Worker Route: Complete Guide

Q: Can I change employers during the 5-year qualifying period?

Yes, you can change employers, but you must get a new certificate of sponsorship and apply for a new Skilled Worker visa before starting with the new employer. Ensure there are no gaps in your sponsorship, as gaps can affect your qualifying period.

The Skilled Worker route to ILR requires 5 years of continuous residence with a valid Skilled Worker visa (or previous Tier 2 General visa), meeting the salary threshold, no more than 180 days absence per year, passing the Life in the UK test, and demonstrating English at B1 level. After ILR, you are free to work for any employer without sponsorship.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for ILR on the Skilled Worker route, you must meet all of the following requirements at the time of your application:

5 years continuous residence: You must have spent 5 continuous years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa or the former Tier 2 (General) visa. See our qualifying period guide for how to calculate your start date.
Current sponsorship: You must be currently sponsored and employed in a role that qualifies under the Skilled Worker route.
Salary threshold: Your salary must meet the current salary threshold. This is the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for your occupation.
Absence limits: No more than 180 days absent from the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period. See our absence rules guide.
English language: CEFR B1 level in speaking and listening. See English language for ILR.
Life in the UK test: You must have passed the Life in the UK test.

For full official guidance, see the GOV.UK Skilled Worker ILR page.

The Application Process

Confirm eligibility: Check that you have completed 5 years and meet all the requirements listed above.
Gather documents: See our ILR documents checklist for everything you need.
Apply online: Complete the application on GOV.UK.
Pay fees: The application fee plus IHS. See our cost breakdown.
Book biometrics: Attend a UKVCAS appointment for biometrics.
Wait for decision: Standard processing takes approximately 6 months. See our 2026 processing times or consider priority service.

Changing Employers During the Qualifying Period

You can change employers during the 5-year qualifying period, but you must ensure:

Your new employer has a valid sponsor licence and assigns you a new certificate of sponsorship before you start.
You apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with the new sponsor before starting work.
There are no gaps between the end of one sponsorship and the start of another. Time on section 3C leave between applications generally counts.

What Your Employer Needs to Do

Your employer does not apply for ILR on your behalf; that is your personal application. However, they need to:

Confirm your employment details in writing
Provide a letter confirming your job title, salary, and start date
Ensure your certificate of sponsorship is still active
Not withdraw your sponsorship before your ILR is granted

Documents Checklist for Skilled Worker ILR

Key documents specific to the Skilled Worker route include:

All passports covering the 5-year period
Current BRP
Employer letter confirming current employment, salary, and start date
Payslips for the qualifying period (at least 6 months, ideally all 5 years)
P60s for each tax year
Bank statements showing salary payments
Life in the UK test pass certificate
English language evidence

See our complete ILR documents checklist for the full list.

After ILR on the Skilled Worker Route

Once you have ILR, you are no longer tied to your sponsor. See our ILR rights and benefits guide for what changes. If you want to pursue British citizenship, see our ILR to citizenship journey.

You are also entitled to a refund of any IHS paid beyond your ILR grant date. See our IHS refund guide.