Transitioning from a Tier 2 visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is one of the most important milestones for skilled workers in the UK. It represents more than just a legal status—it’s a path to long-term stability, full employment rights, and eventually British citizenship.
At Salam Immigration, we know that many applicants underestimate the complexity of the process. Understanding the tier 2 to ilr requirements is critical, not only for your own application but also for any dependants applying with you. A mistake or oversight can lead to refusal, wasted time, and lost fees.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about moving from a Tier 2 visa (now classed under the Skilled Worker route) to ILR. We’ll cover eligibility rules, required documents, timelines, dependants’ rights, and the most common refusal reasons.
Eligibility Criteria for Tier 2 to ILR
Meeting the tier 2 to ilr requirements starts with satisfying the Home Office’s eligibility rules. Not every Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa holder qualifies immediately, and failing to understand the details can delay settlement. Below are the key criteria applicants must meet:
1. Continuous Residence Requirement
- You must have spent five years lawfully in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker visa.
- Absences from the UK must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period.
- Evidence of travel, such as entry and exit stamps, employer travel confirmations, or flight itineraries, may be required.
- Exceptional absences (e.g., due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, serious illness, or work duties abroad) may be considered if properly explained.
2. Valid Sponsorship and Employment
- According to the new Uk immigration rules, you must still be employed by a licensed UK sponsor at the time of your ILR application.
- Your role must meet the updated ILR salary thresholds:
From 22 July 2025 (new rules):
- General minimum: £41,700 per year (£17.13 per hour) or 100% of the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher.
- Health and Care roles: £31,300 per year or the lower “going rate” for the occupation (or national pay scale, if applicable).
- Discounts (PhD, shortage occupation, under 26) no longer apply at ILR stage. These only apply at the initial Skilled Worker visa stage.
3. Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL)
- You need to pass both:
- The Life in the UK Test.
- An approved English language test at B1 level or higher, unless exempt (e.g., nationals of majority English-speaking countries, or degree taught in English).
4. Good Character and Immigration History
- No history of serious criminal convictions, immigration breaches, or overstaying.
- Previous visa compliance will be carefully examined.
5. Dependants’ Eligibility
- Spouses, partners, and children under 18 can apply for ILR alongside the main applicant if they also complete five years of continuous residence in the UK.
- Different residence rules may apply if dependants entered the UK later than the main applicant.
Required Documents for ILR Application
The Home Office is strict about paperwork. Even if you meet all the tier 2 to ilr requirements, missing or incomplete documents can lead to refusal. Preparing a complete file is one of the most critical parts of the process.
1. Proof of Identity and Immigration Status
- Valid passport (current and expired, if relevant).
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
- Previous visas and immigration documents.
2. Employment and Sponsorship Evidence
- Employer’s confirmation letter stating:
- Job title, SOC code, and description.
- Current salary.
- Confirmation of continued employment.
- Recent payslips (typically 3–6 months).
- Latest P60 or tax documents.
3. Continuous Residence Evidence
- Travel history (passports with entry/exit stamps, flight bookings).
- Employer travel confirmations if absences were work-related.
- Explanatory letters for absences exceeding 180 days (if applicable).
4. Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate.
- Approved English test certificate (B1 or above), or proof of exemption.
5. Dependants’ Documentation
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Birth certificates for children.
- Evidence of cohabitation (e.g., joint tenancy agreements, bills, bank statements) covering the required period.
6. Financial Documents (if requested)
While the ILR route from Tier 2 generally relies on employment, the Home Office may still request supporting financial records, such as bank statements, to confirm stability.
7. Additional Supporting Documents
- Police registration certificate (if applicable).
- Letters explaining any irregularities in work, absences, or immigration history.
- Cover letter from the applicant or solicitor outlining the application and clarifying potential issues.
Application Process for Tier 2 to ILR
Understanding the application process is just as important as meeting the tier 2 to ilr requirements. Even well-qualified applicants can run into problems if they don’t follow the correct steps or miss deadlines.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the five-year residence period, salary requirements, and language/life in the UK criteria. Many applicants submit prematurely, only to face rejection.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents in advance (see previous section). Double-check dates on payslips, contracts, and travel records to ensure consistency.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
- Applications for ILR must be submitted online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
- You will complete the SET(O) form for Skilled Worker/Tier 2 settlement.
- Pay the relevant Home Office fee (currently £2,885 per applicant, subject to change). Dependants pay the same fee.
Step 4: Biometric Enrolment
- You will be required to attend a UKVCAS appointment to enrol biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
- Supporting documents can usually be uploaded online in advance, though some must be presented in person.
Step 5: Waiting Period
- Standard processing time: up to 6 months.
- Priority service (if available): decision within 5 working days.
- Super priority service (if available): decision within 24 hours.
- Availability of faster services varies by location and application type.
Step 6: Decision and BRP Collection
- If approved, you will receive a Biometric Residence Permit confirming Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Refusals are communicated with reasons and appeal/review options.
Step 7: Impact on Immigration Status
- ILR grants permanent residence and freedom from sponsorship requirements.
- You are no longer tied to an employer and gain access to benefits and home fee status for higher education.
- After holding ILR for 12 months, most individuals become eligible to apply for British citizenship.
Continuous Residence and Absence Rules
The Home Office pays close attention to residence history. Even if you meet every other condition, breaching the continuous residence requirement can lead to an outright refusal.
What Counts as Continuous Residence?
- You must spend 5 consecutive years in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker visa.
- Your visa periods must overlap without significant gaps between grants.
- Switching jobs or employers is allowed, provided you held valid leave at all times.
Absence Allowances
- You cannot exceed 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period.
- Days are calculated by date of entry and exit, not simply the duration of the trip.
- The rule applies separately for each 12-month period, not averaged across the 5 years.
Valid Reasons for Absences
Absences are most often accepted when they are:
- Work-related (official overseas postings, business travel, secondments).
- Compassionate grounds (serious illness, bereavement, or compelling family emergencies).
- Exceptional events (COVID-19 travel restrictions, natural disasters, border closures).
Evidence Required
- Employer’s letter confirming overseas duties.
- Medical letters for compassionate grounds.
- Travel tickets and passport stamps to verify dates.
- Clear explanations in cover letters for any extended absence.
Dependants’ Continuous Residence
- Spouses/partners and children must also meet the continuous residence rules, though the Home Office is sometimes more flexible with child absences for schooling abroad.
- Dependants who joined later will have their own 5-year clock for ILR.
Salary Thresholds and Employment Requirements
Meeting the tier 2 to ilr requirements means satisfying not just salary conditions but also proving that your employment remains valid, continuous, and at the correct level at the time you apply for settlement. Recent rule changes, effective from 22 July 2025, have significantly raised ILR salary thresholds and removed previous concessions.
1. ILR Salary Threshold (from 22 July 2025)
Skilled Worker visa holders applying for ILR must now meet the full experienced worker salary test:
- Standard roles: Must earn the greater of £41,700 per year or 100% of the occupation’s going rate. An hourly minimum of £17.13 applies (based on a maximum 48-hour workweek).
- Health and Care roles (including ASHE-rate jobs): Must earn the greater of £31,300 per year or the lower going rate applicable (or the national pay scale, where relevant).
2. No Salary Discounts Allowed at ILR
At the ILR stage, the Home Office no longer accepts previously allowed “tradeable points” salary discounts—such as those for:
- PhD holders (STEM or non-STEM)
- New entrants (e.g., graduates under age 26)
- Jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL)
These concessions applied only during the initial Skilled Worker visa eligibility—not at ILR. Hence, ILR applicants must meet the standard full salary threshold with no allowances.
3. Transitional Salary Rules (for CoS before 4 April 2024)
If your most recent Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 4 April 2024 and you have held continuous permission since then, transitional ILR salary rules apply (only until 4 April 2030):
- Must be paid the greater of £31,300 per year, or £25,000 per year if your role is (or was) on the Immigration Salary List, or the lower going rate—whichever is higher.
- Applicants in certain protected SOC codes (e.g., chemistry, science, higher education professionals) may qualify at £25,000 per year or the higher going rate.
4. Role Eligibility & Occupational Codes
- The role must still be listed under eligible Skilled Occupation Codes (SOC 2020) and meet the regulated skill level (most cases now RQF Level 6+). SOC codes and job descriptions must align accurately with your duties for Home Office validation.
5. Employment & Sponsorship Conditions
- You must remain employed (and sponsored) by a licensed UK sponsor when applying for ILR.
- Your employer must submit a confirmation letter affirming that your role continues to meet the ILR salary threshold and that your employment remains required for the foreseeable future.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Assuming earlier salary discounts still apply at settlement—many applications fail if salary drops below full thresholds.
- Inadequate preparation around transitional rules or misunderstanding which salary rules apply to your situation.
- Not verifying that the job’s “going rate” aligns with SOC code data for your region.
Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) Requirement
Even if you meet the salary, residence, and employment conditions, you cannot achieve ILR without fulfilling the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement. This is designed to show integration into UK society and competence in English.
Life in the UK Test
- A mandatory computer-based test covering UK history, culture, politics, and daily life.
- Consists of 24 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 45 minutes.
- You must score at least 75% (18 correct answers) to pass.
- The pass certificate has no expiry date and can be reused for future applications.
English Language Requirement
You must prove knowledge of English at B1 CEFR level or above. This can be satisfied by:
- Passing a recognised speaking and listening test from an approved provider.
- Holding a degree taught in English (must be verified via NARIC/ECCTIS if awarded outside the UK).
- Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).
Exemptions
You do not need to prove English language ability if:
- You are under 18 or over 65 at the time of application.
- You have a long-term physical or mental condition preventing test participation (requires medical evidence).
Why KoLL Matters
- Applications without valid test certificates are refused outright.
- Fraudulent or expired certificates are grounds for refusal and can harm future applications.
- Even dependants must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English requirement (unless exempt) to secure ILR.
ILR Requirements for Dependants
Dependants — usually partners and children — can apply for ILR alongside the main Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa holder, but their eligibility is not automatic. They must meet their own version of the tier 2 to ilr requirements.
Who Qualifies as a Dependant?
- Spouses or civil partners.
- Unmarried partners (must prove at least 2 years of cohabitation).
- Children under 18 at the time of application (children over 18 may still qualify if already on dependant status).
Continuous Residence for Dependants
- Dependants must complete 5 years of lawful residence in the UK on dependant visas linked to the main applicant.
- Absence rules apply, though the Home Office is sometimes more flexible with children.
- Time spent in the UK before becoming a dependant (e.g., on a student visa) does not count.
Relationship Evidence
- Proof of subsisting relationship:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or bank statements.
- Evidence of living together consistently throughout the qualifying period.
- For children: birth certificates and proof of dependency (school letters, GP registration).
KoLL Requirement for Dependants
- Adult dependants (aged 18–65) must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement.
- Children are exempt.
Timing of Applications
- Dependants should apply at the same time as the main applicant where possible.
- If a dependant has not yet completed 5 years, they can extend as a dependant and apply for ILR later.
Common Pitfalls
- Dependants not meeting the 5-year requirement due to late entry to the UK.
- Insufficient relationship evidence for unmarried partners.
- Assuming children’s eligibility without showing dependency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the basic Tier 2 to ILR requirements?
The core tier 2 to ilr requirements are: five years of continuous residence in the UK on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa, valid sponsorship, meeting the salary threshold, passing the Life in the UK Test, proving English language ability, and having a clean immigration and criminal history. Dependants must also meet their own residence and KoLL requirements.
2. Can I apply for ILR if I change employers during my 5 years?
Yes, as long as each change was properly approved by the Home Office and you held valid leave at all times. Continuous residence is not broken if you switched jobs under the correct Tier 2/Skilled Worker procedures. Employment must still meet the tier 2 to ilr requirements at the date of application.
3. What if my salary falls below the threshold?
If your salary drops below the required level, your ILR application may be refused. However, exceptions apply for shortage occupations, healthcare workers, and new entrants under 26. Temporary dips due to maternity/paternity leave, sickness, or statutory leave can sometimes be accepted with evidence. Always check whether your role still qualifies under the tier 2 to ilr requirements before applying.
4. Do unpaid leave or career breaks affect my ILR application?
Yes. Long unpaid leave may impact both the salary threshold and continuous residence rules. Absences from the UK during unpaid leave count towards the 180-day absence limit. If you take extended leave, seek advice early to avoid breaching the tier 2 to ilr requirements.
5. Do dependants have to meet the same tier 2 to ILR requirements?
Not exactly. Dependants must complete five years in the UK on dependant visas, pass the Life in the UK Test (if over 18), and meet the English language requirement. Children under 18 are exempt from the KoLL tests. Each dependant is assessed individually against their own version of the tier 2 to ilr requirements.
6. How strict are the continuous residence rules?
Very strict. The Home Office counts every day outside the UK, and exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period usually leads to refusal. Only exceptional circumstances, such as medical treatment or government travel restrictions, are accepted. Keeping a detailed travel log is essential for meeting the tier 2 to ilr requirements.
7. Can I apply for ILR earlier than 5 years?
In most cases, no. The five-year residence period is mandatory under the tier 2 to ilr requirements. The only exceptions are applicants who qualify under different settlement routes, such as long residence (10 years) or certain exceptional talent visas, but these are not based on Tier 2.
8. What happens if my ILR application is refused?
If you fail to meet the tier 2 to ilr requirements, you will receive a refusal letter explaining why. You may have the right to an administrative review or reapply with corrected documentation. In some cases, you must extend your Skilled Worker visa again until you meet all requirements.
9. Is the Life in the UK Test difficult?
It requires preparation. Many applicants underestimate the test and fail on their first attempt. Since it is a fixed part of the tier 2 to ilr requirements, you should study official guides and practice questions before booking.
10. Can time spent on another visa count towards the 5 years?
No. Only time spent lawfully in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker visa counts towards the tier 2 to ilr requirements. Previous visas such as student or visitor visas do not contribute to the 5-year settlement clock.
Secure Your ILR with Salam Immigration
Meeting the tier 2 to ilr requirements is a complex process — from tracking absences and proving salary thresholds to preparing dependant applications and passing the Life in the UK Test. A single error can delay your settlement or lead to refusal.
At Salam Immigration, we specialise in guiding skilled workers and their families through every stage of the Tier 2 to ILR journey.
Don’t leave your future in the UK to chance. Contact Salam Immigration today
you can also check our recent blog on self sponsorship visa UK home office
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