Indefinite leave to remain if you have a Skilled Worker, T2 or tier 2 visa

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Overview

You may be able to settle permanently in the UK if you have one of the following visas:

  • Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General)
  • T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
  • International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)

Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It’s also called ‘settlement’. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.

‘T2’ visas have replaced ‘Tier 2’ visas. If you have a Tier 2 visa, you can still apply for indefinite leave to remain if you meet the requirements.

Eligibility

You must:

  • have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years - there are rules for what counts towards your time in the UK
  • meet the salary requirements
  • continue to be needed for your job and meet the salary requirements after you get indefinite leave to remain - you’ll need a document from your employer (sponsor) to confirm this

If you’re not eligible using your T2 or Skilled worker visa, there are other ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Knowledge of language and life in the UK

If you’re 18 to 64 you’ll need to book and pass the Life in the UK Test.

You do not need to prove you meet the English language requirements when you apply to settle using your Skilled Worker, T2 or Tier 2 visa. This is because you did this when you applied for your visa.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 28 days before you’ve been in the UK for 5 years on a qualifying visa. Check which visas count towards your time in the UK. Your application may be refused if you apply earlier.

Do not wait until your current visa expires. If your visa expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to renew it first.

Fees and how long it takes

It costs £2,885 for each person applying. You can include your partner and children on the same application form, if they’re eligible.

You’ll each need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - there’s no fee for this.

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get a faster decision on your application

You can pay an extra £500 to use the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £1,000 to use the super priority service to get a decision:

  • by the end of the next working day after providing your fingerprints and photo (known as ‘biometric information’) if your appointment is on a weekday
  • 2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.