United Kingdom · work · guide
UK ILR for Skilled Workers: requirements and costs
This guide is for Skilled Worker and Tier 2 visa holders who want to settle permanently in the UK.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 18 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-tier-2-t2-skilled-worker-visa
Who can apply
You must have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years. You must also meet the salary requirements.[1][2][3]
You must continue to be needed for your job after you get indefinite leave to remain. You must also continue to meet the salary requirements.[4]
If you are aged 18 to 64, you must book and pass the Life in the UK Test.[5]
What you need to show
You must get a document from your employer. This document must confirm that you are still needed for your job and that you meet the salary requirements.[6][7]
You must have your biometric information taken. This includes your fingerprints and a photo.[8][9]
Costs and money
The application costs £3,226 for each person applying.[10]
You can pay extra to get a faster decision. You can pay £500 extra for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days. You can also pay £1,000 extra for the super priority service.[11][12][13]
Timing
You must not apply earlier than 28 days before you have been in the UK for 5 years on a qualifying visa. Do not wait until your current visa expires to apply. If your current visa expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, you must renew your current visa first.[14][15][16]
You will usually get a decision within 6 months of giving your biometric information. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you get a decision.[17][18]
Checklist
- Live and work in the UK for 5 years.[1]
- Meet the salary requirements.[3]
- Get a document from your employer confirming you are still needed and meet the salary requirements.[6]
- Book and pass the Life in the UK Test if you are aged 18 to 64.[5]
- Have your fingerprints and photo taken for biometric information.[8]
- Pay the application fee of £3,226 per person.[10]
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker?
It costs £3,226 for each person applying.[10]
Can I get a faster decision on my application?
Yes. You can pay £500 extra for a decision within 5 working days, or £1,000 extra for the super priority service.[11][12][13]
How long do I need to live in the UK before applying?
When is the earliest I can apply?
You can apply up to 28 days before you have been in the UK for 5 years on a qualifying visa.[14]
What happens if my current visa is about to expire?
You must not wait until your current visa expires to apply. If it expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, you must renew your current visa first.[15][16]
Can I travel outside the UK while my application is being processed?
No. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you get a decision.[18]
How long does it take to get a decision?
You will usually get a decision within 6 months of providing your biometric information.[17]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.