Work out the earliest date you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), based on your route and when your qualifying period started.
Loading the tool…
Qualifying periods today
| Route | Qualifying period |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Scale-up, UK Ancestry | 5 years |
| Partner or parent of a British citizen or settled person | 5 years |
| Global Talent and Innovator Founder | 3 years (on most routes) |
| Long residence (any mix of lawful visas) | 10 years |
On most routes you can apply up to 28 days before you complete the qualifying period. You also need to meet the continuous residence rule, usually no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, plus the Life in the UK test and English requirement.
Worked example
A Skilled Worker who entered the UK on 6 November 2023 completes 5 years on 6 November 2028 and can apply from 9 October 2028, 28 days earlier.
Changes to watch
- English at B2: added to the Immigration Rules in March 2026, applying from 26 March 2027 to many routes, up from B1.
- Earned settlement: the government has consulted on making 10 years the standard qualifying period for many routes, with reductions for high earners and some public service workers. As of November 2026 no start date or transitional arrangements have been confirmed.
Because the rules may change before your date, check GOV.UK and consider legal advice if your plans depend on a 5-year route.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for ILR?
Up to 28 days before you complete your qualifying period, usually 5 years on the Skilled Worker and partner routes.
When does the 5 years start?
Usually from the date you entered the UK with the visa, or the date it was granted if you applied from inside the UK.
Is ILR changing to 10 years?
It has been proposed but not confirmed. As of November 2026, no date or transitional rules have been announced.
Do absences affect my date?
Yes. If you’ve been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months, your qualifying period may restart. Use the absence calculator to check.
Sources
Last updated: