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Hello Experts,

I first entered the UK in August 2015 on a Short-Term ICT visa. In July 2016, I transitioned to a Long-Term ICT visa, which I renewed annually until May 2021. At that point, I switched to a Skilled Worker visa (PBS), which remains valid until May 2026.

I am now preparing to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 10-year long residence route. I plan to use the standard service, which typically takes up to six months for a decision.

I also have a one-week trip to Europe scheduled for September 2026.

My Questions:

Am I allowed to travel outside the UK after submitting my ILR application, given that my Skilled Worker visa is valid until May 2026?

Should I go ahead and submit my ILR application now and proceed with my business trip, or would it be better to wait until after the trip to apply?

Thanks,
Aritra

Apply once you return.

Leaving the uk while you have an application pending will result in your application being withdrawn and losing your fees.

Thanks a lot for your response.

I obtained my ILR in November 2025 through the 10-year route(First entry in UK Aug'25).

My wife arrived in the UK in September 2016 on a Tier 2 ICT Long-Term Staff Partner visa as my dependent.
In May 2021, I switched to a PBS Skilled Worker visa, and she continued as my dependent under that category.

We are married and living together in UK since Spetember 2016.

Does she need to wait until April 2026 to apply for ILR as her 5 year completes in May'26 as PBS Dependent, or is there any way she can apply earlier under one of the following routes?

ILR for partner of a work visa holder

ILR for partner under family visa

I would appreciate your advice.
Thank you in advance for your support.

Your dependant is eligible to apply for ILR now under the skilled worker rules using form SET(O). The current ILR rules for skilled worker route do NOT care about the type of the dependant visa of your dependants as long as your spouse has been your 'dependant partner' for 5 years (even time spent under the family route counts). The fact that you settled under the long residence is irrelevant

Hi OP.. Did you apply ILR for your wife? I'm also in similar situation, I received my ILR through long residence route in Nov 25 and my wife has been in UK as dependent since Dec 2017(4 years as ICT dependent + 4years as SWV dependent)