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I hope you are all well.

I'm counting on seeing when my 5 years are up. I would like to get your opinion and see if I'm doing it correctly.


Tier 1 Entrepreneur: 22/04/2021 until Tier 2 started
- Time outside country: 01/12/2022 to 04/03/2023 – around 93 days
Tier 2 Skilled worker: 03/04/2024, valid until 04/07/2026
-Time outside country: 18/01/2025 to 26/02/2025 – around 36 days

I understand the ILR application can be submitted 28days earlier than when 5 years is expected to reach.

Is it safe to submit the application on the 1st of April 2026?


Kind regards, and thank you in advance for the responses.

READ --> All you need to know about applying early, the application date, 28-day concession and more

zimba wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 05, 2026 12:15 am

READ --> All you need to know about applying early, the application date, 28-day concession and more

Thank you for the link, very informative.

Do you think I have the 5 years covered by April 1st?


Kind regards

You do not need 5 years. I explained everything in that link

zimba wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 05, 2026 1:53 pm

You do not need 5 years. I explained everything in that link

Explained well indeed. Just trying to see if I understand the rules and apply them correctly.

I think I will have completed the 5 years by 22/04/2026, which is 25/03/2026 if applied 28 days early.

I am wondering now, is submitting the application on the 1st of April a safe choice?


Kind regards

The day you submit your application is irrelevant. Again, read the advice given

So, how can you calculate your earliest date of ILR eligibility ??

1. You will assume a date of ILR decision (this can be the date of your biometrics if applying for priority service)
2. You then subtract (Your ILR qualifying period - 28 days) from that date, so counting backwards. Your ILR qualifying period could be 3, 5 or 10 years, depending on your immigration route.
3. This new date should be on or after the date of first visa approval.

Formula ---> The date of decision - (Your ILR qualifying period - 28 days)