UK Tier-1 to ILR - Important questions

[Common-Man]

Hi,

I will be completing 5 years in the UK on a Tier-1 visa in Oct 2015, but am a bit concerned about a couple of things with regards to eligibility for ILR.

a) Address: For the past one year, due to an unemployment situation, I and my family moved into my sister's house(owned by her) to save on rent. I am now employed and am still continuing to stay at my sister's place to build up my funds.

q1) Will I have to show address proof (i.e. that I was living in a independant rented accomodation) for all 5 years
q2) Assuming that address proof is required for only last 12 months as on date of application of ILR, can I still continue to stay at my sister's place or I will have to look for an independant accomodation.

b) Earnings: Am I required to show a particular level of earnings for all 5 years or is it that only the last 12 months as on date of application matters. As I have explained earlier, there was a gap of close to 1 year when I was jobless (though had a limited company) again with no/little earnings.
If it is for the last 12 months as on date of ILR application, then I am ok because I am now working and can show the necessary leve of income.

Look forward to advice from forum members.

Thanks,
Common Man

[O_Relly]

Accommodation proof is not a requirement for ILR. The only thing about accommodation is if you have dependant partner applying to extend or settle, then you will require proof of cohabitation, such as council tax bills, gas and elec bills etc. Alternatively bank stmts to the same address can be provided as well.

As long as you have sufficient earnings to qualify with 75 or 80 points at the time of your settlement, you should be fine, it need to be entire 12 months of employment prior to ILR application. 6 months earnings is enough if you qualify.

Note: Maintenance funds is not a requirement for ILR.