Advice please

[Ameer85]

Hello
I submitted my application from inside the UK to switch from a Tier 4 (Student) dependent visa to a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa on 8th July 2020 to start my new Job as a doctor in the NHS

Due to the significant delays caused by the pandemic and the closure of many UKVI centres, my visa was not approved until 2nd November 2020. In the interim, I began working for the NHS as a doctor on 5th August 2020, based on the guidance available at that time, which permitted individuals who submitted visa applications to commence work while awaiting the UKVI decision.

Given this, could you please specifically clarify which date I should use to start counting toward my ILR qualifying period: The date I started working for the NHS under COVID-19 provisions (5th August 2020, which is the same as listed on my Certificate of Sponsorship), my Tier 2 visa application date (8th July 2020), or the visa approval date (2nd November 2020)?

I would appreciate further clarification regarding the ILR qualifying start date in light of the exceptional COVID-19 guidance.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to hearing back from you.

[zimba]

The rules allow skilled workers to count the time since their initial application submission date towards their ILR, assuming they applied between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 and their application was subsequently granted:

Due to major disruption to UKVI services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tier 2
(General) and Skilled Worker applicants in the UK were permitted to start work for
their sponsors while waiting for decisions on their applications. This time while they
were waiting, but able to work, also counts towards the continuous 5-year period.
The applicant must have been in the UK with permission (including as a visitor or
with Exceptional Assurance), and the application must have been:

• for permission to stay
• made between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive)
• supported by a CoS on the date of application
• granted

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... worker.pdf