Earliest date to apply for ILR - Skilled Worker Visa - Outside UK

[Sp1190]

Thank you, Appreciate your response!

[Sp1190]

Dear Zimba,

Thank you for your response.

Based on your explanation, if the date of the ILR application is not a critical factor, would it be acceptable for me to submit my application early at the end of March 2026 to remain under the current ILR rules, for example, on 31st March 2026? I would then delay the biometric appointment by 45 working days, which would fall around 5th June 2026, and opt for the priority service. This way, I could potentially receive the ILR decision by 8th or 9th June 2026.

For reference, my first BRP was issued on 21st June 2021. Considering the 5-year qualifying period minus 28 days, my qualifying date would be 24th May 2026.

Do you think this approach is appropriate and relevant?

Thank you for your guidance.

Dear Zimba,

Thank you for all your guidance, if I follow this approach and is it Ok, to go for priority service and get decision by 8th or 9th June 2026(Considering the 5-year qualifying period minus 28 days, my qualifying date would be 24th May 2026.) or decision should come after 21st June 2026(5 years to my first visa issues/BRP date)?

Many Thanks

[zimba]

What is the 28-day concession ?

The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your qualifying period.
In a nutshell, this means you can get ILR without fully completing your full qualifying period.
This is a procedural concession offered by UKVI that applies to all ILR applications. It is not part of the immigration rule

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

[Sp1190]

What is the 28-day concession ?

The 28-day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your qualifying period.
In a nutshell, this means you can get ILR without fully completing your full qualifying period.
This is a procedural concession offered by UKVI that applies to all ILR applications. It is not part of the immigration rule

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

Dear Zimba,

Thank you very much for your continued support and for kindly addressing my reporting-related questions. I am feeling slightly anxious about my timelines and would appreciate your confirmation that my below proposed approach is acceptable.

Below is the ILR timeline I am planning to follow:

First BRP issue date: 21 June 2021

21st June 2021- 5 years - 28 days: 24 May 2026 (earliest eligible date to apply for ILR)

Planned early ILR application date: 30 March 2026, in order to remain under the current ILR rules

Application type: Priority service (5 working days)

Biometric appointment: 3 June 2026
(Approximately 40–45 working days after the application date, intentionally delayed)

Expected ILR decision date: 10 June 2026
(This date falls after 24 May 2026, thereby completing the qualifying residence period)

My understanding is that the 28-day concession allows an ILR application to be submitted up to 28 days before completing the full five-year qualifying period. As such, I understand that I do not need to wait until 21 June 2026, and that ILR can be granted provided the qualifying period( 24th May 2026) is completed by the date of decision.

I would be grateful if you could please please confirm whether this approach will work as intended???

Apologies for the repeated queries, just anxious and trying to get everything write and not get confused with comments from other moderators.

Many thanks for your support.

[zimba]

I have confirmed this several times now. Not sure why you keep doubting this

[Sp1190]

I have confirmed this several times now. Not sure why you keep doubting this

Dear Zimba,

I would like to clarify that I am not doubting your advice or the comments provided by the moderators. Previously, I had been considering different dates, and I am now asking a new question based on a revised set of dates. I would therefore appreciate your confirmation that the approach outlined below is acceptable.

Specifically, I am proposing to:

Submit my ILR application early on 30 March 2026

Intentionally delay my biometric appointment by approximately 45 working days, to 3 June 2026

Receive the ILR decision on or around 10 June 2026, which is after my ILR qualifying date of 24 May 2026

Could you please confirm whether this approach is acceptable under the ILR rules?

Thank you very much for your continued support

[Sp1190]

Dear Zimba,

Would really appreciate your response on above?

Many Thanks

[zimba]

The logic remains the same, change of date do not change the advice I already advised you on this

[Sp1190]

Thanks Zimba!