ILR application guidance

[dsraj]

Hi All,

Please could you help me with the right date and method to apply for ILR.

My husband recently got ILR through long residence route. Myself and my daughter are on skilled worker dependent visa that is valid until 25 April 2026. Our history of visas are as below.

UK first BRP issue date for ICT dependent visa - 11-June-2016

UK first entry - 26-June-2016

Skilled worker visa - 20-Jan-2021

Skilled worker dependent visa - 24-Aug-2023

From what date should I consider for 28 days before criteria for ILR application?

Which is the best option - to apply for skilled worker dependent visa extension and then vary the application once I am eligible for ILR (and if I didn't get the decision until then) and this is going to cost me a lot

Or

To apply for ILR directly and then delay the biometric until we are eligible. The concern here is as per latest statement of changes home office is going to reuse biometric data and in that case its a risk for us.

With long residence route on the verge of abolition I am really worried and confused on the right action. Kindly help.

[zimba]

Did you move to the skilled worker route as main applicant in 2021 and then became a dependant in 2023 ??

[dsraj]

Yes that's right

[dsraj]

Yes that's right as I lost my job

[zimba]

What changes are you talking about ?

For now, the normal process is biometrics appointment. IDV app is not used for long residence applications yet as far as I know. The replacement of the long residence route with earned settlement is still at proposal/consultation stage, so official changes yet to be announced. The most recent statement of changes from several days ago did not mention anything.

You can apply before visa expiry, delay the biometrics until you are within 28 days of completing your 10 years.

I suggest reading -->Long Residence settlement route (effective 11 April 2024)

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