ILR Eligibility Date - COVID Concession

[midhun3197]

In accordance with the Special Covid exception set out in Skilled Worker Appendix SW 21.2 (i), permission may be granted on any other route during the time the applicant was waiting for a decision on their application as a Skilled Worker, provided that the application:

(i) was for permission to stay;
(ii) was made between 24 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive);
(iii) was supported at the time of application by a certificate of sponsorship assigned by a licensed sponsor; and
(iv) was granted.

I applied for the Skilled Worker visa switch from the Tier 5 GAE visa on 23rd June 2021 and made the payment, but my biometrics were completed on 1st July 2021. I did not start working for my employer until 3rd September 2021, just a few weeks before my visa was granted on 23rd September 2021, as that was when the graduate scheme commenced; I was working in my previous Tier 5 role until then.

Am I correct in assuming that my five-year residence period will be counted from 23rd June 2021? Therefore, can I apply for ILR around May 2026 (28 days before the application date of 23rd June 2021), even though I did not start working with the employer until September?

[zimba]

Yes you are correct that COVID concession applies to you

[midhun3197]

Yes you are correct that COVID concession applies to you

Thanks @zimba.

Could I also ask if it’s acceptable to get the employer letter two months in advance just in case of potential HR delays? Will it be a concern at all how far in advance the letter is issued?

[CR001]

The employer letter cannot be older than 28 days on the date you apply for ilr.