Skilled Worker settlement
Settlement route for Skilled Worker and Tier 2 (General) visa holders after completing 5 continuous years of lawful sponsored residence in the UK.
Who this pathway suits
Sponsored professionals completing 5 years of continuous employment in the UK.
Eligibility at a glance
- 5 continuous years on Skilled Worker, Tier 2, or permitted combining routes
- Salary meeting the higher of the general settlement threshold or occupation going rate
- Absences under 180 days in any 12-month period
- Passed Life in the UK Test and CEFR B1 English
- Employer confirmation of ongoing employment requirement
How the process works
- Apply online up to 28 days before 5-year anniversary
- Upload employer letter and bank statements
- Biometrics at UKVCAS
- ILR grant
Documents you will typically need
- Employer confirmation letter, recent payslip, bank statement, Life in the UK pass reference, English certificate, passport
What to keep in mind
Continuous residence is strictly calculated on a rolling 12-month basis.
Official source: GOV.UK — Skilled Worker settlement. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.
Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for Skilled Worker settlement
Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.
Supporting Tools & Verification Checklists
Institutional Legal Services & Representation
Comparable Pathways Across Other Destinations
Related Category Pathways
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
Family route settlement
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Long residence settlement
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
EU Settlement Scheme — eligibility/status guidance
Status-sensitive: clearly label closed/legacy/current status; verify before publication.

