When can I apply for ILR after switching to Skilled Worker?

You can apply for ILR when you have completed 5 continuous years (60 months) on qualifying immigration routes, primarily Skilled Worker. The 5 years must include the period immediately before the ILR application. You must also not have exceeded 180 days absence from the UK in any single 12-month period during that 5-year qualifying period. You can apply up to 28 days before the 5-year qualifying period is complete.

What is the 180-day absence rule for ILR?

During the 5-year qualifying period for ILR, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period. A single trip that exceeds 180 days, or multiple shorter trips that together exceed 180 days within a 12-month window, can make you ineligible for ILR. You should keep a travel record and calculate your absences carefully in the year before applying. Short trips home to Nigeria for family events are usually well within the 180-day limit if planned carefully.

How much does ILR cost in the UK?

The ILR application fee from inside the UK is £2,885 per applicant (2024 rate). There is no IHS to pay for ILR itself; the IHS is paid on the qualifying visa (Skilled Worker) before ILR. Dependants applying for ILR at the same time each pay £2,885. ILR applications submitted from outside the UK (settlement visas) have different fees. These fees are subject to change; verify at gov.uk before applying.

Can my dependants apply for ILR at the same time as me?

Yes. Dependants who have been in the UK on a Skilled Worker dependant visa for 5 continuous qualifying years can apply for ILR at the same time as the main applicant. Each dependant pays the same ILR fee (£2,885 in 2024). If a dependant has not been in the UK for the full 5 qualifying years (for example, if they arrived later), they must wait until they have their own 5 qualifying years before applying.

Does time on a Student visa count toward ILR?

Generally, no. Time on a Student visa does not count toward the 5-year qualifying period for ILR under the Skilled Worker route. Student visa time is not qualifying leave for ILR purposes under most routes. The 5-year ILR clock starts from the date of the first qualifying visa, which for most Nigerian graduates is the Skilled Worker visa start date.

What documents do I need for an ILR application?

Typical ILR documents include: a valid passport, evidence of 5 years qualifying leave (visa records), employment records for the qualifying period, evidence of salary and payslips, a record of absences from the UK, English language evidence (unless exempt), and a Life in the UK test pass certificate (if applicable). The exact document list depends on the specific ILR route and individual circumstances; verify the current requirements at gov.uk before preparing your application.

Can I apply for ILR before 5 years on Skilled Worker?

Only in limited circumstances, such as under the Global Talent Exceptional Promise route (3 years). Under the standard Skilled Worker route, 5 continuous qualifying years are required. You cannot substitute Graduate Route time for Skilled Worker time to reach the 5-year threshold earlier. There is no shortcut to ILR under the standard Skilled Worker route.

What if I change jobs during the Skilled Worker qualifying period?

Changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa does not break the qualifying period for ILR, provided you apply for a new Skilled Worker visa for the new employer before starting the new job. Each new employer requires a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new Skilled Worker application (paying fees again). Any gap between leaving one employer and the new Skilled Worker visa being granted should be avoided, as a gap in qualifying leave can affect ILR eligibility. Continuous qualifying leave is required.

What is the Life in the UK test and is it required for ILR?

The Life in the UK test is a knowledge test covering British history, culture, and institutions. It is required for most ILR applications from adults aged 18 to 64. The test consists of 24 questions and must be passed (75% or above) at an approved test centre. The fee is £50. Exemptions apply for those over 65, those with certain medical conditions, and in some other specific circumstances. You can book the test at officiallifeintheuk.co.uk.

How long does an ILR application take to process?

Standard ILR processing from inside the UK typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the biometric appointment. Same-day or next-day super priority processing is available at additional cost (approximately £1,000 to £1,500 extra). Priority processing (within 5 working days) is also available. During busy periods or if additional documentation is requested, standard processing can take longer. Plan the ILR application timing carefully, especially if your current Skilled Worker visa expires before the ILR decision is expected; Section 3C leave will protect your right to work and stay while the application is pending.

Does switching from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker reset my ILR clock?

No, it does not reset it per se, but the ILR clock only starts counting from when you are on a qualifying route. Time on Graduate Route is simply not added to your qualifying total. Switching to Skilled Worker starts the qualifying clock running. The total time to ILR is therefore 5 years from your Skilled Worker start date. If you switched on the first day of Graduate Route, your ILR date is 5 years from that switch date. If you waited until the end of Graduate Route to switch, your ILR date is 5 years later than it could have been.

UK ILR Date Calculator: Graduate Route + Skilled Worker Combo 2024

DeyWithMe ILR guide ↓

UK ILR Date Calculator: Graduate Route and Skilled Worker

Calculate your earliest ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) date based on your actual Skilled Worker start date. See how much ILR time you’ve already qualified and when you can apply.

Based on 2024 UK Home Office rules. ILR requires 5 continuous qualifying years on Skilled Worker. Graduate Route time does not count. Not immigration advice. Verify at gov.uk.

Student visa start date

When did your Student visa begin? Used to show total UK residence, not for ILR qualifying time.

Graduate Route start date

When did your Graduate Route visa begin? Typically 2-4 weeks after your degree completion date.

Skilled Worker switch date (actual or planned)

The date you switched or plan to switch to Skilled Worker. This is where your ILR qualifying clock starts. Earlier = earlier ILR.

Total days outside UK since Skilled Worker started

Must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period. Enter your best estimate. Leave at 0 if you have not left the UK.

0 days

Adjust in 10-day increments. Or type: days total

Dependants applying for ILR with you

Each dependant pays a separate ILR fee. Enter 0 if applying alone.

ILR Planning Mistakes Nigerian Graduates Make

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Counting Graduate Route years toward the ILR 5-year target

This is the single most expensive planning error. A Nigerian graduate who arrives in the UK at 23, spends 1 year studying, 2 years on Graduate Route, and then starts counting from the start of UK residence expects ILR at year 6 (1+2+3). The actual ILR eligibility is at year 8 (1+2+5), assuming they switch to Skilled Worker after the Graduate Route. The 5-year clock starts from Skilled Worker day 1, not from UK arrival.

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Staying on Graduate Route for the full 2 years before switching

Every month spent on Graduate Route is a month not qualifying for ILR. A graduate who switches to Skilled Worker in month 6 of Graduate Route achieves ILR 18 months earlier than one who waits until month 24. There is no benefit to holding the Graduate Route for longer than necessary after finding a qualifying job offer.

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Exceeding 180 days absence in a single 12-month period

Many Nigerian workers return home for extended periods during the qualifying period without tracking the rolling 12-month window. A single extended trip plus Christmas holidays can easily exceed 180 days in a 12-month period. Keep a travel log. Use the absence headroom figure in this tool to plan trips throughout the year.

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Not preparing for the Life in the UK test early enough

The Life in the UK test is required for most ILR applicants. Seats at test centres book up, especially in cities with large Nigerian communities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Start preparing 6 months before your ILR target date and book a test slot early. The test is not difficult with preparation but cannot be left to the last minute.

How the ILR Date Calculator Works

The calculator takes four key dates: when your Student visa started, when your Graduate Route began, when your Skilled Worker switch happened (or is planned), and your total absences from the UK. It then computes the earliest date you can apply for ILR.

Do Not Miss This Step: UK New Entrant Salary Checker

ILR Qualifying Clock  = Starts on Skilled Worker start date

Qualifying Target     = 5 years (1,825 days) on Skilled Worker

Earliest ILR Date     = SW Start Date + 5 years
                        (apply from SW Start + 5yr – 28 days)

GR Time Wasted        = SW Start Date – GR Start Date
                        (each day = 1 day added to total UK time)

Total UK Residence    = ILR Date – Student Visa Start

Absence Headroom      = 180 – total absence days in worst 12mo

The ILR clock starts on your Skilled Worker start date, not your UK arrival date. Student visa time and Graduate Route time do not count toward ILR under the Skilled Worker route. A Nigerian graduate who has been in the UK for 4 years before switching to Skilled Worker still needs 5 more years on Skilled Worker before ILR eligibility.

ILR Timeline Scenarios for Nigerian Graduates

Scenario	Student start	GR start	SW switch	GR time used	Earliest ILR	Total UK time
Switches immediately	Sep 2021	Sep 2023	Sep 2023	0 months	Sep 2028	7 years
Switches at 6 months	Sep 2021	Sep 2023	Mar 2024	6 months	Mar 2029	7.5 years
Switches at 12 months	Sep 2021	Sep 2023	Sep 2024	12 months	Sep 2029	8 years
Switches at 24 months (GR end)	Sep 2021	Sep 2023	Sep 2025	24 months	Sep 2030	9 years
PhD graduate, switches at 12mo	Sep 2019	Sep 2023	Sep 2024	12 months	Sep 2029	10 years

Every month earlier you switch is a month off the total time to ILR. The table above shows clearly: the student who switches in September 2023 (immediately) achieves ILR in September 2028 with 7 years total in the UK. The one who waits until the Graduate Route expires in September 2025 achieves ILR in September 2030 with 9 years total. That is a 2-year difference in ILR eligibility from a 2-year delay in switching. The cost of waiting is exactly equal to the waiting time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Graduate Route time count toward ILR?

No. Graduate Route time does not count toward ILR. The 5-year qualifying clock starts from your Skilled Worker start date. Graduate Route time is simply not added to the total. Switch to Skilled Worker as early as possible to minimise the total time to ILR.

When exactly can I apply for ILR?

You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before your 5-year qualifying period is complete, meaning from 4 years and 11 months on Skilled Worker. The qualifying period must complete while your leave is still valid. Apply before your current Skilled Worker visa expires, or use Section 3C leave protection if a renewal application is pending.

What is the 180-day absence rule?

During the 5-year qualifying period for ILR, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period. This is a rolling window, not a calendar year. Keep a travel record from the moment your Skilled Worker starts. Missing this rule is one of the most common reasons ILR applications are refused or delayed.

How much does ILR cost?

£2,885 per person (2024 rate). Dependants applying at the same time each pay £2,885. There is no IHS for ILR. The Life in the UK test is £50. Priority processing adds approximately £500 to £1,500. Total for a family of three: approximately £8,655 plus test and processing options.

What documents do I need for ILR?

Key documents typically include: valid passport, evidence of 5 years qualifying leave (visa stamps and endorsements), employment and salary evidence for the qualifying period, a complete travel record with dates of all absences, Life in the UK test pass certificate, and English language evidence if not exempt. Verify the current full document list at gov.uk before preparing the application.

Disclaimer: ILR eligibility is determined by the UK Home Office based on your complete immigration history, absences, and compliance with visa conditions. This calculator provides estimates based on date inputs only and does not account for all individual circumstances. The 180-day absence rule is a rolling calculation that requires a complete travel record to assess accurately. ILR fees and rules change. Verify all requirements at gov.uk before submitting an application. DeyWithMe is not affiliated with the UK Home Office. This is not immigration advice.

Do Not Miss This Step: UK Graduate Route Eligibility Checker

ILR plan copied

UK ILR Date Calculator

UK ILR Date Calculator: Graduate Route and Skilled Worker

How the ILR Date Calculator Works

ILR Timeline Scenarios for Nigerian Graduates

Frequently Asked Questions

UK Graduate Route Eligibility Checker

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UK Skilled Worker Salary Checker

UK New Entrant Salary Checker

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UK ILR Date Calculator: Graduate Route and Skilled Worker

How the ILR Date Calculator Works

ILR Timeline Scenarios for Nigerian Graduates

Frequently Asked Questions

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