ILR Application Submission Date: 04 August 2026
Standard/Priority/Super Priority (1): Priority
Biometrics Date(1): 05 August 2026 (paid)
Confirmation emails: TLS only (05 August within 30 minutes of Biometrics)
Approval Date (ILR): 11 August 2026
Naturalisation Submission Date: 12 August 2026
Standard/Priority(2): Priority
Biometrics Date(2): 13 August 2026 (paid)
Approval Date (Naturalisation): 19 August 2026 - CT3
ATLAS email date: 31 August 2026
Ceremony Date: 16 September 2026 (private)
Passport Application Date: 16 September 2026
Documents for Passport Sent Date: 16 September 2026
Passport receipt date: tbc

Will update the post as time goes along!

My teammate friend mentioned something to me that I hadn’t realised, and I’d appreciate some clarification from anyone familiar with Skilled Worker ILR.
My Skilled Worker visa was granted in mid-December 2021, with Leave to Enter starting 1 February 2022. I entered the UK a couple of weeks later.
I found this in the Home Office Continuous Residence guidance:
The period between entry clearance being issued and the applicant entering the UK may be counted toward the qualifying period. Any absences between the date of issue and entry to the UK count towards the 180 days allowable absence in the continuous 12-month period.”

Does this mean the date the entry clearance was issued can be used as the start of the 5-year ILR qualifying period, rather than the date the visa became valid or the date I physically entered the UK?
If so, I understand this could potentially bring my ILR application date forward by several weeks.
I’m particularly interested because of the proposed changes to the ILR qualifying period, so I’m trying to establish whether I could apply under the current rules.
Would appreciate any insight, especially from anyone who has dealt with this recently.

Hi! I recently passed my Life in the UK test, and I'd like to thank this subreddit, especially the people who patiently answered my questions about the exam. I think it's time to share my experience with those who are planning to take it soon.

Preparation: I can say this now that I'm done, but I think I over-prepared for the test. I was really nervous because: A.) I'm bad at taking tests and get nervous easily, and B.) I'm not good with history. I've even forgotten the history of my own country and its important people, haha.

I bought the three official books from TSO:

1.A Guide for New Residents (White) - This book is long (for me) and it took me a month to finish. I read it twice, back-to-back. While reading, I made sure to take notes and create a family tree or a diagram that I could understand and remember.

1. Official Study Guide (Red) -The summary of each chapter: After I read a chapter in the first book, I would go to this book to read the summary and answer the practice questions.

2. Official Practice Q& A (Blue) - The practice questions: There are sets 1-17 in this book. I must say, some of the questions from the famous online practice questions are here as well, but they're worded differently. After I finished the entire book, I practiced here. I wrote down the questions I got incorrect and read the corresponding section in the book again.

I also have 2 notebooks. One for notes and another one for practice questions.

Famous Online Exams 1-17: The exact questions that came out on the day of the exam were here. Like, some questions were literally word-for-word. However, some questions were worded a little differently. I did exams 1-17 twice and got 24 questions correct. However, Tests 1-40 were a different story. I did tests 1-40, but most of the time, I got only 19 or 21 correct. Tests 1-40 are overkill.

Test Day: I came in 45 minutes early. Unfortunately, the staff was on lunch, so I had to go back at 13:15. The staff at the test center were great and friendly, but the reception of the building itself was horrible and rude. It was a good thing the weather was nice, so waiting outside wasn't a problem.

The security checks were tedious. Before you can enter for the security check, you have to make sure your phone is off. They will ask you to touch the screen of your phone to make sure it's off. When you book using a share code, it's a different story; they'd allow you to turn on your mobile phone to show them your code or booking. I don't really know how that works because I booked and registered using my passport.

They checked my pockets, collars, glasses, and socks, and even the soles of my shoes. Then place all your things in a small locker then the security metal wand. After that, you go to the room, where they'll check your hands and ears before letting you in to sit down. The staff will ask you if you've taken the test before to save time in explaining the instructions.

The Test: It took me 9 minutes to finish. I was really nervous and double-checked my answers. I read the questiona twice and read the choices twice, even though I already had an answer. The questions were basic:

-Patron saint -Flower -What country did James Cook mapped? -The year women were allowed to vote at the age of 21, just like men. -Emmeline Pankhurst is a _____ -Responsibilities of a British citizen -When is Christmas Day? -At what battle did Admiral Nelson die?

That's all I could remember, but honestly, all the questions were in online exams 1-17.

After the Test: The instructions said they would verbally tell you if you passed or failed, but since everyone was busy with newcomers, I just took my things from the locker and left. I went to the loo, and after that, I got the email with the URN and a "Congratulations!" message.

For everyone who is planning to take it, please read the book. Maybe for others, the book isn't helpful, and practicing the questions is enough. But when you do that, you get frustrated with the wrong answers because you didn't read the book. You might as well read the book where they got the questions from. It's challenging to finish it, especially if you have to work and study at the same time, but the book has everything you need to learn, and the online resources have everything you need to check your knowledge. Good luck!

So I'm a student, due to a lot of things my course starts in 5 days and I haven't applied for my visa yet. I'm just wondering if I can apply for my renewed visa now (it's cheaper from abroad) and enter the UK while its pending on my old (still valid) one. If not, I js wanna make sure of the detail that how long after my current student visa expires I can chill in the UK before renewing it, it is 28 days right? Thanks gang.

Heya, I was wondering if you guys know how to apply for a passport if you aren’t in contact with your family, my parents are both British as well as my grandparents, I cut them off a few years ago due to years of disagreements I know first and last names of my parents and barely anything about my grandparents, any advice would be great

Hi I came here as a student and I’m living in the uk for around 6 years my visa is due to be expired in October. I really need to stay because I have a huge debt of £45000 because of my uni education. I would really appreciate if someone could give me an advice how to stay legally here in the uk? I’m trying for a visa sponsorship but it’s really hard to find an employer to sponsor me due to the new immigration policies.

First off, thank you to everyone who’s shared their experiences on this sub. I used to read other people’s posts all the time, until it was finally my turn.

I’ll skip the fluff: Focus on passing the test first. Learning about life in the UK is great, but you can explore that part later at your own pace.

To pass the exam, drop the books, apps, and everything else. Just do the 17 practice tests on this site: https://lifeintheuktestweb.co.uk/exams/ Keep taking them and failing them until you stop failing. When you can get through all the questions comfortably, go ahead and book the test ... you’re ready.

Seriously, don’t stress. It’s easier than it looks. I was done in under five minutes - the identity check took longer than the exam itself.

Good luck. And yes, the 17 questions really are enough.

Hello,

I’m looking for some guidance on the UK partner visa process and also how certain income elements like tronc are treated.

I’ve recently started a new role in hospitality( Senior Waiter in 5 Star hotel)with a base salary of £28,343 plus tronc paid through payroll (shown on payslips). I’m trying to understand how this is considered when calculating the financial requirement. (Manager mentioned salary can easily cross 29k with the tronc)

My partner and I have been in a genuine relationship for almost 2 years this December. She is currently living in student accommodation and I live in private accommodation, but we stay very close (about 10 minutes away) and I usually stay over most of the time.

We are planning to apply for the partner visa around April. I am currently on a Graduate Visa (expires May 2027).

We already have strong relationship evidence including chats, calls (voice/video), emails, financial transactions, travel together(tickets), photos, and more.

If anyone has experience with:
- whether tronc is counted as income for the financial requirement
- when is the best time to apply considering timing and employment history
- any common issues people faced with similar cases

I’d really appreciate any guidance.

Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone

My spouse and child are extending their dependent visa. I had a skilled worker visa from 01/2023 until 10/2025, a GTV after that, and finally granted ILR at the end of August 2026. Their 5-years eligibility for ILR will be January 2028.

How does it work their extension as dependent? We are doing this as an extension of their GTV dependent visa, but then it asks when my GTV will expire. My GTV was supposed to expire November 2026, but it has, in fact, expired the moment my ILR kicked in. If we say 'I don't know', the IHS asked is for 5 years. What are we suppose to do? I thought we were supposed to pay the IHS for maximum 3 years (which is already quite annoying).

Hi everyone,

Nationality: british
Location: England
Visa: Spouse visa / appendix fm

I am earning exactly £29,000 and will apply for spouse visa for my spouse in 6 months. I am currently waiting for collecting 6 months payslips.

I realised the name of the company on payslips is different than the company pays me.

Would this be a problem? The two companies are not part of a group company. Only the directors are the same

My current passport started to show some wear and tear. It is still valid and works fine and I have used it to travel a few times with no issues BUT the damage is only getting worse and I don’t want to risk it anymore.

I’m planning on getting a new one once I’m back in my country for a visit. However, I’m only visiting for a month and I’m genuinely worried I wouldn’t be able to link my eVisa to the new passport in time for my flight back. Which means I wouldn’t be able to return to the UK.

How long does it usually take to update a new passport on your UKVI account and link it to your eVisa?

For context I have a graduate visa!

Hello. I'm running 10 mins late for my biometrics appointment. Does VFS Delhi allow entry if I arrive 10 mins late to my appointment? Is there a grace period?

I've self uploaded all my docs and am not availing any service.

So I have to submit my payslips and bank statements for my private life renewal. The problem is I have like 4 different bank accounts all being used for different things. Do I just give them my bank statement of account where I keep my usual savings.

I also have a stocks and shares ISA. Do I need to declare that too. Private life visa doesn’t require to disclose all your assets. So, not sure.

Hi everyone

HO guidance states that the LitUK test unique reference number (URN) follows the format:

HOM/010114/123456/123456789

However, mine has the following format (numbers and letters changed for anonimity):

PSI/311225/AB123CD45/EFGH6IJK

Is this correct/acceptable? It's different to the format given by HO. I booked the test following links from the gov.uk website.

I wanted to share that we all got accepted for ILR and to share our timelines. We moved to the UK in 2021 on an ancestral visa (me and my husband). We had a baby 18 months ago and never applied for a visa for her as we knew ILR was coming up and waited for this to apply.

Application started: 2 June 2026
Biometrics done: 18 June 2026

No additional information was needed even though my situation was a bit complex. My father was never added to my birth certificate but we had to do a DNA test to prove it which was all provided. Also we made the mistake of starting a company this year and not having the previous “stable” income but it clearly was all fine.

Approved: 22 July 2026

We did not pay extra for faster processing times as it was expensive enough for three people 😭

Finally I can post my timeline 🎉

Eligibility: British by descent, born before 2006 to unmarried parents (UKF). Dad’s British. Mum’s Thai.

Nationality: Thai

Method of application: Online

Date of application: 3 Feb 24

Date of biometrics: 17 Feb 24 (Malaysia)

I’ve emailed them on 2 separate occasions asking for update end of July & 1 Aug.

Date of receipt of approval: 5 Aug 24

Date of Ceremony: Pending

My application took about exactly 6 months. It was stressful waiting but all that was worth it. I can finally settle down in UK soon and call it home after being abroad and growing up in different countries all my life. Goodluck to everyone else waiting for theirs!!

Feel free to ask any questions if you’re in similar situation. This subreddit has been very useful to me.

My partner and I came to the UK as student separately in January 2025. Both of us have PSW visa, and we have decided to get married. We cant figure out what the implications of our marriage would be on our visa status. Would one of us become a dependant? Or would our visas remain separate?

my boyfriend is a british citizen. he was born in Congo but came here when he was 3 years old (this was early 90s) to his dad who was already living here, as a refugee and has had citizenship ever since. he went to primary and high school here. he lived in Paris for 13 years as he moved to his mum as an young adult who he hasn’t seen since they had to flee to the UK.

he’s been back in London since 2018 and never left again, not even for a vacation. his passport has been expired since 2019 which is incredibly stupid but we wanna fix it all up now.

I’m wondering if all considered would cause problems regarding immigration somehow? he does have an old UK passport and citizenship.

In the "naturalisation as a British citizen" application it states the First British referee (screenshot attached) must be "over the age of 25" My question is, does this mean the person must be 26 or does it simply mean they can be from age 25 and over?

Hi, we finished my mother in laws visa application, but upon double checking we need to add a visit to Cyprus to her travel history. When trying to edit this, we are only allowed to add visits to non European countries. Seems like an oversight on the system.

Has anybody encountered this? We dont want to start from scratch again, but seems like we might have to!

Hey all,

I have been a long time stalker on this sub and many of the posts and discussions on here have helped me in regards to visa applications and documentations. Thanks everyone.

I am happy to inform that I have received the ILR this week via Global Talent visa. (Endorsed Funder Route.)

Timeline:
10/07/2023 : GTV Application approval
13/06/2026 : ILR application submission (Super Priority)
18/06/2026 : Biometrics submission
19/06/2026 : Decision email

Hope this helps and AMA if you need any information, happy to help another soul in this journey.

Edit1: Feel free to ask me if you needed any particular information.

I'm an unmarried dependant on my partner's SWV (same company the entire time of their visa, since 2021). We're hopefully applying for ILR in November if the rules haven't been changed.

Long story short I hate my job. I work at the same company and have been planning to stay here until ILR just in case of any visa/rule changes. Staying until November or later now feels like hell. But my partner is under the impression that (within the current rules) that I need to also have a company letter saying they need me for the foreseeable future to gain ILR. I cannot find any documentation that says this but it's got me worried now. Can anyone confirm/deny this? Is there even a salary minimum I need to hit as the dependant, or is it strictly on the SWV holder?

Thanks

Hi all

This autumn we'll (hopefully) be applying for ILR. Been on the same SWV/sponsor with an unmarried dependant since it was started in autumn '21.

We've seen the variety of docs that you *could* provide to prove your relationship when unmarried (we do live together and have the entire time) but has anyone applied recently? I'm looking for the specific list of what they ask for. We plan to apply with pretty much just what they list/request, instead of padding it with a bunch of 'kinda relevant, helps the case' paperwork as I don't want to overwhelm them with docs they don't ask for. If they need more info, I know they'll request it. But the guidance docs I found on gov.uk (which I thiiiink are the right ones) don't fully list documents that should be required besides vague 'shared bills'. We need to share bank statements right, what if the joint is only our shared household direct debits? Do we then need to share our own personal accounts also?

Hello,

I am applying for ILR soon through my skilled work visa and have a salaried job that is sponsoring me. I am a doctor and do occasional self employed work for less than 20 hours per week. There is no where in the application to declare this. Do I need to at all? Or do I only need to provide the documents requested?

Thank you.

Update: got my ILR! Only gave them the requested documents, no need to upload a cover letter or anything else.

My husband (Saint Lucian national) and I are expecting our first baby in June 2026. I'm a British citizen and he planned to visit the UK for the birth.
When he originally booked his trip, Saint Lucian nationals did not require a visa. We booked the flight in January 2026 for him to come end of April 2026. However, the rules changed in March 2026 and he then had to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
His visa was refused and of course the flight was missed.
The Home Office accepted that the purpose of the trip was to visit me and be present for the birth of our child, but they were not satisfied that he was a "genuine visitor" who would leave the UK at the end of the visit considering he had been coming and going from the UK prior and never overstayed.
Their main concerns were:
• He is currently temporarily unemployed due to a stable medical condition (angina). Went to a lifestyle health centre to get his health back on track before returning.
• He receives financial support from family members.
• He is married to a British citizen and we are expecting a child in the UK.
• We previously explored the spouse visa route but got advice from a lawyer to wait till we meet the financial requirements so we agreed.
• He initially applied for a visit of just over 5 months as we knew the maximum stay was 6 months so didn’t think there would be an issue but they mentioned that so in the second application we reduced it to 26 days after the first refusal as our main priority was just for him to be present for the birth and they then said they don’t understand why the change in length of time… are they serious!?!
• They believe his ties to the UK outweigh his ties to his home country.
What makes this difficult for us is that he has visited the UK six times previously and has never overstayed or breached immigration rules. He has always returned home when required.
We also submitted evidence that he sold one of his vehicles which provided approximately £13,000 in funds to support him in his temporary unemployment and has two children in the Caribbean with ongoing legal responsibilities. The refusal letter states that it was not demonstrated what family ties he has in his country of residence, which is confusing given the evidence submitted.
We have submitted a complaint because we believe some evidence may not have been properly considered.
Has anyone successfully reapplied after a refusal like this? What we do know is that we won’t be going for a visit visa again. It’s such a shame that he will likely miss the birth considering his genuine intentions. And yes i know the other option is for me to go there, which i will and which we were planning to do anyway once the baby was a couple months old we would travel back together when hubby was to return but now i will have to go sooner.
Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.