r/ilruk

Applied for priority ILR set O but forgot to attach bank statement and Home Office asked for it and I sent it 2 days later. When can I expect a reply?

Was anyone in the same position?

Moved to the UK on January 2023 on a SWV, switched to GTV in October 2025

No priority.

Biometrics submitted on February 27th

Application approved: August 19th

My application was pretty straightforward (I think): same employer, UK degree, etc.

My experience seems to corroborate the experience of others: via GTV, it takes the whole 6 months (so, do priority if you can).

I have one question though: my dependents will be able to apply to ILR in January 2028. Right now, they have to renew their visa - there is no option to renew for two years, they only have the 3-year option: is my understanding correct?

Hi there,

I'm applying for ILR from within the UK following the Global Talent (3-year) route. I submitted my biometric data yesterday morning (super priority). Later in the day I received an email asking for further proof that I meet the English language requirement (as my certificate was expired; they quoted EL 6) and giving me 10 working days to reply.

Now, I think I might have made a mistake. When I first applied to global talent (from outside the UK) in 2023, I submitted as part of my (successful) application a IELTS UKVI showing a C2 level. I always assumed that I could use this again for this application, so when I got the request for further documents from Home Office yesterday, I simply replied with a cover letter explaining that I used this test for my original visa application, showing proof that I had submitted it alongside my other supporting documents, and asking them to consider my test under EL 3.1 and not only under EL 6.

However, I realised later that my original application might not have had a language requirement at all. I was convinced it had, back in 2023, and that's why I sent the appropriate English certificate. But if it didn't, and I suspect it didn't, then UKVI never really reviewed my test back in 2023, and my cover letter does not make any sense.

So I panicked and I booked a SETL for this Wednesday. The certificate should arrive before the original 10 working days are up. I also sent a second cover letter to UKVI explaining that further evidence is on the way and respectfully asking my case not be closed before the period they gave me is up. I never got a confirmation email that they got this second cover letter, which might be useless anyway.

I'm now panicking further that they will reject my application before I even get a chance to send the new English language certificate next week. Would it be safer at this point to just withdraw my application and start over again? It would be so expensive but I'm so scared I'll get rejected and that will be forever in my immigration history.

Any insights on this situation would be greatly appreciated!

Does the home office accept interim bank statement from mid month to the next as long as it shows recent salary being deposited?

I ask as I forgot to attach bank statement and so I want to upload a new one.

Also, how long does it take after bank statement is sent to the home office for them to reply?

I applied for set O using priority service and they wrote back to me asking about the bank statement yesterday.

Route: Skilled Worker → ILR Set(O)
Service: Priority (5-day)
Submitted: 10 August 2026
Biometrics: 11 August 2026
Status: No decision yet as of 17 August

Solicitor (document review only) advised using BRP issue date (27 Aug 2021) as the reference for the 5-year calculation.

I wasn't sure that was correct, so:

• First absence declared: 27 Aug 2021 → 12 Sep 2021 (BRP issue to actual entry)
• Rest of application's 5-year calculation based on vignette date: 6 Sep 2021

So there's a mismatch between the date used for the first absence entry vs. the date used for the overall qualifying period.

Year 1 absence total: 142 days — within the 180-day limit, but on the higher side due to health-related trips.

Has anyone dealt with a similar BRP vs vignette date mismatch, or has high absence days (close to but within 180) in a year without submitting extra evidence?

My husband and I both got our ILR approved! 🥹
I was ridiculously anxious about the documents, so sharing what we submitted in case it helps someone else.

Nothing quite prepared me for clicking ‘pay’ on £7,000+ in one transaction with absolutely no guarantee of approval — pretty sure my heart briefly left my body. 💸
Could breathe properly for the week till I got the approved email 🤢

I was the main Skilled Worker applicant and my husband applied as my dependant.
Our qualifying visas started sept 2021, although we had both entered the UK in 2020 on different visa routes, so I included a short cover letter explaining this.

Documents submitted:
Passports + eVisa/status evidence (both)
Previous BRP/visa letters available to us (both)
Employer letter (main applicant)
Latest payslip + corresponding bank statement (main applicant)
Degree/English language evidence (dependent)
Life in the UK test code (both)
Marriage certificate
Travel dates (relevant passport stamps as evidence for both, no other evidence)
Consent forms (part 1- main applicant, part 2- dependent, part 3- nil )
Cohabitation evidence
Short cover letters for anything that needed clarification (we gave 3 in total - absolutely not needed but good for peace of mind )

Tried to keep all the evidence to a minimum and still felt it was a lot , because you don’t need to give any evidence already provided during previous visas as they keep it and would just delay the caseworker having to go through it.
No Lawers were involved in the application. Though ChatGPT and Reddit provided a lot of reassurance for any confusing questions.

Cohabitation evidence : We only submitted evidence for the last 11 months, NOT the whole 5 years. The document advice asked for evidence since the most recent grant of leave, or up to a maximum of 2 years. Our latest visas were granted 10 months ago, so that’s all I covered with utility bills for a month , Joint tenancy, council tax and joint bank statement for another month.

Another thing I massively overthought was my employer letter. It did not say I was required “for the foreseeable future”. I’m on a fixed-term contract, so my employer wouldn’t give that wording. The letter instead confirmed my new contract with the same employer with an end date one year later. I was very anxious about this, but it clearly wasn’t an issue!
Also I changed employment once during the 5 years - did not provide any letters from them as it was already mentioned during previous visa extensions.

Cover letters x 3 (overkill)
One explaining entry dates , another for travel dates and one for CCJ.

I also declared a recently discovered uncleared CCJ for utilities with an explanation.

Timeline
Application : 07/08/2026 (28 days before the 5year)
Type : Priority (5 working days)
Biometrics : 11/08/2026
Granted email : 15/08/2026 at 11.11 ( 4 days after biometric,even though it was a Saturday)

I spent an embarrassing amount of time worrying that one tiny detail would ruin everything but both applications were approved!
Hope this reassures another anxious Skilled Worker + dependant applicant currently drowning in PDFs. 😂❤️

Hi , When can I apply for ILR? My spouse visa expire on July 2027. But I will be 5 years On 28 of January.

Hi All

Just posting my timelines/details on my application. Thanks to all the posters on here - all the info was super helpful for my application. Hoping this pays it forward.

I've been with the same employer for 5 years. I was initially sponsored for 3 years then extended for a further 2. Before this, I was on a Youth Mobility visa for 2 years.

Initial Skilled Worker Visa Start Date: 2nd September 2021

Application Date: 5th August 2026 (28 days prior to 5 years)

Application Type: Priority

Biometrics Date: 11th August 2026

Approval Date: 16th August 2026 (wasn't expecting this on a Sunday but it was a pleasant surprise)

In terms of documents I submitted the bare minimum.

Documents Submitted:

1. Passport
2. Other evidence of absences from the UK (I exceeded the 30 trip limit on the form). I submitted a PDF copy of my excel file with exit/entry dates, country & reason).
3. E Visa & Sharecode
4. Expired BRP (less than 24 months since expiry)
5. Declaration signed to confirm consent for the Home Office to request verification checks
6. Most recent payslip and bank statement (July statement and payslip dated 31st July). I didn't provide any other months.
7. Scanned copy of both passports (ALL pages). My previous passport expired a couple years back so I sent both.
8. UK Driver's Licence (wasn't mandatory but thought it was a good form of ID).
9. Letter from employer

Good luck to everyone waiting for their outcome!

This subreddit has been super helpful for my application so I'm sharing the details in the hopes it'll help someone in the same boat as me.

Entered the UK: 28 August 2021
Switched Employers: 15 November 2022
ILR application submitted: 31 July 2026
Biometrics appointment: 05 August 2026 (London) ~1pm
Decision/Approval email: 11 August 2026 ~7pm
Processing time: ~4 working days on Priority Service

Extra Context:

• US Citizen - did not need to prove English requirement
• No passport renewals in the entire duration of the qualifying period
• Had two employers, no gaps in employment between both
• ** I have been promoted to a senior version of the same role I was given and had my salary increased
• ** My current visa falls under the transitional salary requirements before 2024 and my previous application was filed under the old SoC codes
• ** Related to above two pts: My current company HR is locked out of their SMS system (the authorised person left without handing it over) so cant confirm my new SoC code, or even worse, if they updated all my salaries and role to the new role
  • Also, my old SoC code has been divided to two of the new SoC codes (both actually applicable to my job). I chose the code that has the lower salary threshold. You have to use the new SoC 2020 code in the application and not the one on your approved visa if it's prior to 2024.
• Didn't need a solicitor, I did this myself!

My own required documents list:

• Passport Scans - all pages
• Declaration of consent for verification checks (provided in the application form)
• Employer sponsor letter detailing the ff:
  • "We confirm that we intend for their employment to continue for the foreseeable future."
  • Nearest applicable SoC which best describes employment **
  • Current rate of pay (£ per annum on x hours per week)
  • Confirmation that it is at or above the required rate for the job in the codes of practice **
  • Statement detailing reasons for work related absences from the UK
• Evidence of immigration status: GovUK EVisa Share Code (screenshot of the code)
• Most recent payslip (1 month) and most recent bank statement (1 month)
• Expired BRP card and Visa Vignette scan with stamp

My supporting documents:
May not be necessary for you but felt necessary because of my circumstances

• Extra quotes in the employer sponsor letter detailing:
  • My old SoC code in the 2010 system and my new SoC code in the 2020 system
• My offer letter from current sponsor and variation of contract confirming my promotion and salary increase (as a supplement to my payslip + bank statements)
• A cover letter disclosing the potential mismatch in my employers' SMS system of my outdated SoC code and new role and salary, and a brief statement of the new SoC code I chose and my job description
• Letter of Visa approval for entry on Sponsor 1 and letter of visa approval for sponsor 2

Extra documents I submitted but probably wasn't necessary

• Most recent P60
• Absence Table detailing all leave from the UK with index to the passport stamps and a file with my relevant plane tickets for when I didn't have stamps (to my citizenship country)
• P45 from previous employer
• Life in the UK pass email (there's already a field in the application for the code)
• University diploma taught in English (wasn't necessary since I'm American)

Try not to overthink your documents like I did and only submit what is absolutely necessary. Best of luck to everyone and manifesting your success!!

What is the best day of the week/time to apply to ensure priority or super priority application slots. Applying via skilled worker route.

Submitted set O ILR normal priority on Tuesday still haven't heard anything. Obviously not expecting a decision today but likely Monday.

My question is, is this a good sign? I know some people get asked to send in missing documents or for clarification few days into their application or also get sent emails saying their application is complex and will take time so just want to know.

Very worried about my application.

Im so relieved and happy- after 5 years on skilled worker visa my ILR was approved yesterday. Just sharing some insight in case anyone needs it and good luck fellow expatriates!! Mind you, i have been here 9 years total now

I paid priority and it came on working day 4!

My passport was stolen in Europe so i lost all my stamps- my lawyer drafted a cover letter explaining that my absences list was to the best of my knowledge cos im sooo sure i messed at least one or 2 dates up!

I had over 10 pcns and declared them- was so worried it would affect but it didn't! Declare it all guys (so long as your lawyer advises)

Wishing you fantastic news soon

Hi all. I applied for my ILR Set(m) super priority on the 3rd of July and biometrics on the 7th of July. On the 8th of July I got an email saying that they are doing mandatory checks and because they opened my application within the 1 day service, I would not be getting a refund on my super priority fee. I have heard nothing since then. I got my MP to call them on the 31st of July and they told her that it was progressing as expected but weren't able to say when they would reach a decision. I'm soo anxious waiting as I also have a family holiday booked on the 20th of August. I have no idea what to do again. It’s so stressful.

Eligibility route: Skilled Worker SET (O)

• Service (Standard/super priority): Priority

• Application Date: 06/08/26

• Biometric Date: 07/08/26 9:50am

• UKVI confirmation email: (Only TLS confirmation Email an hour after Biometrics)

• Approval/decision Date: Approved 13/08/26 11:03am

Hi all,

Wondering has anyone recently (2025/2026) successfully applied for Long Residence ILR using their Entry Clearance/Vignette date rather than their first physical UK entry date, particularly exactly 28 days early?

It would be really helpful to hear from anyone who has had a successful case, especially if you could share any details. Thanks in advance for sharing!!

My details:

Vignette date: 14/09/2016
Entry date: 21/09/2016
Gonna apply by myself / DIY

Application complete (biometric appointment) on 14 May. I didn't use a priority service.

I received an email from TLScontact who collected the biometrics but nothing from UKVI to confirm the application was complete.

Application was at the end of the spouse - 10 year route.

The application process did not ask for proof that we are still together but I received an email on July 29 asking for the usual set of letters addressed to both of us, which we provided on 6 August. ICheck your email people. This got filtered into somewhere in my email where I didn't see it - I just happened to do an email search for "UKVI" on the 2nd of August and this came up. It said the information had to be provided within ten working days, so if I'd missed it for another week and a half, my application would have been denied!

LR was granted today, 11 August.

I've made just about every possible mis-step through the UK immigration system, but here we are, eighteen years after I first arrived, with ILR. I'm off to buy some champagne British sparkling wine.

​

I'm at the "Evidence of your absence from the UK and Crown Dependencies" section of my ILR application and I'd like to hear what people actually uploaded.

My situation:

- I've worked for 3 different UK employers during the qualifying period.

- My current employer has given me a letter confirming all my absences were authorised paid annual leave.

- I haven't approached the two previous employers yet. I could, but chasing HR at former companies is likely to take weeks and I'd rather not hold up the application if it isn't necessary.

- Nearly all my trips were to my home country to visit family, no other reason.

- My absences are small: at most around 30 days in any 12-month period, nowhere near the limit.

- I have some boarding passes but not all of them. I can get an official travel history document from my home country's border authority showing every entry and exit date.

What I'm trying to work out:

1. With absences this low, does the Home Office actually scrutinise the reasons, or is the employer letter mostly there for people close to the limit?

2. Is one letter from the current employer enough? Or should I add an official border entry/exit record to, or do people really submit a letter per employer?

3. Did anyone tick "Other" and upload a personal covering letter listing each trip with dates and reason? Which would be duplicate information. I have already provided answers to them in the previous questions.

Route: Skilled Worker. Happy to chase the old employers if it genuinely matters.

Just trying to work out whether it does.

Thanks.

Anyone who has successfully got ILR and have National insurance transferred to them by their British husband who claims child benefit but opted out of payment?