When should I apply for work visa renewal or ILR?

Put two dates in your plan

For a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker extension, GOV.UK says to apply online before current permission expires. Record the actual expiry date from the official permission record.

For the main applicant’s sponsored-work settlement route, the current guidance gives an earliest application point of 28 days before completing five years on qualifying permission. Applying earlier may lead to refusal. Check what permission counts and whether the other requirements are met. Guidance was checked on 14 October 2026.

Check which years count

The official residence page explains that not every period on a visa counts towards this five-year work-route calculation. In particular, time as a partner or child dependant cannot be counted towards the main applicant’s qualifying period on this route.

Certain combinations of qualifying work routes can count. Check your permission history rather than using the date you first came to the UK for any purpose. Different settlement routes can have different rules.

If your visa ends before you can apply for ILR, the overview says you need to renew first. Do not let a future settlement plan hide a nearer renewal deadline.

Allow time for the work before submission

Start reviewing records several months ahead as a planning habit. Confirm the employer document, test arrangements, budget and each person’s dates. This suggested preparation period is not an official application window.

Made-up example: a worker’s permission expires before her qualifying settlement period is complete. She checks renewal rather than assuming she can submit ILR early to avoid another application. Her partner reviews his own dates too.

A saved application draft is not a submitted application. Keep the final receipt and follow the identity and document steps given by the service.

Review travel and unresolved questions

The extension guidance says not to travel outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man while waiting for a decision, because the application will be withdrawn. Check pending travel before applying.

Do not assume that every person has the same application date or the same rules for time abroad. Use separate permission and trip histories.

If permission has already expired, or you are unsure whether an application is valid, get prompt professional advice. Do not rely on a general article to decide whether you can remain or work. REKODHA can help organise dates and reminders, while the official service and professional advice address the application.

A small step you can take today

Use this checklist to review your starting point.

These ticks are a reading aid and are not saved to your account.

How REKODHA can help