Switching to an ILR – Eligible Visa Route: Your Strategic Guide to UK Settlement

For many professionals, students, and families living in the UK, settlement is the ultimate goal – a sense of stability and belonging after years on temporary visas. Yet, with constantly evolving immigration rules, it can be difficult to understand which visas lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and how to make every year count toward it.
If you are wondering how to make your time in the UK count toward permanent settlement, understanding which visas lead to ILR – and when to switch – is the first step.
At Conroy Baker Ltd, we have guided countless individuals and families through this process. As Trusted UK Immigration & Business Lawyers, we specialise in identifying the most efficient route to ILR and ensuring every visa switch supports your long-term settlement goals.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is your permanent residence status in the UK. It grants the right to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration time limits. It also opens the pathway to British citizenship.

Understand the ILR in detail – Click here.

• Freedom from visa renewals or sponsorship requirements
• Access to most public benefits
• Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months

Think of it as a “clock” counting your lawful stay in the UK. You must spend a continuous period (typically five years) in the UK under an ILR-eligible visa.

All ILR applicants must also:

• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Meet the English language requirement

For a full breakdown of ILR eligibility and application procedures, visit our Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Guide.

There are several routes that lead to ILR. Choosing the right one – or switching to it at the right time – can significantly impact your settlement timeline.

Each route has its own rules, documentation, and continuous residence conditions. Understanding these before switching ensures your time in the UK truly counts toward settlement.

The decision to switch your visa should be strategic, not reactive. A well-timed switch can save you years on your ILR journey.

This is one of the most common questions we receive.
In many cases, switching between ILR-eligible work routes (for example, from Global Talent to Skilled Worker) can be combined toward your five-year residency requirement.
However, switching between different categories – such as from a Student visa to a UK Spouse visa – typically resets your ILR clock.

Example:
If you have been on a Student visa for two years and then move to a Skilled Worker visa, your ILR-qualifying period will start only from the date your Skilled Worker visa was granted.

• When your current visa doesn’t lead to ILR (e.g., Student, Graduate, or Youth Mobility visas).
• When you receive sponsorship or job offers that qualify under ILR-eligible categories.
• When your personal or family circumstances change (e.g., marriage to a settled partner).

1. Review your current visa conditions and expiry date
2. Identify ILR-eligible visa categories that match your profile
3. Confirm your eligibility with an immigration lawyer
4. Apply before your current visa expires to start your ILR clock immediately

Case 1 – From Youth Mobility to Skilled Worker
Sarah, a graphic designer, entered the UK on a Youth Mobility visa. As her visa neared expiry, she secured a sponsored position. We helped her switch to a Skilled Worker visa – ensuring her ILR clock started from day one.

Case 2 – From Spouse Visa to ILR
Rajesh, married to a British citizen, initially entered on a dependent visa. With our help, he transitioned to a Spouse visa and later achieved ILR after five continuous years.

Case 3 – From Innovator Founder to ILR
Sofia, a tech entrepreneur from Portugal, founded a Manchester-based digital health start-up specialising in AI-powered wellness tracking. She entered the UK under a Start-Up Visa, using her experience in biomedical data and UX design to launch pilot projects with NHS clinics.

You cannot spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying period.
Keep records of travel and use spreadsheets or digital tools to track absences accurately.

Immigration history, criminal records, or breaches of visa conditions can negatively affect ILR eligibility.
If you’re unsure about past absences or visa breaches, get a legal review before applying.

Immigration laws evolve regularly. A visa route that counted toward ILR last year might have updated criteria now.

As Trusted UK Immigration & Business Lawyers, Conroy Baker Ltd. continuously monitors Home Office updates to ensure every client’s ILR plan remains compliant and future-proof.

As of 2025, several key regulatory changes affect visa switching and ILR eligibility:

• Salary Thresholds Increased: The Skilled Worker visa minimum salary has risen in line with 2025 inflation adjustments.
• Continuous Residence Clarification: The Home Office clarified that absences linked to remote work or essential overseas assignments can still count toward continuous residence if employer-approved and documented.
• Dependents and Switching: Dependents may now switch to eligible ILR routes within the UK without returning to their home country in certain categories (Skilled Worker and Global Talent).

For detailed guidance, refer to the official Home Office policy update or contact our experts for a tailored consultation.

If you need guidance on payment issues or errors, our experts at Conroy Baker Ltd. can assist with secure, verified application procedures.

Switching to an ILR-eligible visa route isn’t just about compliance – it’s about foresight and planning. With the right strategy, every year you spend in the UK can contribute toward your permanent settlement.
At Conroy Baker Ltd, we combine expert legal insight with a personal approach to ensure you make informed, confident decisions about your immigration journey.
Take the next step toward your secure future in the UK – with Trusted UK Immigration & Business Lawyers by your side.