United Kingdom – Settlement Applications Closed to Tier 1 (General) Migrants after April 5, 2018
Overseas nationals in the UK under the Tier 1 (General) category will no longer be permitted to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after April 5, 2018.
Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system was a category aimed at ‘highly skilled migrants’ who wished to come to the UK to live and work, including self-employment, without requiring a sponsor. The category was closed to new applicants in 2011, remaining open until April 2015 only to those making an extension application.
Eligibility for ILR
Currently, a Tier 1 General migrant may be eligible to apply for ILR if they have met all of the following criteria:
- Lawfully resided in the UK for five continuous years.
- Have not been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 month period during the five year qualifying period.
- Passed the ‘Life in the UK’ test.
- Scored a sufficient number of points in the points-based system in the areas of age, knowledge of the English language, education and earnings.
Holders of a Tier 1 (General) visa who wish to make an application for ILR must check that they meet the requirements and submit their application before the April 5, 2018 deadline.