Skilled Worker Settlement
Continuous residence requirement as a new skilled worker
Settlement applications require that the person’s absences from the UK stays below 180 days in any 12-month period in the qualifying period leading up to the application. However, for periods of permission granted before 11 January 2018, the calculation method is different. It should also be noted that absences could take into account natural disaster, military conflict or a pandemic (so as to include Covid 19). Any period of overstaying which took place between 24 January and 31 August 2020 will be disregarded and will therefore not break lawful presence and therefore not affect the absence requirement for indefinite leave to remain. More good news – the English language requirement for settlement has been removed as the Home Office will take into account the fact that the applicant would have already satisfied this requirement when applying for a visa. Furthermore, the Life in the UK test is now digital and only requires a reference number so no possibility of losing it and being asked to do it again! Further good news -the general salary threshold is £25,600 per year. Previously, the general salary threshold was £35,800 per year so hopefully this will open up the opportunity for more applicants to apply for settlement.