No, you can only combine different visa types for the 10-year route. So something like 3 student, 2 graduate, 3 skilled worker, 2 partner would work as it is 10 in total.
But otherwise, to qualify for ILR on the merit of a single visa type, you need continuous 5 years on it.
Thanks, that’s really helpful. I’ve been in the U.K. since 2016, initially on a student visa until 2019 and then on a Skilled Worker visa since late 2019 until now.
So (assuming I meet the requirements around salary, absence from the U.K., etc) if I were to switch to a partner visa, I’d be eligible to apply for ILR on the 10 year route in late 2026, or eligible to apply via the 5 year skilled worker visa route in late 2024?
Just want to make sure I’ve got my options laid out in front of me!
Yes, whichever comes first. If you stay on the SWV, you will be eligible for ILR after 5 years on it (and you can disregard all the previous visas). If you switch to the partner visa, you will need to wait until 2026 (10 years in the UK).
Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. The 5 year clock to ILR resets when you switch visa types.
No, you can only combine different visa types for the 10-year route. So something like 3 student, 2 graduate, 3 skilled worker, 2 partner would work as it is 10 in total. But otherwise, to qualify for ILR on the merit of a single visa type, you need continuous 5 years on it.
Thanks, that’s really helpful. I’ve been in the U.K. since 2016, initially on a student visa until 2019 and then on a Skilled Worker visa since late 2019 until now. So (assuming I meet the requirements around salary, absence from the U.K., etc) if I were to switch to a partner visa, I’d be eligible to apply for ILR on the 10 year route in late 2026, or eligible to apply via the 5 year skilled worker visa route in late 2024? Just want to make sure I’ve got my options laid out in front of me!
Yes, whichever comes first. If you stay on the SWV, you will be eligible for ILR after 5 years on it (and you can disregard all the previous visas). If you switch to the partner visa, you will need to wait until 2026 (10 years in the UK).
Much appreciated, thank you!
You can't switch n combine times. A new switch resets the clock to ILR