Are you guiding the path to lasting home in the United Kingdom? By 2026, the trip from a Skilled Worker Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has experienced its most radical change in a ten years. With the introduction of the “Earned Settlement” system and a shift in the direction of a 10-year baseline, understanding your specific schedule and costs is no longer just helpful—it’s a financial requirement.
In this simple and easy guide, we break down the updated United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa Settlement Cost Timeline for 2026, helping you budget for the “Economic Contribution” era and secure your future in UK.
2026 Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Application Fees
The UK Home Office charges high fees for ILR applications. They say these fees cover the full cost of processing. The fees stay the same for most people in 2026.
Main Fees You Must Pay
| What you pay for | Cost in 2026 (GBP) | Who pays it |
|---|---|---|
| Main ILR application fee | £3,029 | Every adult applicant |
| ILR fee for each dependant | £3,029 | Each partner/child |
| Life in the UK test | £75 | Almost everyone (mandatory) |
| English language test (B2 level) | ~£150 | Most applicants |
Note: These are the basic fees. You pay £3,029 for each person who applies (main applicant + dependants).
Extra Fees for Faster Decisions
Sometimes you need a quick answer. You can pay more for faster service:
- Priority Service Decision in about 5 working days Extra cost: £500
- Super Priority Service Decision next working day (if you apply early in the day) Extra cost: £1,000
Biometric Appointment Costs
- You can use the free UK Immigration: ID Check app on your phone to do biometrics (face scan + photo).
- If you cannot use the app, you must go to a UKVCAS centre. This costs between £75 and £200 depending on the appointment type and location.
The 2026 “Earned Settlement” Timeline: 5 vs. 10 Years
From April 2026, the normal time to get ILR changed from 5 years to 10 years. This is the new standard rule for most Skilled Worker visa holders.
But you can get settlement faster if you earn a high salary. This is called “Earned Settlement”.
How Long You Need to Wait
| Your situation | Time needed for ILR |
|---|---|
| Normal / standard route | 10 years |
| You earn £50,270 or more per year | 5 years |
| You earn £125,140 or more per year (for at least 3 years) | 3 years |
| Many health and care workers (public sector) | 5 years (old rule still applies) |
Who Can Get Faster Settlement?
The government looks at four main things:
- Good character
- Integration into UK life
- How much you contribute to the economy
- How long you have lived in the UK
Your salary decides which fast-track you can use.
Salary Thresholds & Financial Requirements (The “B2” Era)
In 2026, settlement is not only about how long you stayed. It is also about how much you contributed to the UK economy.
Important Salary Rules for 5-Year Settlement
- To get ILR after 5 years, you usually need to earn at least £41,700 per year (or the going rate for your job – whichever is higher).
- For the 3-year fast track, you must earn £125,140 or more for at least 3 years.
Other Money Rules
- You must show you paid tax and National Insurance.
- You need to earn more than the personal tax allowance (£12,570) and pay National Insurance for at least 3 years before you apply.
New English Language Rule
From 8 January 2026, the English requirement became harder:
- Before: B1 level (Intermediate)
- Now: B2 level (Upper-Intermediate)
Most people must pass a B2 English test (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
Digital Transition: The 2026 eVisa Ecosystem
The UK is moving to a completely digital system. By the end of 2026, almost everyone will have an eVisa instead of a plastic card (BRP).
Main Changes in 2026
- No more physical BRP cards for new grants after 2024.
- December 2026 is the final date to move your old BRP information to an eVisa.
- You must create a UKVI account online.
- You use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to do your photo and face scan from home (free).
- After you get ILR, you will get an eVisa in your UKVI account.
- To prove your status (for work, rent, etc.), you give a share code from your account. This works instantly.
Dependant & Family Settlement 2026: Independent Rules
In 2026, the rules for partners and older children became stricter.
Important Points for Dependants
- Partners and children (over 18) must qualify for ILR on their own merits.
- Their waiting time depends on their own time living in the UK (not just the main applicant’s time).
- The main applicant (sponsor) still needs to meet the minimum income requirement.
- The income level has increased several times in 2025, so check the latest amount on GOV.UK.
Final Summary – What You Should Remember
| Topic | Key Point in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Normal ILR time | 10 years |
| Fast-track (5 years) | Earn £50,270+ per year |
| Fast-track (3 years) | Earn £125,140+ for 3+ years |
| Main ILR fee | £3,029 per person |
| English requirement | Now B2 level |
| Documents | Everything is digital (eVisa) |
| Dependants | Must qualify in their own right |
This guide gives you the main information about Skilled Worker settlement in 2026. Rules can change, so always check the official GOV.UK website or speak to a registered immigration adviser before you apply.
Good luck with your journey to permanent life in the UK!