UK settlement routes compared: Skilled Worker, spouse, Global Talent and Graduate
Most routes to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) take five years, but they differ on sponsorship, English requirements, and whether they lead to settlement at all. Here's how the main routes compare.
| Skilled Worker | Spouse / partner | Global Talent | Graduate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical time to ILR | 5 years | 5 years | 3 or 5 years | No direct route — switch first |
| Who sponsors you | A licensed employer | Your partner | An endorsing body | No sponsor |
| English for ILR | B1 (KoLL) | B1 (KoLL) | B1 (KoLL) | Not applicable |
| Life in the UK test for ILR | — | |||
| Can include dependants | ||||
| Leads to citizenship | Yes, via ILR | Yes, via ILR | Yes, via ILR | Only after switching |
| Home Office fees | Visa + ILR fee | Visa + ILR fee | Visa + ILR fee | Visa fee (no ILR) |
Which route is right for you?
The Skilled Worker route suits people with a job offer from a licensed sponsor, while the partner route is for those settling with a British or settled partner. Global Talent is for leaders or potential leaders in eligible fields and can reach ILR faster. The Graduate route is a temporary post-study route — it does not lead to settlement on its own, so most graduates switch into Skilled Worker before their leave ends.
Whichever route you're on, the path to citizenship runs through ILR first, and you'll need to pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement along the way.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the Graduate visa lead to ILR?
- No. The Graduate route is temporary and does not count towards settlement. To reach ILR you normally switch into a qualifying route such as Skilled Worker before your Graduate leave ends.
- How long until I can apply for ILR?
- Most routes require a continuous qualifying period of five years, though some Global Talent and Innovator Founder cases qualify in three. You can usually apply up to 28 days before you complete the period.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change — always check current guidance on GOV.UK or with a regulated OISC adviser or immigration solicitor for your specific case.
Last checked against GOV.UK guidance: 17 June 2026.
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