Understanding “Employment for the Foreseeable Future” in ILR Applications for Skilled Workers
When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Skilled Worker route, one important requirement is that your employer confirms your continued employment. Under the Skilled Worker rules, the sponsor must state that they “still require the applicant to work for them for the foreseeable future, and that the applicant is paid, and will be paid for the foreseeable future, at least the required salary.”
What Employers Need to Confirm
Employers must confirm three key points:
-
The applicant remains needed in their current sponsored role.
-
The employer expects the employment to continue for the foreseeable future, with no plans to end or significantly alter the role.
-
The applicant receives, and will continue to receive, at least the required salary.
What “Foreseeable Future” Means
The phrase “foreseeable future” does not have a strict definition in the rules. Generally, it refers to a genuine expectation that the employment will continue beyond the short term-usually for several months or more-without a known end date at the time of the application.
In practice, the role should be ongoing and stable. The employer should honestly state that, based on current circumstances, they expect the applicant to remain employed in the same role.
No Lifetime Guarantee Required
It is important to note that employers do not need to guarantee employment indefinitely or for a fixed period. The Home Office requires only a reasonable, good-faith statement confirming that the employment is stable and continuing at the time of the ILR application.
Why This Matters
This requirement ensures that the employment is genuine, sustainable, and stable. Once an individual is granted ILR, they gain access to public funds and benefits not available to temporary visa holders. The Home Office uses this check to confirm that new ILR holders are financially independent and that the sponsorship reflects a legitimate employment relationship rather than being solely for settlement purposes.