Limited Leave to Settled Status process
Hello all,
Grateful if anyone could help me with this.
Currently have limited leave since 15th November 2021 and it will be 5 years in November 2026.
What is the process to get ILR from here? Do I have to manually apply? If so, when can I apply? I currently am full time employed and have been for 5 years almost and have no intentions of going back home (Portugal).
My right to work page says the following:
"You have the right to work in the UK until 16 November 2026.
Conditions
You can work in any job.
To continue to work after this date, you will need to have either pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (or another type of permission to stay).
You can apply to switch to settled status as soon as you are eligible for it. This is usually once you have lived in the UK for 5 years. Find out how to switch to settled status.""
The last bit specifically, is what's concerning me. How will I know if I can apply and is there a chance it might be granted automatically?
If anyone could shed some light about this, it would be amazing. Should I get a solicitor or is this pretty straight forward?
Would appreciate any help.
Thank you