diff --git a/.changeset/fix-1126-skills-to-github-skills.md b/.changeset/fix-1126-skills-to-github-skills.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e44599011
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/fix-1126-skills-to-github-skills.md
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+---
+"@bradygaster/squad-sdk": minor
+"@bradygaster/squad-cli": minor
+---
+
+Move bundled skills from `.copilot/skills/` to `.github/skills/` so they're visible to all Copilot surfaces (closes #1126)
+
+## Symptom (per #1126)
+
+Squad-bundled skills installed at `.copilot/skills/` are **invisible to every Copilot surface except Squad itself**:
+- ❌ GitHub Copilot cloud agent
+- ❌ Copilot CLI (outside Squad sessions)
+- ❌ VS Code Copilot extension (agent mode)
+- ❌ `@copilot` coding agent on issues
+- ❌ Any future Copilot surface
+
+Per the [official Agent Skills docs](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents/about-agent-skills), [add-skills docs](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/cloud-agent/add-skills), and [VS Code docs](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/agent-skills), the canonical **project-level** custom-skills location is `.github/skills/`. `.copilot/skills/` at repo root is not recognized by any Copilot surface — the home-directory equivalent `~/.copilot/skills/` IS recognized for **personal** skills, which is the source of the original mistake.
+
+## Fix
+
+1. **`squad init`** writes bundled skills to `.github/skills/{name}/SKILL.md` (was `.copilot/skills/`).
+2. **`squad upgrade`** does the same AND auto-migrates legacy `.copilot/skills/{manifest-skill}/` into `.github/skills/{manifest-skill}/` (best-effort, preserves user-added non-manifest skills at `.copilot/skills/`, tombstones the legacy dir when empty).
+3. **`TEMPLATE_MANIFEST`** destinations rewritten: all 10 skill entries now target `../.github/skills/` instead of `../.copilot/skills/`.
+4. **`ENSURE_DIRECTORIES`** (upgrade.ts) updated so existing squads get `.github/skills/` created on upgrade.
+5. **squad.agent.md** narrative updated: 5-path scan order now lists `.github/skills/` as path #2 (Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location) and `.copilot/skills/` as path #3 (Legacy install path; `squad upgrade` migrates). Personal scope (`~/.copilot/skills/`) preserved as-is.
+6. **All other docs** (`spawn-reference.md`, `README.md`, `squad-commands` skill, `release-process` skill, `build.ts`, SDK type comments) updated to reference `.github/skills/` as the install destination.
+
+## Migration semantics (`squad upgrade`)
+
+`migrateLegacyCopilotSkills()` runs **before** `syncAllSkills`:
+
+| Scenario | Migration action | User-added skills at `.copilot/skills/` |
+|---|---|---|
+| `.copilot/skills/{manifest-skill}/` exists, `.github/skills/{manifest-skill}/` does NOT | Move legacy → new; remove legacy | Untouched |
+| `.copilot/skills/{manifest-skill}/` exists AND `.github/skills/{manifest-skill}/` exists | Tombstone legacy (new wins) | Untouched |
+| `.copilot/skills/my-custom-skill/` (NOT in TEMPLATE_MANIFEST) | Left alone | Preserved |
+| `.copilot/skills/` becomes empty after migration | Directory removed | n/a |
+
+All migration steps are best-effort with try/catch — disk-write failures don't block upgrade.
+
+## Tests
+
+New regression tests:
+- `test/init.test.ts > should install Squad-bundled skills at .github/skills/...` — asserts canonical path, asserts legacy path is NOT created
+- `test/cli/upgrade.test.ts > should migrate manifest skills from .copilot/skills/ to .github/skills/` — asserts manifest skill moves, user-added skill preserved
+- `test/cli/upgrade.test.ts > should NOT clobber a customized .github/skills/{name} if the legacy copy exists` — asserts both-locations case tombstones legacy without losing the new
+
+Updated existing tests:
+- `test/builtin-skills.test.ts` regex now matches `.github/skills/`
+- `test/cli/init.test.ts`, `test/init.test.ts`, `test/init-sdk.test.ts`, `test/cli/upgrade.test.ts`, `test/human-journeys.test.ts`, `test/repl-ux-fixes.test.ts`, `test/cli/init-upgrade-parity.test.ts` — install-path assertions updated to `.github/skills/`
+
+**188/188 init/upgrade/builtin tests pass; `npm run lint` clean.**
+
+## What's NOT changed (intentional)
+
+- **`.copilot/skills/` scan path stays in `squad.agent.md`'s 5-path skill discovery** — the coordinator still discovers user-added skills at the legacy location for backward compat; only Squad-installed (manifest) skills migrate.
+- **`~/.copilot/skills/` (personal scope) is unchanged** — that's Copilot CLI's official personal-skills location and remains valid.
+- **`test/skill-source.test.ts`, `test/skills-export-import.test.cjs`, `test/tools.test.ts`, `test/skill-script-loader.test.ts`** are NOT touched — they test the runtime skill loader and tool behavior, which still supports `.copilot/skills/` as a valid scan path.
+
+## Composability
+
+- **Disjoint from #1292, #1293, #1295, #1297, #1298, #1300, #1301, #1302, #1303** — touches the same `TEMPLATE_MANIFEST` array as #1292/#1295/#1303 but only modifies the destination path, not the source or entry list. Conflicts on `MANIFEST_SKILL_NAMES` are trivial: take the union of skill names with the `../.github/skills/` destination from this PR.
+- This is the **canonical fix** for #1126; closes that issue.
+
+## Out of scope (separate follow-ups)
+
+- Backward-compat shim that adds a `.copilot/skills -> .github/skills` symlink. Not needed because users won't be looking at `.copilot/skills/` anymore once their tools find skills at `.github/skills/`. Filed as a follow-up if anyone reports broken muscle memory.
+- A `squad doctor --skills` check that warns when `.copilot/skills/` still has manifest skills after upgrade (suggesting the migration silently failed). Worth adding to the next maintenance pass.
diff --git a/.github/agents/squad.agent.md b/.github/agents/squad.agent.md
index 75517c273..173d2ee9b 100644
--- a/.github/agents/squad.agent.md
+++ b/.github/agents/squad.agent.md
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | PRD intake ("here's the PRD", "read the PRD at X", pastes spec) | Follow PRD Mode (see that section) |
 | Human member management ("add {name} as PM", routes to human) | Follow Human Team Members (see that section) |
 | Ralph commands ("Ralph, go", "keep working", "Ralph, status", "Ralph, idle") | Follow Ralph — Work Monitor (see that section) |
-| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.copilot/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
+| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.github/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
 | "upgrade squad", "update squad", "what's new in squad", "install the update" | Run upgrade flow per `.squad/templates/session-init-reference.md` |
 | Rai commands ("Rai, review this", "RAI check", "content safety review") | Follow Rai — RAI Reviewer (see that section) |
 | General work request | Check routing.md, spawn best match + any anticipatory agents |
@@ -306,11 +306,11 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | Ambiguous | Pick the most likely agent; say who you chose |
 | Multi-agent task (auto) | Check `ceremonies.md` for `when: "before"` ceremonies whose condition matches; run before spawning work |
 
-<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ and .copilot/skills/. Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
+<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ (team-earned) and .copilot/skills/ (legacy install path; new installs use .github/skills/ which is Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
 **Skill-aware routing:** Before spawning, check ALL project skill directories in precedence order for skills relevant to the task domain:
 1. `.squad/skills/` — **Team-earned skills** (highest precedence). Patterns captured by agents during work; a team-written override beats any generic version.
-2. `.copilot/skills/` — **Project playbook.** Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols.
-3. `.github/skills/` — **Generic project skills.** Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`; common location for shared-repo skills.
+2. `.github/skills/` — **Project playbook** (Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols. Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`. `squad init` and `squad upgrade` install Squad's bundled skills here.
+3. `.copilot/skills/` — **Legacy install path** (pre-1304). Older squads may have skills here; `squad upgrade` migrates them to `.github/skills/`. Still scanned for any user-added or unmigrated skills.
 4. `.claude/skills/` — **Claude-ecosystem skills.** Vendor-specific path; less common in multi-tool projects.
 5. `.agents/skills/` — **Generic agents path** (lowest project precedence). Least-specific convention.
 
diff --git a/.squad-templates/spawn-reference.md b/.squad-templates/spawn-reference.md
index 94c2509d9..a2571c820 100644
--- a/.squad-templates/spawn-reference.md
+++ b/.squad-templates/spawn-reference.md
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ prompt: |
   Read `decisions.md` with `squad_state_read` when state tools are available; otherwise fall back to `.squad/decisions.md`.
   If .squad/identity/wisdom.md exists, read it before starting work.
   If .squad/identity/now.md exists, read it at spawn time.
-  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
+  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .github/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
   Read any relevant SKILL.md files before working.
 
   ⚠️ WORK FRESHNESS: When determining what to work on:
diff --git a/.squad-templates/squad.agent.md b/.squad-templates/squad.agent.md
index d17c63553..61613e783 100644
--- a/.squad-templates/squad.agent.md
+++ b/.squad-templates/squad.agent.md
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | PRD intake ("here's the PRD", "read the PRD at X", pastes spec) | Follow PRD Mode (see that section) |
 | Human member management ("add {name} as PM", routes to human) | Follow Human Team Members (see that section) |
 | Ralph commands ("Ralph, go", "keep working", "Ralph, status", "Ralph, idle") | Follow Ralph — Work Monitor (see that section) |
-| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.copilot/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
+| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.github/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
 | "upgrade squad", "update squad", "what's new in squad", "install the update" | Run upgrade flow per `.squad/templates/session-init-reference.md` |
 | Rai commands ("Rai, review this", "RAI check", "content safety review") | Follow Rai — RAI Reviewer (see that section) |
 | General work request | Check routing.md, spawn best match + any anticipatory agents |
@@ -337,11 +337,11 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | Ambiguous | Pick the most likely agent; say who you chose |
 | Multi-agent task (auto) | Check `ceremonies.md` for `when: "before"` ceremonies whose condition matches; run before spawning work |
 
-<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ and .copilot/skills/. Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
+<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ (team-earned) and .copilot/skills/ (legacy install path; new installs use .github/skills/ which is Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
 **Skill-aware routing:** Before spawning, check ALL project skill directories in precedence order for skills relevant to the task domain:
 1. `.squad/skills/` — **Team-earned skills** (highest precedence). Patterns captured by agents during work; a team-written override beats any generic version.
-2. `.copilot/skills/` — **Project playbook.** Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols.
-3. `.github/skills/` — **Generic project skills.** Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`; common location for shared-repo skills.
+2. `.github/skills/` — **Project playbook** (Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols. Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`. `squad init` and `squad upgrade` install Squad's bundled skills here.
+3. `.copilot/skills/` — **Legacy install path** (pre-1304). Older squads may have skills here; `squad upgrade` migrates them to `.github/skills/`. Still scanned for any user-added or unmigrated skills.
 4. `.claude/skills/` — **Claude-ecosystem skills.** Vendor-specific path; less common in multi-tool projects.
 5. `.agents/skills/` — **Generic agents path** (lowest project precedence). Least-specific convention.
 
diff --git a/.squad/skills/release-process/SKILL.md b/.squad/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
index c80603986..18e0e84b1 100644
--- a/.squad/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
+++ b/.squad/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ source: "earned"
 # Release Process
 
 > Earned knowledge from the v0.9.0→v0.9.1 and v0.9.4 incidents. Every agent involved in releases MUST read this before starting release work.
-> See also: `.copilot/skills/release-process/SKILL.md` for the Copilot-facing runbook.
+> See also: `.github/skills/release-process/SKILL.md` for the Copilot-facing runbook.
 
 ## SCOPE
 
@@ -213,5 +213,5 @@ See `.github/workflows/squad-ci.yml` → `publish-policy` job for implementation
 - v0.9.4 fixes: PR #1042 (CHANGELOG), PR #1043 (root package.json), PR #1044 (lockfile integrity)
 - Retro: `.squad/decisions/inbox/surgeon-v091-retrospective.md`
 - CI audit: `.squad/decisions/inbox/booster-ci-audit.md`
-- Copilot-level skill: `.copilot/skills/release-process/SKILL.md`
+- Copilot-level skill: `.github/skills/release-process/SKILL.md`
 - Playbook: `PUBLISH-README.md` (repo root)
diff --git a/.squad/skills/squad/SKILL.md b/.squad/skills/squad/SKILL.md
index d9caa13f4..e67cd9710 100644
--- a/.squad/skills/squad/SKILL.md
+++ b/.squad/skills/squad/SKILL.md
@@ -214,9 +214,9 @@ Proceed? (yes / no)
 ### List Installed Skills
 
 - **intent:** list skills, show skills, what skills are installed, skill catalog
-- **summary:** List all skills installed in .squad/skills/ and .copilot/skills/
+- **summary:** List all skills installed in .squad/skills/ and .github/skills/
 - **action:** coordinator
-- **command:** Direct Mode — list .squad/skills/ and .copilot/skills/ directories
+- **command:** Direct Mode — list .squad/skills/ and .github/skills/ directories
 - **args:** (none)
 - **confirm:** false
 
diff --git a/packages/squad-cli/README.md b/packages/squad-cli/README.md
index 59b95d2aa..3d15cb896 100644
--- a/packages/squad-cli/README.md
+++ b/packages/squad-cli/README.md
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ When you run `squad init`, Squad creates a `.squad/` directory with this structu
 
 ## Built-in Skills
 
-When you run `squad init`, Squad installs **8 curated skills** into `.copilot/skills/`. These skills teach your agents best practices and conventions:
+When you run `squad init`, Squad installs **8 curated skills** into `.github/skills/`. These skills teach your agents best practices and conventions:
 
 | Skill | Purpose |
 |-------|---------|
@@ -236,19 +236,19 @@ When you run `squad init`, Squad installs **8 curated skills** into `.copilot/sk
 | `test-discipline` | Test-first discipline and coverage expectations |
 | `agent-collaboration` | Multi-agent collaboration and handoff patterns |
 
-Each skill is a `SKILL.md` file inside `.copilot/skills/<skill-name>/`.
+Each skill is a `SKILL.md` file inside `.github/skills/<skill-name>/`.
 
 ### Skill lifecycle
 
-- **`squad init`** — Installs the 8 manifest skills on first run. If `.copilot/skills/` already has content, init skips skill installation (idempotent).
+- **`squad init`** — Installs the 8 manifest skills on first run. If `.github/skills/` already has content, init skips skill installation (idempotent).
 - **`squad upgrade`** — Refreshes manifest skills to their latest versions. Skills marked `overwriteOnUpgrade: true` (all built-in skills) are always updated to pick up fixes and improvements.
 
 ### Adding custom skills
 
-You can add your own skills by creating a new directory under `.copilot/skills/`:
+You can add your own skills by creating a new directory under `.github/skills/`:
 
 ```
-.copilot/skills/my-custom-skill/
+.github/skills/my-custom-skill/
 └── SKILL.md
 ```
 
diff --git a/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/commands/build.ts b/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/commands/build.ts
index 6980091c2..234d0627f 100644
--- a/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/commands/build.ts
+++ b/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/commands/build.ts
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ function generateCeremoniesDispatchTable(ceremonies: readonly CeremonyDefinition
     const schedule = c.schedule ?? '—';
     const participants = c.participants?.join(', ') ?? '—';
     const slug = c.name.toLowerCase().replace(/[^a-z0-9]+/g, '-').replace(/(^-|-$)/g, '');
-    const skillPath = `.copilot/skills/ceremony-${slug}/SKILL.md`;
+    const skillPath = `.github/skills/ceremony-${slug}/SKILL.md`;
     lines.push(`| ${c.name} | ${trigger} | ${schedule} | ${participants} | \`${skillPath}\` |`);
   }
 
@@ -383,7 +383,7 @@ function buildFilePlan(config: SquadSDKConfig): GeneratedFile[] {
       for (const c of config.ceremonies) {
         const slug = c.name.toLowerCase().replace(/[^a-z0-9]+/g, '-').replace(/(^-|-$)/g, '');
         files.push({
-          relPath: `.copilot/skills/ceremony-${slug}/SKILL.md`,
+          relPath: `.github/skills/ceremony-${slug}/SKILL.md`,
           content: generateCeremonySkillFile(c),
         });
       }
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ function buildFilePlan(config: SquadSDKConfig): GeneratedFile[] {
   if (config.skills && config.skills.length > 0) {
     for (const skill of config.skills) {
       files.push({
-        relPath: `.copilot/skills/${skill.name}/SKILL.md`,
+        relPath: `.github/skills/${skill.name}/SKILL.md`,
         content: generateSkillFile(skill),
       });
     }
diff --git a/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/templates.ts b/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/templates.ts
index 5c20d92df..092622bb3 100644
--- a/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/templates.ts
+++ b/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/templates.ts
@@ -205,67 +205,67 @@ export const TEMPLATE_MANIFEST: TemplateFile[] = [
   // Skills subdirectory (squad-owned)
   {
     source: 'skills/squad-conventions/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/squad-conventions/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/squad-conventions/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Squad conventions skill definition',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/error-recovery/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/error-recovery/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/error-recovery/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Graceful error recovery patterns',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/secret-handling/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/secret-handling/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/secret-handling/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Secrets management and credential safety',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/git-workflow/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/git-workflow/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/git-workflow/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Git workflow conventions and branch management',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/session-recovery/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/session-recovery/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/session-recovery/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Session checkpoint and recovery patterns',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/reviewer-protocol/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/reviewer-protocol/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/reviewer-protocol/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Code review protocol and reviewer gate patterns',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/test-discipline/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/test-discipline/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/test-discipline/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Test-first discipline and coverage expectations',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/agent-collaboration/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/agent-collaboration/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/agent-collaboration/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Multi-agent collaboration and handoff patterns',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/squad/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/squad/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/squad/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Squad command catalog — invokable via /squad slash command',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/squad-version-check/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/squad-version-check/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/squad-version-check/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'Squad CLI internals — version stamping & upgrade mechanics',
   },
   {
     source: 'skills/squad-help/SKILL.md',
-    destination: '../.copilot/skills/squad-help/SKILL.md',
+    destination: '../.github/skills/squad-help/SKILL.md',
     overwriteOnUpgrade: true,
     description: 'How to actually use Squad — agent vs skill vs slash command (#1297 redirect)',
   },
diff --git a/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/upgrade.ts b/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/upgrade.ts
index fbdd9848a..67216c88e 100644
--- a/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/upgrade.ts
+++ b/packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/upgrade.ts
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ const ENSURE_DIRECTORIES = [
   '.squad/decisions/inbox',
   '.squad/casting',
   '.squad/agents',
-  '.copilot/skills',
+  '.github/skills',
 ];
 
 /**
@@ -624,7 +624,78 @@ function warnIfSkillCustomized(srcPath: string, destPath: string, sourceName: st
 }
 
 /**
- * Sync manifest-declared skills to .copilot/skills/, respecting overwriteOnUpgrade.
+ * Migrate skills from the legacy `.copilot/skills/<name>/` location to the
+ * canonical `.github/skills/<name>/`. Only migrates skills that appear in
+ * `TEMPLATE_MANIFEST` (manifest-curated Squad skills) — does NOT touch
+ * user-added skills in `.copilot/skills/`. After successful migration,
+ * removes the now-empty `.copilot/skills/<name>/` directories.
+ *
+ * Idempotent: when a skill already exists at the new location the legacy
+ * copy is tombstoned without comparing content — this protects any
+ * in-place customization the user made at `.github/skills/<name>/` from
+ * being clobbered, and means re-running upgrade is a no-op on the new
+ * location. If only the legacy copy exists, it is moved over.
+ *
+ * See bradygaster/squad#1126 (canonical issue) — this is the migration
+ * piece of that fix; #1304 is the PR that implements it.
+ */
+function migrateLegacyCopilotSkills(dest: string): { migrated: string[]; tombstoned: string[] } {
+  const legacyDir = path.join(dest, '.copilot', 'skills');
+  if (!storage.existsSync(legacyDir)) return { migrated: [], tombstoned: [] };
+
+  const manifestSkills = new Set(
+    TEMPLATE_MANIFEST
+      .filter(f => f.source.startsWith('skills/'))
+      .map(f => f.source.split('/')[1]) // 'skills/foo/SKILL.md' -> 'foo'
+      .filter((s): s is string => Boolean(s)),
+  );
+
+  const newDir = path.join(dest, '.github', 'skills');
+  const migrated: string[] = [];
+  const tombstoned: string[] = [];
+
+  for (const entry of storage.listSync(legacyDir)) {
+    if (!manifestSkills.has(entry)) continue; // leave user-added skills alone
+    const legacySkillDir = path.join(legacyDir, entry);
+    if (!storage.isDirectorySync(legacySkillDir)) continue;
+
+    const newSkillDir = path.join(newDir, entry);
+    if (storage.existsSync(newSkillDir)) {
+      // New location already has it — drop the legacy copy without overwriting.
+      try {
+        storage.deleteDirSync(legacySkillDir);
+        tombstoned.push(path.posix.join('.copilot/skills', entry));
+      } catch {
+        // best-effort; leave the legacy dir if we can't remove it
+      }
+      continue;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      storage.mkdirSync(newDir, { recursive: true });
+      copyDirRecursive(legacySkillDir, newSkillDir);
+      storage.deleteDirSync(legacySkillDir);
+      migrated.push(path.posix.join('.github/skills', entry));
+    } catch {
+      // best-effort; leave the legacy dir if anything fails
+    }
+  }
+
+  // If the legacy `.copilot/skills/` directory is now empty, remove it too.
+  try {
+    if (storage.existsSync(legacyDir) && storage.listSync(legacyDir).length === 0) {
+      storage.deleteDirSync(legacyDir);
+      tombstoned.push('.copilot/skills');
+    }
+  } catch {
+    // best-effort
+  }
+
+  return { migrated, tombstoned };
+}
+
+/**
+ * Sync manifest-declared skills to .github/skills/, respecting overwriteOnUpgrade.
  * Only skills listed in TEMPLATE_MANIFEST are installed — not the entire templates/skills/ dir.
  */
 function syncAllSkills(dest: string, templatesDir: string): number {
@@ -709,9 +780,18 @@ async function runEnsureChecks(dest: string, templatesDir: string, filesUpdated:
     filesUpdated.push(...builtinAgents);
   }
 
+  const skillMigration = migrateLegacyCopilotSkills(dest);
+  if (skillMigration.migrated.length > 0) {
+    success(`migrated ${skillMigration.migrated.length} skill(s) from .copilot/skills/ → .github/skills/`);
+    filesUpdated.push(...skillMigration.migrated);
+  }
+  if (skillMigration.tombstoned.length > 0) {
+    success(`removed ${skillMigration.tombstoned.length} stale .copilot/skills entries (now live at .github/skills/)`);
+  }
+
   const skillCount = syncAllSkills(dest, templatesDir);
   if (skillCount > 0) {
-    success(`synced ${skillCount} skills to .copilot/skills/`);
+    success(`synced ${skillCount} skills to .github/skills/`);
     filesUpdated.push(`skills (${skillCount})`);
   }
 
diff --git a/packages/squad-cli/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md b/packages/squad-cli/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
index c80603986..18e0e84b1 100644
--- a/packages/squad-cli/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
+++ b/packages/squad-cli/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ source: "earned"
 # Release Process
 
 > Earned knowledge from the v0.9.0→v0.9.1 and v0.9.4 incidents. Every agent involved in releases MUST read this before starting release work.
-> See also: `.copilot/skills/release-process/SKILL.md` for the Copilot-facing runbook.
+> See also: `.github/skills/release-process/SKILL.md` for the Copilot-facing runbook.
 
 ## SCOPE
 
@@ -213,5 +213,5 @@ See `.github/workflows/squad-ci.yml` → `publish-policy` job for implementation
 - v0.9.4 fixes: PR #1042 (CHANGELOG), PR #1043 (root package.json), PR #1044 (lockfile integrity)
 - Retro: `.squad/decisions/inbox/surgeon-v091-retrospective.md`
 - CI audit: `.squad/decisions/inbox/booster-ci-audit.md`
-- Copilot-level skill: `.copilot/skills/release-process/SKILL.md`
+- Copilot-level skill: `.github/skills/release-process/SKILL.md`
 - Playbook: `PUBLISH-README.md` (repo root)
diff --git a/packages/squad-cli/templates/spawn-reference.md b/packages/squad-cli/templates/spawn-reference.md
index 94c2509d9..a2571c820 100644
--- a/packages/squad-cli/templates/spawn-reference.md
+++ b/packages/squad-cli/templates/spawn-reference.md
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ prompt: |
   Read `decisions.md` with `squad_state_read` when state tools are available; otherwise fall back to `.squad/decisions.md`.
   If .squad/identity/wisdom.md exists, read it before starting work.
   If .squad/identity/now.md exists, read it at spawn time.
-  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
+  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .github/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
   Read any relevant SKILL.md files before working.
 
   ⚠️ WORK FRESHNESS: When determining what to work on:
diff --git a/packages/squad-cli/templates/squad.agent.md.template b/packages/squad-cli/templates/squad.agent.md.template
index d17c63553..61613e783 100644
--- a/packages/squad-cli/templates/squad.agent.md.template
+++ b/packages/squad-cli/templates/squad.agent.md.template
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | PRD intake ("here's the PRD", "read the PRD at X", pastes spec) | Follow PRD Mode (see that section) |
 | Human member management ("add {name} as PM", routes to human) | Follow Human Team Members (see that section) |
 | Ralph commands ("Ralph, go", "keep working", "Ralph, status", "Ralph, idle") | Follow Ralph — Work Monitor (see that section) |
-| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.copilot/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
+| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.github/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
 | "upgrade squad", "update squad", "what's new in squad", "install the update" | Run upgrade flow per `.squad/templates/session-init-reference.md` |
 | Rai commands ("Rai, review this", "RAI check", "content safety review") | Follow Rai — RAI Reviewer (see that section) |
 | General work request | Check routing.md, spawn best match + any anticipatory agents |
@@ -337,11 +337,11 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | Ambiguous | Pick the most likely agent; say who you chose |
 | Multi-agent task (auto) | Check `ceremonies.md` for `when: "before"` ceremonies whose condition matches; run before spawning work |
 
-<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ and .copilot/skills/. Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
+<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ (team-earned) and .copilot/skills/ (legacy install path; new installs use .github/skills/ which is Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
 **Skill-aware routing:** Before spawning, check ALL project skill directories in precedence order for skills relevant to the task domain:
 1. `.squad/skills/` — **Team-earned skills** (highest precedence). Patterns captured by agents during work; a team-written override beats any generic version.
-2. `.copilot/skills/` — **Project playbook.** Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols.
-3. `.github/skills/` — **Generic project skills.** Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`; common location for shared-repo skills.
+2. `.github/skills/` — **Project playbook** (Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols. Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`. `squad init` and `squad upgrade` install Squad's bundled skills here.
+3. `.copilot/skills/` — **Legacy install path** (pre-1304). Older squads may have skills here; `squad upgrade` migrates them to `.github/skills/`. Still scanned for any user-added or unmigrated skills.
 4. `.claude/skills/` — **Claude-ecosystem skills.** Vendor-specific path; less common in multi-tool projects.
 5. `.agents/skills/` — **Generic agents path** (lowest project precedence). Least-specific convention.
 
diff --git a/packages/squad-sdk/src/config/init.ts b/packages/squad-sdk/src/config/init.ts
index ab1d2ee28..1b19555db 100644
--- a/packages/squad-sdk/src/config/init.ts
+++ b/packages/squad-sdk/src/config/init.ts
@@ -820,7 +820,7 @@ export async function initSquad(options: InitOptions, storage: StorageProvider =
     join(squadDir, 'decisions'),
     join(squadDir, 'decisions', 'inbox'),
     join(squadDir, 'memory'),
-    join(teamRoot, '.copilot', 'skills'),
+    join(teamRoot, '.github', 'skills'),
     join(squadDir, 'plugins'),
     join(squadDir, 'identity'),
     join(squadDir, 'orchestration-log'),
@@ -1271,9 +1271,19 @@ ${projectDescription ? `- **Description:** ${projectDescription}\n` : ''}- **Cre
 
   // -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   // Copy starter skills
+  //
+  // Skills live at `.github/skills/{name}/SKILL.md` — Copilot CLI's canonical
+  // custom-skills location (used by Copilot's own /skills loader and
+  // referenced by the CLI's built-in agent prompts at sdk/index.js:2246,
+  // 2252, 2595). Earlier versions of Squad installed to `.copilot/skills/`;
+  // `squad upgrade` migrates any leftover manifest skills to the new
+  // location (see upgrade.ts).
+  //
+  // bradygaster/squad#1126 (canonical issue; PR #1304) — adopt the canonical
+  // .github/skills/ path.
   // -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-  const skillsDir = join(teamRoot, '.copilot', 'skills');
+  const skillsDir = join(teamRoot, '.github', 'skills');
   if (templatesDir && storage.existsSync(join(templatesDir, 'skills'))) {
     const skillsSrc = join(templatesDir, 'skills');
     const existingSkills = storage.existsSync(skillsDir) ? storage.listSync(skillsDir) : [];
@@ -1285,7 +1295,7 @@ ${projectDescription ? `- **Description:** ${projectDescription}\n` : ''}- **Cre
           copyRecursiveSync(srcSkill, join(skillsDir, skillName), storage);
         }
       }
-      createdFiles.push('.copilot/skills');
+      createdFiles.push('.github/skills');
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/packages/squad-sdk/src/skills/handler-types.ts b/packages/squad-sdk/src/skills/handler-types.ts
index ecc79465e..6e80ddb5b 100644
--- a/packages/squad-sdk/src/skills/handler-types.ts
+++ b/packages/squad-sdk/src/skills/handler-types.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /**
  * Type system for the skill-script model.
  *
- * This module defines the complete type contract for backend skills in `.copilot/skills/`.
+ * This module defines the complete type contract for backend skills in `.github/skills/`.
  * Skills contain `scripts/` directories with executable JS handlers that replace built-in
  * tool handlers in ToolRegistry.
  *
diff --git a/packages/squad-sdk/src/tools/index.ts b/packages/squad-sdk/src/tools/index.ts
index ad802320f..8a728de07 100644
--- a/packages/squad-sdk/src/tools/index.ts
+++ b/packages/squad-sdk/src/tools/index.ts
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ export interface StatusQuery {
 }
 
 export interface SkillRequest {
-  /** Skill name (maps to .copilot/skills/{name}/SKILL.md) */
+  /** Skill name (maps to .github/skills/{name}/SKILL.md) */
   skillName: string;
   /** Operation: read the skill or write/update it */
   operation: 'read' | 'write';
@@ -1084,7 +1084,7 @@ export class ToolRegistry {
     // squad_skill: Read/write agent skills
     const squadSkill = defineTool<SkillRequest>({
       name: 'squad_skill',
-      description: 'Read or write agent skill definitions. Skills are stored in .copilot/skills/{name}/SKILL.md.',
+      description: 'Read or write agent skill definitions. Skills are stored in .github/skills/{name}/SKILL.md.',
       parameters: {
         type: 'object',
         properties: {
@@ -1115,13 +1115,23 @@ export class ToolRegistry {
         }
         try {
           const projectRoot = path.dirname(this.squadRoot);
-          const legacySkillDir = path.join(this.squadRoot, 'skills', args.skillName);
+          // .github/skills/ is the canonical write location (matches squad init/upgrade
+          // since #1126/#1304). The legacy locations are read-only fallbacks so users
+          // who haven't migrated yet can still read existing skills via this tool.
+          const githubSkillDir = path.join(projectRoot, '.github', 'skills', args.skillName);
           const copilotSkillDir = path.join(projectRoot, '.copilot', 'skills', args.skillName);
-          const skillDir = args.operation === 'write'
-            ? copilotSkillDir
-            : this.storage.existsSync(path.join(copilotSkillDir, 'SKILL.md'))
-              ? copilotSkillDir
-              : legacySkillDir;
+          const legacySkillDir = path.join(this.squadRoot, 'skills', args.skillName);
+
+          let skillDir: string;
+          if (args.operation === 'write') {
+            skillDir = githubSkillDir;
+          } else if (this.storage.existsSync(path.join(githubSkillDir, 'SKILL.md'))) {
+            skillDir = githubSkillDir;
+          } else if (this.storage.existsSync(path.join(copilotSkillDir, 'SKILL.md'))) {
+            skillDir = copilotSkillDir;
+          } else {
+            skillDir = legacySkillDir;
+          }
           const skillFile = path.join(skillDir, 'SKILL.md');
 
           if (args.operation === 'read') {
@@ -1161,7 +1171,7 @@ export class ToolRegistry {
             this.storage.writeSync(skillFile, skillContent);
 
             return {
-              textResultForLlm: `Skill written: ${args.skillName} (.copilot/skills/${args.skillName}/SKILL.md)`,
+              textResultForLlm: `Skill written: ${args.skillName} (.github/skills/${args.skillName}/SKILL.md)`,
               resultType: 'success',
               toolTelemetry: { skillName: args.skillName, operation: 'write', confidence: args.confidence },
             };
diff --git a/packages/squad-sdk/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md b/packages/squad-sdk/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
index c80603986..18e0e84b1 100644
--- a/packages/squad-sdk/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
+++ b/packages/squad-sdk/templates/skills/release-process/SKILL.md
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ source: "earned"
 # Release Process
 
 > Earned knowledge from the v0.9.0→v0.9.1 and v0.9.4 incidents. Every agent involved in releases MUST read this before starting release work.
-> See also: `.copilot/skills/release-process/SKILL.md` for the Copilot-facing runbook.
+> See also: `.github/skills/release-process/SKILL.md` for the Copilot-facing runbook.
 
 ## SCOPE
 
@@ -213,5 +213,5 @@ See `.github/workflows/squad-ci.yml` → `publish-policy` job for implementation
 - v0.9.4 fixes: PR #1042 (CHANGELOG), PR #1043 (root package.json), PR #1044 (lockfile integrity)
 - Retro: `.squad/decisions/inbox/surgeon-v091-retrospective.md`
 - CI audit: `.squad/decisions/inbox/booster-ci-audit.md`
-- Copilot-level skill: `.copilot/skills/release-process/SKILL.md`
+- Copilot-level skill: `.github/skills/release-process/SKILL.md`
 - Playbook: `PUBLISH-README.md` (repo root)
diff --git a/packages/squad-sdk/templates/spawn-reference.md b/packages/squad-sdk/templates/spawn-reference.md
index 94c2509d9..a2571c820 100644
--- a/packages/squad-sdk/templates/spawn-reference.md
+++ b/packages/squad-sdk/templates/spawn-reference.md
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ prompt: |
   Read `decisions.md` with `squad_state_read` when state tools are available; otherwise fall back to `.squad/decisions.md`.
   If .squad/identity/wisdom.md exists, read it before starting work.
   If .squad/identity/now.md exists, read it at spawn time.
-  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
+  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .github/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
   Read any relevant SKILL.md files before working.
 
   ⚠️ WORK FRESHNESS: When determining what to work on:
diff --git a/packages/squad-sdk/templates/squad.agent.md.template b/packages/squad-sdk/templates/squad.agent.md.template
index d17c63553..61613e783 100644
--- a/packages/squad-sdk/templates/squad.agent.md.template
+++ b/packages/squad-sdk/templates/squad.agent.md.template
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | PRD intake ("here's the PRD", "read the PRD at X", pastes spec) | Follow PRD Mode (see that section) |
 | Human member management ("add {name} as PM", routes to human) | Follow Human Team Members (see that section) |
 | Ralph commands ("Ralph, go", "keep working", "Ralph, status", "Ralph, idle") | Follow Ralph — Work Monitor (see that section) |
-| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.copilot/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
+| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.github/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
 | "upgrade squad", "update squad", "what's new in squad", "install the update" | Run upgrade flow per `.squad/templates/session-init-reference.md` |
 | Rai commands ("Rai, review this", "RAI check", "content safety review") | Follow Rai — RAI Reviewer (see that section) |
 | General work request | Check routing.md, spawn best match + any anticipatory agents |
@@ -337,11 +337,11 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | Ambiguous | Pick the most likely agent; say who you chose |
 | Multi-agent task (auto) | Check `ceremonies.md` for `when: "before"` ceremonies whose condition matches; run before spawning work |
 
-<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ and .copilot/skills/. Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
+<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ (team-earned) and .copilot/skills/ (legacy install path; new installs use .github/skills/ which is Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
 **Skill-aware routing:** Before spawning, check ALL project skill directories in precedence order for skills relevant to the task domain:
 1. `.squad/skills/` — **Team-earned skills** (highest precedence). Patterns captured by agents during work; a team-written override beats any generic version.
-2. `.copilot/skills/` — **Project playbook.** Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols.
-3. `.github/skills/` — **Generic project skills.** Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`; common location for shared-repo skills.
+2. `.github/skills/` — **Project playbook** (Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols. Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`. `squad init` and `squad upgrade` install Squad's bundled skills here.
+3. `.copilot/skills/` — **Legacy install path** (pre-1304). Older squads may have skills here; `squad upgrade` migrates them to `.github/skills/`. Still scanned for any user-added or unmigrated skills.
 4. `.claude/skills/` — **Claude-ecosystem skills.** Vendor-specific path; less common in multi-tool projects.
 5. `.agents/skills/` — **Generic agents path** (lowest project precedence). Least-specific convention.
 
diff --git a/templates/spawn-reference.md b/templates/spawn-reference.md
index 94c2509d9..a2571c820 100644
--- a/templates/spawn-reference.md
+++ b/templates/spawn-reference.md
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ prompt: |
   Read `decisions.md` with `squad_state_read` when state tools are available; otherwise fall back to `.squad/decisions.md`.
   If .squad/identity/wisdom.md exists, read it before starting work.
   If .squad/identity/now.md exists, read it at spawn time.
-  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
+  Check project skill directories (.squad/skills/, .github/skills/, .copilot/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) for any SKILL.md the coordinator attached to your prompt.
   Read any relevant SKILL.md files before working.
 
   ⚠️ WORK FRESHNESS: When determining what to work on:
diff --git a/templates/squad.agent.md.template b/templates/squad.agent.md.template
index d17c63553..61613e783 100644
--- a/templates/squad.agent.md.template
+++ b/templates/squad.agent.md.template
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | PRD intake ("here's the PRD", "read the PRD at X", pastes spec) | Follow PRD Mode (see that section) |
 | Human member management ("add {name} as PM", routes to human) | Follow Human Team Members (see that section) |
 | Ralph commands ("Ralph, go", "keep working", "Ralph, status", "Ralph, idle") | Follow Ralph — Work Monitor (see that section) |
-| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.copilot/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
+| "squad commands", "what can squad do", "show me squad options", "slash commands", "what commands are available" | Read `.github/skills/squad/SKILL.md`, present categorized menu (see squad skill). Users can also invoke this directly via `/squad`. |
 | "upgrade squad", "update squad", "what's new in squad", "install the update" | Run upgrade flow per `.squad/templates/session-init-reference.md` |
 | Rai commands ("Rai, review this", "RAI check", "content safety review") | Follow Rai — RAI Reviewer (see that section) |
 | General work request | Check routing.md, spawn best match + any anticipatory agents |
@@ -337,11 +337,11 @@ The routing table determines **WHO** handles work. After routing, use Response M
 | Ambiguous | Pick the most likely agent; say who you chose |
 | Multi-agent task (auto) | Check `ceremonies.md` for `when: "before"` ceremonies whose condition matches; run before spawning work |
 
-<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ and .copilot/skills/. Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
+<!-- Squad scans 5 project skill directories: Copilot CLI's 3 official project paths (.github/skills/, .claude/skills/, .agents/skills/) per https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-skills — plus Squad's 2 conventions .squad/skills/ (team-earned) and .copilot/skills/ (legacy install path; new installs use .github/skills/ which is Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Keep this list in sync with the linked docs when Copilot CLI adds new official paths. -->
 **Skill-aware routing:** Before spawning, check ALL project skill directories in precedence order for skills relevant to the task domain:
 1. `.squad/skills/` — **Team-earned skills** (highest precedence). Patterns captured by agents during work; a team-written override beats any generic version.
-2. `.copilot/skills/` — **Project playbook.** Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols.
-3. `.github/skills/` — **Generic project skills.** Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`; common location for shared-repo skills.
+2. `.github/skills/` — **Project playbook** (Copilot CLI's canonical custom-skills location). Human-curated process knowledge: release workflows, git conventions, reviewer protocols. Sits alongside `.github/workflows/` and `.github/copilot-instructions.md`. `squad init` and `squad upgrade` install Squad's bundled skills here.
+3. `.copilot/skills/` — **Legacy install path** (pre-1304). Older squads may have skills here; `squad upgrade` migrates them to `.github/skills/`. Still scanned for any user-added or unmigrated skills.
 4. `.claude/skills/` — **Claude-ecosystem skills.** Vendor-specific path; less common in multi-tool projects.
 5. `.agents/skills/` — **Generic agents path** (lowest project precedence). Least-specific convention.
 
diff --git a/test/builtin-skills.test.ts b/test/builtin-skills.test.ts
index 43c303af1..b63f901a9 100644
--- a/test/builtin-skills.test.ts
+++ b/test/builtin-skills.test.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest';
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest';
 import { TEMPLATE_MANIFEST } from '../packages/squad-cli/src/cli/core/templates.js';
 import { existsSync } from 'node:fs';
 import path from 'node:path';
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ const EXPECTED_BUILTIN_SKILLS = [
 // Unit tests for the skill manifest declarations. End-to-end scaffolding
 // (files actually written to disk) is tested via `squad init` integration tests.
 describe('built-in skills in TEMPLATE_MANIFEST', () => {
-  const skillEntries = TEMPLATE_MANIFEST.filter(f => f.destination.includes('.copilot/skills/'));
+  const skillEntries = TEMPLATE_MANIFEST.filter(f => f.destination.includes('.github/skills/'));
 
   it('includes all expected built-in skills', () => {
     const skillNames = skillEntries.map(e => {
@@ -47,9 +47,9 @@ describe('built-in skills in TEMPLATE_MANIFEST', () => {
     }
   });
 
-  it('all skill destinations target .copilot/skills/', () => {
+  it('all skill destinations target .github/skills/', () => {
     for (const entry of skillEntries) {
-      expect(entry.destination).toMatch(/\.copilot\/skills\/.+\/SKILL\.md$/);
+      expect(entry.destination).toMatch(/\.github\/skills\/.+\/SKILL\.md$/);
     }
   });
 
diff --git a/test/cli/init-upgrade-parity.test.ts b/test/cli/init-upgrade-parity.test.ts
index 18129d990..60879351e 100644
--- a/test/cli/init-upgrade-parity.test.ts
+++ b/test/cli/init-upgrade-parity.test.ts
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ const INIT_INFRASTRUCTURE_DIRS = [
   '.squad/decisions/inbox',
   '.squad/casting',
   '.squad/agents',
-  '.copilot/skills',
+  '.github/skills',
 ];
 
 /**
diff --git a/test/cli/init.test.ts b/test/cli/init.test.ts
index 14a033ec5..667b90e0b 100644
--- a/test/cli/init.test.ts
+++ b/test/cli/init.test.ts
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ describe('CLI: init command', () => {
     expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'decisions', 'inbox'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'orchestration-log'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'casting'))).toBe(true);
-    expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
+    expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'plugins'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'identity'))).toBe(true);
   });
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ describe('CLI: init command', () => {
   it('should copy starter skills if none exist', async () => {
     await runInit(TEST_ROOT);
     
-    const skillsPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills');
+    const skillsPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills');
     const skills = await readdir(skillsPath);
     
     // Should have at least one skill
diff --git a/test/cli/upgrade.test.ts b/test/cli/upgrade.test.ts
index 7fded53c5..8c89bc170 100644
--- a/test/cli/upgrade.test.ts
+++ b/test/cli/upgrade.test.ts
@@ -292,6 +292,65 @@ describe('CLI: upgrade command', () => {
     expect(Array.isArray(result.migrationsRun)).toBe(true);
   });
 
+  it('should migrate manifest skills from .copilot/skills/ to .github/skills/ (regression: #1126)', async () => {
+    // Pre-#1126 squads have skills at .copilot/skills/. Upgrade must move
+    // manifest-curated skills to .github/skills/ (Copilot CLI's canonical
+    // custom-skills location) without touching user-added skills.
+    //
+    // Setup: simulate a pre-#1126 squad with two skills in the legacy path —
+    // one that's in the manifest (should migrate) and one that's user-added
+    // (should be left alone).
+    const legacyDir = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills');
+    const legacyManifestSkill = join(legacyDir, 'squad-conventions');
+    const legacyUserSkill = join(legacyDir, 'my-custom-skill');
+    await mkdir(legacyManifestSkill, { recursive: true });
+    await mkdir(legacyUserSkill, { recursive: true });
+    await writeFile(join(legacyManifestSkill, 'SKILL.md'), '---\nname: squad-conventions\n---\n# Legacy location content\n');
+    await writeFile(join(legacyUserSkill, 'SKILL.md'), '---\nname: my-custom-skill\n---\n# User content\n');
+
+    // Run upgrade — should migrate the manifest skill, leave the user skill alone.
+    await runUpgrade(TEST_ROOT);
+
+    const newManifestSkill = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
+    expect(existsSync(newManifestSkill), 'expected squad-conventions to be migrated to .github/skills/').toBe(true);
+
+    // Legacy manifest skill dir should be gone (migrated, not duplicated).
+    expect(existsSync(legacyManifestSkill), 'expected legacy .copilot/skills/squad-conventions to be removed after migration').toBe(false);
+
+    // User-added skill at the legacy path should be PRESERVED.
+    expect(existsSync(legacyUserSkill), 'user-added .copilot/skills/my-custom-skill must NOT be moved or removed').toBe(true);
+    expect(existsSync(join(legacyUserSkill, 'SKILL.md'))).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('should NOT clobber a customized .github/skills/{name} if the legacy copy exists (regression: #1126)', async () => {
+    // If both .copilot/skills/foo/ AND .github/skills/foo/ exist (e.g., user
+    // already migrated by hand and then upgrade runs), the migrator removes
+    // the legacy .copilot/skills copy and does NOT overwrite the new
+    // location.
+    //
+    // NOTE: A separate concern is that syncAllSkills will then overwrite
+    // .github/skills/squad-conventions with the latest template (because
+    // squad-conventions is a manifest skill with overwriteOnUpgrade: true).
+    // That's expected — manifest skills are squad-owned. This test isolates
+    // the MIGRATION behavior (legacy tombstone) from the SYNC behavior
+    // (overwrite manifest skills on upgrade) by using a NON-manifest skill
+    // name at the new location.
+    const legacyDir = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills', 'squad-conventions');
+    const newDir = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad-conventions');
+    await mkdir(legacyDir, { recursive: true });
+    await mkdir(newDir, { recursive: true });
+    await writeFile(join(legacyDir, 'SKILL.md'), '# LEGACY content (should not survive migration)\n');
+    await writeFile(join(newDir, 'SKILL.md'), '# Pre-existing content at new location\n');
+
+    await runUpgrade(TEST_ROOT);
+
+    // Legacy copy must be tombstoned regardless of new-location content.
+    expect(existsSync(legacyDir), 'legacy .copilot/skills/squad-conventions should be removed after upgrade sees the new location already populated').toBe(false);
+    // New location must exist (sync may have overwritten it with template
+    // content — that's by design for squad-owned manifest skills).
+    expect(existsSync(join(newDir, 'SKILL.md'))).toBe(true);
+  });
+
   it('should handle .ai-team/ legacy directory', async () => {
     // Create a legacy .ai-team/ directory
     const legacyDir = join(TEST_ROOT, '.ai-team');
@@ -398,7 +457,7 @@ describe('CLI: upgrade command', () => {
     expect(created.length).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(5);
     expect(existsSync(join(dir, '.squad', 'identity'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(dir, '.squad', 'sessions'))).toBe(true);
-    expect(existsSync(join(dir, '.copilot', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
+    expect(existsSync(join(dir, '.github', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
     rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true });
   });
 
@@ -520,7 +579,7 @@ describe('CLI: upgrade command', () => {
 
   it('warnIfSkillCustomized warns when a skill has been modified', async () => {
     const agentPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'agents', 'squad.agent.md');
-    const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
+    const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
     expect(existsSync(skillPath)).toBe(true);
 
     // Simulate old version so upgrade goes through the full manifest path
@@ -544,7 +603,7 @@ describe('CLI: upgrade command', () => {
 
   it('warnIfSkillCustomized does NOT warn for CRLF-only differences', async () => {
     const agentPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'agents', 'squad.agent.md');
-    const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
+    const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
     if (!existsSync(skillPath)) {
       await runUpgrade(TEST_ROOT);
     }
@@ -590,7 +649,7 @@ describe('CLI: upgrade command', () => {
 
   it('warnIfSkillCustomized warns during full version upgrade path', async () => {
     const agentPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'agents', 'squad.agent.md');
-    const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
+    const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
     if (!existsSync(skillPath)) {
       await runUpgrade(TEST_ROOT);
     }
diff --git a/test/human-journeys.test.ts b/test/human-journeys.test.ts
index 38cc62b0e..2947394bf 100644
--- a/test/human-journeys.test.ts
+++ b/test/human-journeys.test.ts
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ describe('Journey 1: I just installed this (squad init)', () => {
 
     // The human sees: a .squad/ directory was created
     expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.squad'))).toBe(true);
-    expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.copilot', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
+    expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.github', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.squad', 'identity'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.squad', 'ceremonies.md'))).toBe(true);
   });
diff --git a/test/init-sdk.test.ts b/test/init-sdk.test.ts
index f37d0248a..77854b425 100644
--- a/test/init-sdk.test.ts
+++ b/test/init-sdk.test.ts
@@ -142,8 +142,8 @@ describe('squad init --sdk flag', () => {
     // Assert: .squad/decisions/inbox/ exists
     expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.squad', 'decisions', 'inbox'))).toBe(true);
 
-    // Assert: .copilot/skills/ exists
-    expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.copilot', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
+    // Assert: .github/skills/ exists
+    expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.github', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
 
     // Assert: .squad/identity/ exists
     expect(existsSync(join(tempDir, '.squad', 'identity'))).toBe(true);
diff --git a/test/init.test.ts b/test/init.test.ts
index dcd0ef19a..34b43427b 100644
--- a/test/init.test.ts
+++ b/test/init.test.ts
@@ -136,7 +136,37 @@ describe('Squad Initialization', () => {
       expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'agents'))).toBe(true);
       expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'casting'))).toBe(true);
       expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.squad', 'decisions'))).toBe(true);
-      expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
+      expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
+      // bradygaster/squad#1126 regression — skills must NOT live at the legacy
+      // .copilot/skills path (invisible to all Copilot surfaces). Fresh init
+      // creates only the canonical .github/skills location.
+      expect(existsSync(join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills')), '.copilot/skills must NOT be created by fresh init (#1126)').toBe(false);
+    });
+
+    it('should install Squad-bundled skills at .github/skills/{name}/SKILL.md (#1126)', async () => {
+      // #1126: skills at .copilot/skills/ are invisible to all GitHub Copilot
+      // surfaces (cloud agent, CLI outside Squad, VS Code extension, @copilot
+      // coding agent). The canonical project-skills location per the official
+      // Agent Skills spec is .github/skills/.
+      //
+      // This test asserts:
+      //   1. squad-conventions (a manifest-curated bundled skill) lands at
+      //      .github/skills/squad-conventions/SKILL.md
+      //   2. The legacy .copilot/skills/squad-conventions location is NOT
+      //      created in a fresh init
+      const agents: InitAgentSpec[] = [{ name: 'lead', role: 'lead' }];
+      const options: InitOptions = {
+        teamRoot: TEST_ROOT,
+        projectName: 'Test Project',
+        agents
+      };
+
+      await initSquad(options);
+
+      const canonical = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
+      const legacy = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills', 'squad-conventions', 'SKILL.md');
+      expect(existsSync(canonical), 'expected squad-conventions at .github/skills/').toBe(true);
+      expect(existsSync(legacy), 'must NOT install to legacy .copilot/skills/ (#1126)').toBe(false);
     });
 
     it('should seed .squad/fact-checker/{policy,audit-trail}.md (regression: bradygaster/squad#1299)', async () => {
@@ -265,7 +295,7 @@ describe('Squad Initialization', () => {
 
       await initSquad(options);
 
-      const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills', 'squad-help', 'SKILL.md');
+      const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad-help', 'SKILL.md');
       expect(existsSync(skillPath)).toBe(true);
       const content = await readFile(skillPath, 'utf-8');
       expect(content).toContain('name: "squad-help"');
@@ -292,7 +322,7 @@ describe('Squad Initialization', () => {
 
       await initSquad(options);
 
-      const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.copilot', 'skills', 'squad', 'SKILL.md');
+      const skillPath = join(TEST_ROOT, '.github', 'skills', 'squad', 'SKILL.md');
       expect(existsSync(skillPath)).toBe(true);
       const content = await readFile(skillPath, 'utf-8');
       expect(content).toMatch(/^user-invocable:\s*true\s*$/m);
diff --git a/test/repl-ux-fixes.test.ts b/test/repl-ux-fixes.test.ts
index d72967626..570fd9de2 100644
--- a/test/repl-ux-fixes.test.ts
+++ b/test/repl-ux-fixes.test.ts
@@ -105,8 +105,8 @@ describe('#596 — Init creates complete .squad/ directory', () => {
     expect(existsSync(join(squadDir, 'plugins'))).toBe(true);
     expect(existsSync(join(squadDir, 'identity'))).toBe(true);
 
-    // Skills now live in .copilot/skills/ (not .squad/skills/)
-    expect(existsSync(join(tmpRoot, '.copilot', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
+    // Skills now live in .github/skills/ (not .squad/skills/)
+    expect(existsSync(join(tmpRoot, '.github', 'skills'))).toBe(true);
 
     // Required files
     expect(existsSync(join(squadDir, 'ceremonies.md'))).toBe(true);
diff --git a/test/tools.test.ts b/test/tools.test.ts
index e555289e3..905bc65c4 100644
--- a/test/tools.test.ts
+++ b/test/tools.test.ts
@@ -856,7 +856,7 @@ describe('squad_skill handler', () => {
       resultType: 'success',
     });
 
-    const skillFile = path.join(projectRoot, '.copilot', 'skills', 'typescript-refactoring', 'SKILL.md');
+    const skillFile = path.join(projectRoot, '.github', 'skills', 'typescript-refactoring', 'SKILL.md');
     expect(fs.existsSync(skillFile)).toBe(true);
 
     const content = fs.readFileSync(skillFile, 'utf-8');
@@ -951,7 +951,7 @@ describe('squad_skill handler', () => {
       }
     );
 
-    const skillFile = path.join(projectRoot, '.copilot', 'skills', 'test-skill', 'SKILL.md');
+    const skillFile = path.join(projectRoot, '.github', 'skills', 'test-skill', 'SKILL.md');
     const content = fs.readFileSync(skillFile, 'utf-8');
     expect(content).toContain('**Confidence:** medium');
   });