It gives you the right to live, work, and study without immigration restrictions and is often the final step before British citizenship. Our specialist immigration lawyers provide clear, practical guidance to make your ILR application accurate and stress-free.
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
ILR (also called “settlement”) means you can:
- Stay in the UK without time limits.
- Work in any role without sponsorship.
- Access public services and benefits (if eligible).
- Apply for British citizenship after 12 months (or sooner if married to a British citizen). ILR removes the need for visa renewals and offers long-term security for you and your family.
Who can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
You may qualify for ILR through:
- Work routes: Skilled Worker visa, Health & Care Worker visa, Scale-up visa, International Sportsperson visa (currently after 5 years).
- Family routes: Spouse/partner visas under Appendix FM (5-year or 10-year route).
- Long residence: currently 10 years of continuous lawful residence.
- Specialist visas: Innovator Founder visa or Global Talent visa (fast-track after 3 years).
- Humanitarian routes: Refugee status or discretionary leave.
- UK Ancestry visa: After 5 years.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To make a successful Indefinite Leave to Remain application, the following must apply:
- Continuous residence: No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
- English language: Pass an approved test (usually CEFR B1 or higher).
- Life in the UK Test: Mandatory for most applicants.
- Good character: No serious immigration breaches or criminal convictions.
- Financial requirements: Apply if relevant to your visa category.
Recent Updates (2025)
Immigration rules in the UK are regularly changing. Our immigration lawyers are across all the latest legislative developments to ensure you receive clear and practical legal advice. Recently announced changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain include:
- Proposed 10-year qualifying period for most work routes (currently under consultation).
- Earned Settlement model: Faster ILR possible for high earners (£50,270 for 3 years or £125,140 for 3 years) or key public service roles.
- Fee increase: Standard ILR fee now £3,029 per applicant.
- Digital status: BRP cards phased out; ILR granted as an e-Visa.
- Absence rules tightened: 180-day limit applies across routes.
ILR application process
- Check eligibility and qualifying period.
- Pass Life in the UK Test and English language exam.
- Gather documents: passports, visas, proof of residence, financial evidence.
- Submit online application and pay the fee.
- Biometric enrolment at UKVCAS.
- Wait for decision:
- Standard: up to 6 months.
- Priority: 5 working days (£500 extra).
- Super Priority: next working day (£1,000 extra).
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Exceeding absence limits.
- Missing or incorrect documents.
- Failing English or Life in the UK Test.
- Criminal convictions or immigration breaches.
How our immigration lawyers can help
Our ILR assistance service includes:
- Eligibility assessment – confirm your route and timeline.
- Document review and preparation – avoid costly mistakes.
- Application drafting and submission – ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Priority service booking – for urgent cases.
- Appeals and reapplications – if refused.
Start your ILR application today
Don’t risk delays or refusals. To get started with your Indefinite Leave to Remain application, please complete the form and one of our specialist immigration lawyers will be in touch to help you secure your UK settlement.