Indefinite Leave to Remain
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What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
- Eligibility rests on continuous lawful residence (usually 5 years, or 10 for long residence).
- Keeping ILR status requires staying within absence limits, passing the Life in the UK test, meeting English at B1, and having no “good character” issues.
Can you get Indefinite Leave to Remain?
You're likely eligible if:
- You've completed 5 years' continuous residence on a qualifying route, or 10 years under Long Residence.
- The most common qualifying routes are Skilled Worker, Spouse/Partner and Global Talent.
- You haven't exceeded 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during that time.
- You can pass the Life in the UK test and meet English at B1 level (unless exempt by age, health, or an English-taught degree).
- You have no serious convictions, undeclared debts, or immigration deception in your history and have maintained lawful status throughout the qualifying period, with fees paid and visa conditions met.
This route may not be right for you if:
- You're on the UK Expansion Worker (GBM) route. It doesn't lead to ILR directly... you'd need to switch to a qualifying route like Skilled Worker first.
- You are on a visa route that does not lead to settlement. For example, student visa, Standard Visitor Visa , graduate visa, Global Business Mobility Visa etc.
- You can't yet clear the good character requirement due to unresolved convictions, tax arrears, or a past immigration breach.
- You need to travel imminently, leaving before a decision is made will be treated as withdrawal of your application.
What you’ll need to get Indefinite Leave to Remain Status
Route-specific Rules
You must meet any additional conditions tied to your specific route (e.g. salary thresholds for work visas or relationship evidence for partners).
English & Life in the UK
You will need a CEFR B1 speaking/listening test pass, and a Life in the UK Test pass (unless exempt by age, health, or an English-taught degree).
Good Character
You must have no serious convictions, immigration fraud, or significant debt to the UK government during your qualifying residence period.
Lawful Status Throughout
You must have held valid immigration permission for your entire qualifying period, with all required fees and conditions properly met.
Residence and Absences
You need 5 years' lawful residence (10 for Long Residence), without exceeding 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The first step is to check your eligibility for ILR, including whether you meet the continuous residence requirement, English language requirement, Life in the UK test, and good character requirement. You should also gather all required documents, including your passport, biometric residence permit, proof of lawful leave, evidence of continuous residence, and proof that you have met the English language and Life in the UK test requirements.
You need to fill out the right ILR application form on GOV.UK and upload your documents through VFS. You have to pay the application fees, which can be standard, priority, or super priority.
Book a VFS slot, then provide fingerprints, a photo, and any remaining papers. Standard decisions can take up to 6 months. Usually 1 to 3 weeks after submission.
Standard decisions can take up to 6 months. Priority is usually 5 working days. Super Priority is usually the next working day.
If your application is approved, you will get either a Biometric Residence Permit or a digital status that confirms you have Indefinite Leave to Remain.
If dependants applied with you, their status follows yours. You hold settlement and may be able to apply for British citizenship after at least 12 months with ILR.
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Cost Breakdown
In our clients' own words.
“After our ILR rejection, AY&J pursued our case through Administrative Review and Judicial Review. The team was open, honest, knowledgeable and attentive to every detail. They kept us informed at every stage, supported us throughout an extremely difficult journey and helped us regain confidence in our case.”
"Working with AY&J Solicitors turned what felt like a complex visa journey into a true victory. Their legal team guided me step-by-step through every intricate detail of the Skilled Worker visa, sponsorship, and settlement process. Thanks to their meticulous approach and deep UK immigration expertise, I was able to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and build a successful future in the UK."
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for ILR
Most applicants need to pass a speaking and listening test at B1 level or higher from an approved provider, plus the Life in the UK Test. You are exempt if you are over 65 or have a long-term physical or mental condition. If you already hold a degree taught in English, that may also count.
Family and citizenship
Your partner and children keep their current visas until they qualify in their own right. They do not receive ILR automatically. Each family member applies when they meet the residence period, tests, and any other requirements.
Family and citizenship
Normally, you wait twelve months after getting ILR. If you are married to a British citizen, you may apply as soon as you have Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided you have lived in the UK for three years and meet the other rules.
Applying for ILR
Yes, but it is risky. If you leave the UK before a decision is made, your ILR application will be treated as withdrawn. Only travel if absolutely necessary and after your ILR is granted.
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