Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Who Can Apply for ILR?
Eligibility Criteria
Work-based routes:
- Skilled Worker
- Health and Care Worker or Tier 2 (General)
- T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
- International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
There are other several categories of individuals may be eligible to apply for ILR, depending on their visa type and length of residence in the UK:
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa
- Turkish Business Person / Worker Visa (Ankara Agreement)
- Scale-up Visa
Family routes
- Partner, parent, or child of a settled person after usually 5 years
Long residence
- Legal residence for 10 continuous years qualifies under long residence
Private life routes
- Adults: 10 years continuous residence with a private-life visa, aged 18–64 need English + Life in the UK Test
- Children: Born UK and lived 7 years qualifies under private life
What Documents Are Required?
Checklist
Core documents
- Current passport and all previous passports
- BRP (valid or expired within 18 months) or eVisa share code
Test and Language Proof
- Life in the UK Test pass (for ages 18–64)
- English language at B1 level or degree taught in English
Route-specific evidence
- E.g., employer letters, continuous lawful residence proof (remaining within 180 days/year)
Translations
- Certified translations for non-English/Welsh documents
Continuous Residence Rules
Lawful Stay & Absences
General rule
- Typically 5 years (work/family/private life) or 10 years (long residence) lawful stay
Absence limits
- No more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period
- Long residence also restricts total or single absence periods
Fee & Processing Times
Costs & Timeline
Application fee
- Standard ILR (private life or long residence): £3,029 per person
Biometric enrolment
- Fingerprints and photo are included at no extra cost
Standard decision time
- Usually up to 6 months
Priority options
- Super Priority (next working day) available for £1,000 additional
After ILR Is Granted
Rights & Responsibilities
Settlement status
- You’re free to live, work, study, and access public funds in the UK
Travel rules
- Absences over 2 years (5 for EU Settlement Scheme) will void ILR
Next steps
- After 12 months, apply for British citizenship if eligible
If Your ILR Application Is Refused
What You Can Do
- Decision letters usually outline appeal rights or re-application options
- You may be able to apply again after resolving deficiencies (e.g., missing documentation, absences >180 days)
Latest Indefinite Leave to Remain News
Contact Us
Ready to start your UK journey? Let us guide you through every step of the immigration process with expertise and care.
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42 Upper Berkeley Street
W1H 5PW
London, England
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contact@lexlegal.com
