Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK grants non-UK citizens the right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. If you intend to make an application for ILR in the UK, our specialist immigration lawyers in London will accompany you all the way. We offer reliable, expert assistance to give you peace of mind while you complete your application for permanent residency.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK grants non-UK citizens the right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. If you intend to make an application for ILR in the UK, our specialist immigration lawyers in London will accompany you all the way. We offer reliable, expert assistance to give you peace of mind while you complete your application for permanent residency.
About Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of settlement in the UK that grants an individual the right to live and work in the country without immigration restrictions. It is usually awarded after a qualifying period of lawful residence under various visa routes. ILR holders can access public services and education, and may eventually be eligible to apply for British citizenship. ILR is not a visa but a settled immigration status, providing long-term security to those who have established a life in the UK. At Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK), we assist individuals across London and beyond in securing ILR, ensuring every legal requirement is met accurately and efficiently.
To obtain ILR in the UK, individuals must complete a continuous period of lawful residence, typically five or ten years, on eligible visa routes. These include family, work, or long-residence paths.
ILR Routes Include:
- 5-year route as a spouse or partner
- 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa
- 10 years of lawful, continuous residence
- Refugee or humanitarian protection (after 5 years)
- UK Ancestry visa (after 5 years)
Application Process:
- Confirm eligibility based on visa type and duration
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the English language requirements (usually CEFR B1)
- Prepare and submit the SET(O), SET(M), or SET(LR) application form online
- Upload documents and attend a UKVCAS biometric appointment
- Pay the applicable fee (£2,885 as of 2025)
Applicants must also show good character and no serious breaches of immigration laws. ISUK helps applicants select the correct form, verify documents, and ensure the application meets all Home Office criteria.
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ILR depends on the visa route you are on and the length of your stay in the UK. The following are the core requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain:
1. Continuous Lawful Residence
- You should have been in the UK legally for a qualifying period.
- Generally: 5 years (family or work routes), or 10 years (long residence route).
- You must not have stayed outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months of the qualifying period.
2. A Knowledge of the English Language and Life in the UK
- You have to pass the Life in the UK Test.
- You must demonstrate a knowledge of English at a minimum B1 CEFR level through an approved test, or if you hold a degree taught in English.
3. Good Character Requirement
- No serious or recent criminal violations.
- You must not have broken any immigration rules or have been an illegal stay.
4. Financial Requirement (Where Necessary)
- If family and work-based routes are your choice, you must demonstrate financial independence or a minimum income level.
- Skilled workers must remain with their employer and meet the salary thresholds.
5. Correct Application Form
- SET(M) is for spouse/partner only.
- SET(O) is for most other categories that include workers.
- SET(LR) is for the 10-year long residence route.
6. Biometric Information
As part of your application at the UKVCAS service centre, you will have to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
At ISUK, we guarantee that each need is comprehended and met exactly as intended, without any delay or rejection.
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At Immigration Solicitors UK, we are committed to helping customers complete the ILR process with confidence. We provide:
- Full eligibility review before submission
- Expert facilitation and verification of forms of application
- Instructions on documents based on your visa route
- Representation of complicated or rejected applications
- Life in the UK and English test preparation support
We have extensive experience and still learn the most up-to-date information from the Home Office. We are committed to ensuring that your ILR application is successful on the first attempt.
ILR is not an expiration issue; however, it can be affected by certain situations. The ILR status grants you the right to reside in the UK without any specified time limit. But you must be aware that in some cases, your settled status might be taken away:
1. Absence from the UK
If you are out of the country for more than two uninterrupted years, your ILR will be withdrawn. To return to the UK, you must apply for a Returning Resident visa.
2. Serious Criminal Offences
The Home Office can cancel your ILR if you are found guilty of a serious crime or if it is decided that you may pose a danger to public safety.
3. Fraudulent Applications
If ILR was obtained through false information, the registration can be revoked.
4. Naturalisation
Besides the fact that your ILR status is going to be no longer valid after you become a British citizen, this is the natural course of events in the process.
To keep your ILR:
- Establish connections with local people (residence, employment, family)
- Do not stay outside the country for a long time
- Make sure always to have a valid BRP
ISUK is a place where you can get help not only with renewing your BRP but also with your application for a returning resident visa and British citizenship.
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Required documents will significantly depend on your visa category, but those generally include:
- A valid passport and BRP (if any)
- Previous UK visas and travel history
- Proof of residence in the UK during the qualifying period
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate
- English language test certificate (B1 CEFR or higher)
- Financial documents (e.g., payslips, tax returns)
- Employment letter or sponsor declaration
- Tenancy agreement or property documents
- Evidence of relationship (for family applications)
Any document in a language other than English has to be translated by a certified translator. ISUK will verify each document for compliance and will confirm if it meets the Home Office standards.
Being an ILR holder means you have the right to:
- Live and work in the UK without any restrictions
- Use the NHS and other public services
- Go abroad and come back to the UK without getting a visa
- Study at the same rates as local students
- After 12 months, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for British citizenship
ILR is the final stage in the naturalisation process for most cases. Our team at ISUK is always available to help clients complete this phase with ease and understanding.
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Financial requirements differ from one visa to another; however, you are required to prove that you have sufficient funds to meet your needs (and your dependents) without resorting to public funds.
A. Family Routes (Spouse/Partner)
- As of April 2024, the minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year.
- The amount goes up if you have dependent children:
- +£3,800 for the first child
- +£2,400 for each additional child
Ways in which you can fulfill the income requirement include:
- Employment/self-employment
- Pensions or rental income
- Savings above £88,500 (if relying solely on savings)
B. Skilled Worker and Other Work Routes
- Your employment should be in the same job as the one for which you were granted a sponsorship.
- Your salary should be equal to or higher than the rate of pay for your job code.
C. 10-Year Long Residence
- There is no specific economic requirement for this route; however, you must demonstrate that you have been living legally in the country throughout and that you have not received any public funds.
D. Humanitarian Protection for Refugees
- These individuals are those who, according to the general rule, do not have to meet the financial criteria.
ISUK assists you in identifying the appropriate financial evidence, which is tailored to suit your situation and aligns with the Home Office’s requirements.
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- Check your qualifying period carefully before confirming that you plan to apply on time.
- Using the wrong form – Please specify whether your application is for the SET(M), SET(O), or SET(LR) route.
- Financial documents that are not sufficient in quantity or quality – Meeting incomplete or missing evidence requirements may result in denial.
- Not passing the Life in the UK test – Go through thorough preparation in good time.
- Inadequate evidence related to travel history – Remember to give a complete and transparent account of all absences.
- Documents that are not translated – Proof in a non-English language has to be accompanied by a translation.
ISUK inspects your every move to determine the level of risk involved and thus helps you avoid these typical errors.
You have several options if you want to apply for ILR, viz., various visa channels, including:
- 5-Year Spouse or Civil Partner route
- 5-Year Skilled Worker route
- 10-Year Long Residence
- UK Ancestry visa
- Refugee or Humanitarian Protection status (after 5 years)
- Private Life or Family Life route (usually 10 years)
We help you install the correct evidence required for each route and choose the best one that fits your immigration history.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
The Difference Between ILR and British Citizenship
Feature | Indefinite Leave to Remain | British Citizenship |
Right to stay permanently | Yes | Yes |
Voting in UK elections | No | Yes |
Apply for a British passport | No | Yes |
Travel flexibility | Limited (2-year rule) | Unlimited |
Subject to immigration control | No | No |
ILR is a pathway to citizenship. After 12 months of ILR, you may become eligible to apply for British nationality, provided other requirements are met.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
ILR is a status of settlement which gives the holder an unrestricted right to live in the UK.
How long do I need to stay in the UK before I can apply?
In most cases, 5 years or 10 years, depending on the long residence route.
Can I lose ILR?
Most especially if you have been out of the UK for a continuous period exceeding 2 years.
Do I need to take a language test?
Yes, unless there is ground for exemption (e.g., if you are above 65 years of age or from a native English-speaking country).
Is ILR the same as British citizenship?
Not at all. ILR entitles one to settlement; citizenship, however, is a separate registration.
What is the current ILR application fee?
£2,885 for 2025 (may vary).
Can ISUK help with my ILR application?
We certainly can. We offer options such as legal support, document review, and application submission staffing.
