INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN (ILR)

Secure Permanent Residency and Base Your Future in the UK

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without time limitations, access most public services, and eventually qualify for British citizenship.

Who Qualifies for ILR?

You may be eligible through routes like:

1. 5‑Year Work Routes – e.g., Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder
2. 10‑Year Long Residence – continuous lawful stay
3. Family Route – Spouse or Child of a British/Settled person
4. Refugee or Humanitarian Protection – granted settlement rights
5. Global Talent, Investor, Start-up – specific settlement pathways

Continuous Residence Requirements

Depending on your route:

• Work routes: 5 years of lawful leave with qualifying visas
• Family routes: Usually 5 years, sometimes 2.5 or 3 years depending on visa type
• Long residence: 10 years continuous lawful presence in any valid route

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you typically must:

• Pass the Life in the UK test
• Meet English language requirement (CEFR B1)—unless exempt
• Show continuous residence, with minimal absences:
  • Work/Family routes: max 180 days absent per 12-month period
  • Long residence: max 540 days total over 10 years
    
    
• Maintain lawful status throughout
• Have met financial thresholds (if applicable)
• Be of good character, with clear immigration history

Settlement Beyond ILR

Once you have ILR:

• Apply straightaway for Naturalisation if you have completed 5 years on a spouse visa.
• After 12 months, you can apply for British Citizenship if:
  • You’ve held ILR continuously
  • You meet residency, character, and English requirements
    
    
• ILR can be lost if you leave the UK for more than 2 continuous years or commit serious crimes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Exceeding permitted absences (esp. 180 days/year)
• Applying too early or too late
• Gaps or inconsistencies in residency evidence
• Missing Life in the UK or English language proof
• Rule changes—criteria shift; always seek current advice

Why Work with a Specialist Solicitor?

We’ll connect you with a UK immigration solicitor who will:

• Verify eligibility and rectify potential issues (e.g., absences)
• Help you gather thorough documentation and legal arguments
• Submit your application and book biometrics
• Represent you if UKVI requests further information or issues refusal
• Advise on citizenship, maintaining ILR, or onward options