UK Settlement & ILR Applications
Settlement · IAA-regulated advice in Birmingham and London
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) lets you stay in the UK without a time limit. We check whether you qualify on your route, including continuous residence and absences, and prepare the application with you.
Overview
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s principal scheme for permanent settlement. It is designed for individuals who have lawfully lived in the UK for a set period on eligible visas. ILR gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK with no time limit.
Holders enjoy full access to health care, public funds, and are free from the need to apply for further visas. This crucial milestone is open to those who have built their lives here and now wish to make the UK their permanent home.
ILR Routes
Settlement Pathways
Work and Family Routes
Settlement after completing the required period on eligible work, skilled worker, or family visas.
Read moreLong Residence
For individuals who have lived lawfully and continuously in the UK for 10 years or more.
Read moreFor a detailed breakdown of each pathway, connect with us or book a consultation with our team.
Side by side
Compare UK settlement and ILR routes
A short summary of the main routes to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status, to help you see which might fit. Rules change and each case differs, so check with us before you apply.
Partner or parent (5-year family route) Who it’s forYou have permission under Appendix FM as the partner of a British or settled person (or certain others), or as the parent of a child in the UK. Qualifying period5 years (60 months) on the route; fiancé(e) time does not count English and Life in the UK testLife in the UK test; English B1 (B2 from 26 March 2027) Key points
- Partners: same partner throughout, and the financial requirement still applies
- £29,000, or less if you first applied before 11 April 2024
- No fixed 180-day limit, but 5 years’ continuous UK residence needed
- If requirements are not met, a 10-year family route may apply
Skilled Worker Who it’s forYou work for a UK licensed sponsor on a Skilled Worker visa. Time on some other work routes, such as Global Talent, can count. Qualifying period5 years’ continuous residence on eligible work routes English and Life in the UK testLife in the UK test; English B2 if you apply from 26 March 2027 Key points
- Sponsor must still need you; salary usually £41,700 and the going rate
- Absences: no more than 180 days in any 12-month period
- Changing sponsor does not by itself restart the 5 years
Global Talent Who it’s forYou hold Global Talent permission through an endorsement or a listed prize, as a leader or potential leader in your field. Qualifying period3 years; 5 years if endorsed for exceptional promise (Arts Council England, Tech Nation) English and Life in the UK testLife in the UK test; English B1 (B2 from 26 March 2027) Key points
- You must have earned money in the UK in your field
- Your endorsement must not have been withdrawn
- Absences: no more than 180 days in any 12-month period
Innovator Founder Who it’s forYou run an innovative business in the UK on the Innovator Founder route, backed by an approved endorsing body. Qualifying period3 years with Innovator Founder permission English and Life in the UK testLife in the UK test; no separate English requirement at settlement Key points
- Endorsement letter confirming significant achievements and an active, trading business
- Business must meet 2 of 7 criteria, e.g. £50,000 invested
- Absences: no more than 180 days in any 12-month period
UK Ancestry Who it’s forYou are a Commonwealth citizen in the UK on a UK Ancestry visa, with a grandparent born in the UK or Islands. Qualifying period5 years with UK Ancestry permission English and Life in the UK testLife in the UK test; English B1 (B2 from 26 March 2027) Key points
- You must still meet the UK Ancestry eligibility rules
- Absences: no more than 180 days in any 12-month period
Long Residence Who it’s forYou have lived in the UK lawfully for 10 years, often on a mix of visas, for example Student then Skilled Worker. Qualifying period10 years’ continuous lawful residence English and Life in the UK testLife in the UK test; English B1 (B2 from 26 March 2027) Key points
- Visitor, Seasonal Worker and Ukraine Scheme time does not count
- Usually 12 months on your current route if granted from 11 April 2024
- Absences: up to 180 days in any 12 months (older absences differ)
EU Settlement Scheme (settled status) Who it’s forYou are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen or family member with pre-settled status, or can apply late with reasonable grounds. Qualifying periodUsually 5 years’ continuous residence English and Life in the UK testNo English or Life in the UK test Key points
- Free to apply; the main deadline was 30 June 2021
- Pre-settled holders: no more than 30 months away in the last 5 years
- Pre-settled status may be converted to settled status automatically
English and Life in the UK test exemptions apply, for example if you are under 18 or 65 or over, or have a long-term condition.
Summary of the Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance as at 9 October 2026. Rules change often; this is general information, not advice on your case.
Eligibility
Indefinite Leave to Remain Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for ILR depends on your immigration route and residency history. Typically, you must:
Residence Requirements
You must meet the standard timeframes and track your physical presence in the UK.
Core Criteria:
- Have completed the required period of lawful residence in the UK on an eligible visa route (usually 5 years; 10 years for Long Residence).
- Prove continuous residence, with limited absences from the UK.
Note: Make sure all historical travel records match your continuous residency rules.
Knowledge & Language
You need to satisfy the cultural integration and integration benchmarks required for settlement.
Core Criteria:
- Pass the Life in the UK Test.
- Meet the English language requirement (unless exempt).
Exemptions: Check Home Office exemptions if you do not meet the age or medical standards for testing.
Suitability & Paperwork
Your personal history must satisfy suitability guidelines alongside formal verification from the Home Office.
Core Criteria:
- Have no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.
- Provide all supporting documents required by the Home Office for your specific route.
Verification: Ensure all evidence supplied is verifiable, accurate, and completely accurate to your path.
All requirements above reflect the official criteria required as part of the application process.
How we help
Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Services
We support you through your settlement journey, with careful attention to the requirements and clear advice at every step.
Up-to-Date Knowledge: We keep track of changes to the ILR routes and requirements.
Meticulous Accuracy: Detailed checks of every application and supporting document.
Personalised Support: Responsive, tailored assistance throughout your ILR journey.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
ILR is permanent settlement in the UK, granting you the right to live, work, and study without time restrictions.
Who can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Those meeting the required residence period and visa criteria, including work, family, and long residence routes.
What are the main benefits of ILR?
Permanent settlement, access to public services, freedom from ongoing visa renewals, and greater travel flexibility.
Are there tests or requirements?
Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test, meet the English language requirement, and comply with residence rules.
Can ILR be revoked?
Yes. ILR is usually lost if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK, and it can be revoked in limited cases such as deception or serious criminality.
Does ILR grant British citizenship?
No, but it is the last step before citizenship. Most can apply for citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months.
Can my family apply with me?
Eligible partners and children may apply when they meet the relevant criteria for ILR.
How long does the process take?
Most ILR applications are processed within six months, with faster priority options available.
What documents are required for an ILR application?
Common documents include proof of residence, a valid passport, evidence of continuous lawful stay, Life in the UK Test certificate, and English language proficiency.
Is there a fast-track option for ILR applications?
Yes, priority and super priority services are available on many ILR routes for an extra fee; super priority usually gives a decision by the end of the next working day.
No questions match. Ask us instead.
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Book a consultation and we’ll check your residence, absences and route before you apply. We’re regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (F202638454).