Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Updated March 2023

You may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you have held a certain visa that leads to settlement and you’ve been in the UK continuously for 5 years, or if you have been in the UK legally for 10 years. Settlement allows you to live, work and study in the UK without any restrictions, and providing you meet certain conditions, you may be able to apply for British citizenship.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is also known as settlement and allows a person to live and work in the UK without any restrictions. It is a status granted to non-UK nationals who have spent a significant amount of time living in the UK and who meet certain requirements. There are different routes to getting ILR, such as after 5 years of residency or after 10 years of residence.

Which Visa Routes Lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

The UK has a number of routes that lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). But you must note that not all visa routes do lead to ILR. Some of the routes that lead directly to ILR include the following:

Tier 1 (Investor)	Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)	Global Talent
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)	Representative of an Overseas Business
Tier 2 (General)	Family visas (if the individual has lived in the UK for five years or more)
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)	Ancestry visa

When Can You Apply for ILR?

An individual can apply for ILR after residing in the UK for a certain period of time. The length of time varies depending on the visa route taken.

After 5 Years on a Particular Visa Route

If an individual has been living in the UK on a particular visa route for five years, they may be eligible to apply for ILR. This includes those on some working routes, as well as family visas.

After 10 Years in the UK

An individual may be eligible for ILR through long residency by showing that they have been in the UK legally (perhaps on different visas) for a collective period of 10 years.

What Are the Requirements for ILR 5-Year Route?

An individual must meet certain requirements to be eligible for ILR on the five-year route. These include:

You must have completed a continuous period of five years in the UK on the relevant visa route
You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months during the qualifying period
You must pass the Life in the UK test, which tests your knowledge of British traditions, customs, and history
You must prove you have sufficient knowledge of the English language
You must not have breached any immigration laws during your time in the UK and have no criminal convictions or immigration issues

It is important to note that some visa categories may have additional requirements, so it is always advisable to seek professional advice before submitting an application.

What Are the Requirements for ILR 10-Year Route?

To be eligible for ILR through long Residency, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have been living in the UK continuously and lawfully for at least 10 years
Had no more than 540 days in total outside the UK during the whole 10-year period and no more than 180 days outside of the UK at any time
You must pass the Life in the UK test, which tests your knowledge of British traditions, customs, and history
You must not have any unspent criminal convictions
Met the English language requirement
You must not have breached any immigration laws during your time in the UK

What Does ILR Allow Me to Do?

If you are granted ILR, you will be able to live and work in the UK without any restrictions. You can travel outside the UK and return without needing a visa. You can bring your spouse or children to live with you in the UK too. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship if you meet the requirements.

How Can The Nathanson Partnership Help You?

At The Nathanson Partnership, we can help you apply for your ILR application. Our friendly experts handle cases like yours every day, so we can advise you on exactly what you need to meet the requirements for ILR. We understand that making an immigration application can be a stressful experience, but with us, you can be sure that we will do everything we can to support you all the way through.

Please contact us for a free initial assessment with our qualified and experienced UK immigration advisors.

Contact Our Expert Spouse Visa Immigration Professionals

The Nathanson Partnership is made up of regulated immigration professionals providing immigration advice that is accurate and reliable. We are fully accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) which means that we must adhere to high-quality immigration service standards.

We are proud to represent a range of clients that value our clear, transparent, and practical advice. We understand that the UK immigration system can be confusing which is why we use our expertise to help our clients understand what they need to do to secure their visas.

If you need assistance with your ILR application, our team of specialists are here to help you.

Please contact us today on 020 3476 9523 or email us at [email protected]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is ILR the Same as Citizenship?

No, ILR is not the same as citizenship. While both allow individuals to live and work in the UK without restrictions, citizenship grants individuals additional rights, such as voting in elections and holding a British passport.

Do You Get a British Passport After ILR?

After holding ILR for 1 year, an individual may apply for a British passport if they meet the eligibility requirements such as being of good character, proving that they were in the UK exactly 5 years before the date on which the Home Office receives the citizenship application, passing the Life in the UK test, meeting the English language requirement and the continuous residency requirement.

What Is the Life in the UK Test?

The Life in the UK test is a requirement for individuals applying for ILR or British citizenship. It tests an individual’s knowledge of British history, culture, and values.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for ILR?

The cost of applying for ILR varies depending on the application route and service used. Currently, the fee for an ILR application is £2,404, however, this changes most years. You can pay £800 extra to go through the super priority service which means your application is reviewed faster and you can receive a quicker decision by the end of the next working day.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for ILR?

The processing time for an ILR application varies depending on the service used. For standard applications, the processing time is usually up to 6 months. However, individuals can use the super priority service for an additional fee, which can reduce this time and give you a decision the next working day.