Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of UK immigration status that allows non-British citizens to live in the United Kingdom permanently, without any time restrictions or visa conditions.
ILR is highly desirable for those seeking to establish long-term residency in the UK. While it offers significant benefits, the application process is rigorous and requires extensive documentation to demonstrate eligibility. Missing requirements or errors can lead to refusal, which may result in lost fees and delays in achieving settlement.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of ILR eligibility, application requirements, and practical advice to give your application the best chance of success.
Section A: What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain is a form of permanent residency granted to individuals who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to living in the UK. ILR allows holders to live, work, and study without visa renewals, and may permit eligible non-British family members to join them.
Benefits of ILR
- Permanent residency: Live in the UK without time restrictions.
- Work rights: No visa restrictions on employment type, hours, or salary; self-employment and business ownership are allowed.
- Access to public services: Including the NHS, education, and social support.
- Family benefits: Children born in the UK to ILR holders may automatically acquire British citizenship; eligible family members can join.
- Pathway to citizenship: ILR is required before applying for British citizenship.
Immigration Routes Leading to ILR
Not all visas lead to ILR. Qualifying routes include:
Work-Based ILR
- Skilled Worker visa / Tier 2 / International Sportsperson
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Global Talent or Investor visa
- Innovator Founder visa
- Representative of an overseas business
- Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa
- Domestic worker in a diplomatic household
Family-Based ILR
- Spouse or partner visa
- Parent or child dependent visa
- Adult dependent relative visa
- Private life route
- Bereaved spouse/partner
- Cases involving domestic violence
Nationality-Based ILR
- Ancestry visa holders (after 5 years)
- Commonwealth citizens with Right of Abode
Long Residence
- At least 10 years of continuous lawful residence
Other Routes
- Discretionary leave
- Refugee or humanitarian protection
- Returning residents with previous ILR
- Armed forces personnel
How Long is ILR Valid?
ILR is permanent but can lapse if the holder is outside the UK for over two years or is deported for national security or criminal reasons.
Distinction Between ILR and Other UK Visas
- Temporary visas: Have time limits and restrictions; ILR removes these.
- Settlement visas: Initially limited, but ILR provides permanent residency.
- British citizenship: ILR is required before naturalisation; citizenship provides additional rights like voting and a passport.
- EU Settled Status: Equivalent to ILR for eligible EU citizens who were resident before 2021. New applicants must now qualify via standard Immigration Rules.
- Further Leave to Remain: Temporary visa extension before becoming eligible for ILR.
Section B: Current ILR Requirements
ILR is not automatic; applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, including:
Residence Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Continuous Residence | Lawful residence in the UK for the required period depending on visa type. |
| Absence Limit (Work Routes) | No more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period. |
| Absence Limit (Partner Routes) | Generally, no more than 450 days total absence over the 5-year period (which also satisfies the 180-day rule). |
| Absence Limit (Long Residence) | Stricter rule: No single absence over 6 months and no total absences over 548 days across the 10 years. |
Financial Requirements
Applicants on work or family routes must meet the significantly increased financial thresholds that came into force in 2024 and 2025:
Skilled Worker ILR:
Applicants must meet the full, non-discounted general salary threshold, currently £41,700 per year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher). Salary discounts do not apply at the ILR stage.
Spouse/Partner ILR:
The sponsoring partner must meet the Minimum Income Threshold (MIT), currently £29,000 per year, unless transitional arrangements apply.
Other Core Requirements
- English Language: Minimum B1 proficiency (or higher depending on the route).
- Life in the UK Test: Computer-based test covering UK history, politics, and culture.
- Good Character: No serious criminal convictions or immigration breaches.
Continuous Residence Periods
| Visa Category | Minimum Residence Period for ILR |
| Spouse / Civil Partner | 5 years |
| Unmarried Partner | 5 years |
| UK Ancestry | 5 years |
| Skilled Worker | 5 years |
| Innovator | 3 years |
| Global Talent | 3 years |
| Investor / Entrepreneur | 2–5 years depending on investment |
| Discretionary Leave | 6 years |
| Long Residence | 10 years |
Applicants may submit an ILR application up to 28 days before completing the qualifying period.
Section C: Applying for ILR
Application Forms
The online applications correspond to underlying forms:
- Set M: For partners, parents, or children of settled persons.
- Set O: For all other categories, including work visas and ancestry.
ILR Process Overview
- Determine eligibility
- Gather supporting documents
- Complete application form online
- Attend biometric appointment
- Submit application and fee
- Await decision
- Receive digital confirmation (eVisa)
Key Supporting Documents
- Passport and previous passports
- Biometric residence permit (BRP) or digital status printouts
- Proof of continuous residence
- English language and Life in the UK test certificates
- Financial documents (bank statements, payslips)
- Employment or relationship evidence
- Criminal record certificate
- Travel records
Fees and Processing
Application fee: £3,029 per applicant (standard service). There is no separate biometric enrolment fee, as standard UKVCAS appointments are free. Optional priority and super priority services are available for an additional charge.
Processing times: Standard applications typically take up to six months. Priority processing offers a decision in around 5 working days, while Super Priority usually provides a decision by the next working day (or within 1–2 working days depending on the appointment time).
Section D: ILR for Dependants
Dependants can include:
- Partner (spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner of 2+ years)
- Children under 18 or financially dependent adult children
Dependants must meet the English language, Life in the UK test, and continuous residence requirements specific to their route.
Section E: After ILR Approval
- Digital Status: ILR status is now granted exclusively as a digital status (eVisa) through your UKVI account. The physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has been entirely phased out since the end of 2024.
- Loss of ILR: ILR can be lost if outside the UK for more than 2 years, or it can be revoked for deception, deportation, or ceasing refugee status.
- Citizenship: ILR is required before applying for British citizenship. Spouses of UK citizens may apply immediately after ILR.
Section F: How LawSentis Can Help
LawSentis is a premium, IAA-regulated UK immigration advisory firm (Level 3) that supports clients in securing Indefinite Leave to Remain. We provide:
- Eligibility assessment tailored to your visa category and the new financial rules.
- Step-by-step guidance on document preparation.
- Support with Life in the UK and English language requirements.
- Assistance with biometric appointments and submission.
- Expert advice in case of refusal or complications.
With LawSentis, you can navigate the ILR process with confidence, ensuring your application is thorough, compliant, and optimised for success.