Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as UK settlement, is the immigration status that grants you permanent residency in the United Kingdom. Once ILR is obtained, all time restrictions on your stay are removed. You can live, work, and study in the UK without limitation and enjoy access to healthcare through the NHS, education, and certain benefits (subject to eligibility).
ILR is also the gateway to British citizenship. In most cases, after holding ILR for at least 12 months, you can apply to naturalise as a British citizen. Unlike temporary visas or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, ILR provides long-term stability and secures your future in the UK.
How family connections unlock ILR
Many applicants qualify for ILR through family routes. If you are the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, child, or dependent relative of a person who is settled in the UK (either with ILR or British citizenship), you may be eligible.
- Spousal or Civil Partner Route: If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a settled person, you can usually apply for ILR after completing five years of residence under the partner visa route, provided you meet all requirements. If you cannot meet the financial or English requirements, you may qualify under the 10-year route.
- Unmarried Partner Route: Couples who have lived together in a relationship “akin to marriage” for at least two years may qualify under the same rules as spouses
- Child Dependants: Children under 18 can be included in their parent’s ILR application if they are living in the UK as dependants
- Adult Dependant Relatives: This category is limited and requires strong evidence of financial, medical, or care dependency on the settled family member.
Visa routes that lead to ILR
Several UK visa categories provide a direct path to settlement.
- Spouse/Partner Visas: ILR can be obtained after five years (standard route) or ten years (if certain requirements are not met)
- Dependent Children and Relatives: Children normally qualify after five years, while adult dependants face stricter conditions
- Skilled Worker Visa: Most skilled workers become eligible after five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK with sponsored employment
- Global Talent Visa: Recognised leaders or emerging leaders in research, science, technology, arts, and culture may qualify after three years
- Innovator Founder Visa: Entrepreneurs who meet endorsement and business growth criteria can qualify after three years
- Long Residence Rule: Any lawful stay in the UK for 10 continuous years can lead to ILR
- Refugee or Humanitarian Protection: Refugees may apply after five years, while humanitarian protection status usually requires ten years
Long residence – the 10-year route
Applicants who have legally lived in the UK for ten years on any combination of visas can apply for ILR under the long residence route. To qualify, the residence must have been lawful and continuous. Absences from the UK are closely examined. For time before 11 April 2024, applicants must not exceed 184 days per trip or 548 days in total. For time after 11 April 2024, you must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period.
Work, business, and investment routes to ILR
- Skilled Worker Visa: After five continuous years of lawful employment with a Home Office-approved sponsor
- Global Talent Visa: Qualifying individuals can apply after three years (or two years in certain “exceptional talent” cases)
- Innovator Founder Visa: After three years, if the business meets endorsement requirements
- Investor Visa: This route closed to new applicants in February 2022. However, if you already entered the UK under the Tier 1 Investor route before closure, you may still qualify for ILR by meeting residence and investment requirements. Legacy rules allow faster settlement depending on the level of investment (e.g. £10m after 2 years, £5m after 3 years, £2m after 5 years)
Refugee or humanitarian protection status
Those granted refugee status can apply for ILR after five years in the UK. Those granted humanitarian protection usually require 10 years before ILR. In rare legacy cases granted before 2017, ILR may have been possible after 5 years. These routes reflect the UK’s obligations to protect vulnerable individuals while offering long-term security.
Core requirements across all ILR routes
Regardless of the visa path, certain requirements apply to all ILR applications:
- Life in the UK Test: A compulsory test covering British history, society, and civic values. Passing score: 18/24
- English Language Requirement: At least B1 CEFR for ILR (currently accepted in 2025, but due to increase to B2 from late 2025 for both ILR and citizenship applications
- Good Character: No serious criminal convictions, immigration offences, or history of deception
- Absence Rules: Typically, no more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period (with exceptions for COVID-19, serious illness, or overseas work for a UK employer).
Updated absence rules (as of April 2024)
Absences are now assessed differently depending on when they occurred:
- Before 11 April 2024: Maximum of 184 days per trip and 548 days in total over the qualifying period
- On or after 11 April 2024: The total cap has been replaced with the rule of no more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period
This updated approach provides flexibility but requires careful record-keeping
Life in the UK test and English language criteria
- Life in the UK Test: Mandatory for all applicants aged 18–65. The certificate does not expire and can be used for future applications
- English Requirement: CEFR B1 is accepted in August 2025, but government proposals mean that B2 will soon become mandatory for both ILR and citizenship. Applicants should plan ahead
Including children in ILR applications
Children under 18 can be included in a parent’s ILR application if they are living in the UK with valid dependant status. Applicants must provide birth certificates and evidence of dependency.
Children over 18 must usually apply in their own right, meeting English and Life in the UK test requirements. They cannot normally be added to a parent’s 10-year long residence application.
Financial requirements for family routes
Since 11 April 2024, new financial thresholds apply:
- £29,000 gross annual income – applies whether or not children are included
- The previous child “top-up” amounts (£3,800 for the first child, £2,400 for each additional child) have been abolished
Alternative evidence can include savings of at least £88,500 held for six months, rental income, dividends, or pensions
Timeline and costs (2025)
- Applications can be submitted 28 days before completing the qualifying period
- ILR Fee (2025): £3,029 per person
- Biometric enrolment: Included in fee
- Priority service: Additional £800 (decision next working day, or two days if weekend)
- Standard processing: Up to six months
Applicants must remain in the UK until a decision is made.
Common reasons for refusal
- Exceeding permitted absences.
- Missing or invalid documents.
- Failure to pass the English or Life in the UK tests.
- Not meeting the financial threshold.
- Criminal convictions or immigration history.
- Applying too early or after visa expiry.
ILR in difficult family situations
- Bereavement: If your partner passes away, you may still apply under the Bereavement Route
- Domestic Abuse: Victims of abuse can apply independently for ILR without needing to remain in the relationship
- Divorce: If your relationship ends, you may still apply if the relationship was genuine and subsisting until it broke down
Transitioning from ILR to British citizenship
After holding ILR for 12 months, most applicants can apply for naturalisation if they meet residency, good character, and English requirements.
- Naturalisation Fee (2025): £1,735 per adult, £1,214 per child
- Additional £130 ceremony fee applies if a child turns 18 during the process
EU Settlement Scheme and ILR equivalence
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who were resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 may hold Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, which carries the same benefits as ILR. Unlike ILR, EUSS applications are free of charge.
Tips to improve ILR approval chances
- Keep detailed records of absences
- Prepare evidence early, especially financial and relationship documents
- Book English and Life in the UK tests well in advance
- Avoid mistakes by double-checking forms and translations
- Consider professional review if your case is complex
How LawSentis supports ILR applicants
At LawSentis, we recognise that ILR is not just an administrative step—it is a life-changing milestone. Our IAA-regulated advisers provide:
- Personal eligibility assessments
- Full document preparation and review
- Guidance on English and Life in the UK test preparation
- Professional drafting of applications, cover letters, and legal submissions
- Support for dependants and family members
- Assistance with complex cases (bereavement, abuse, long absences, or previous refusals)
- Ongoing updates and communication with the Home Office until a decision is made
Our goal is to ensure your ILR application is strong, complete, and compliant with the latest immigration rules. With decades of combined experience, we help individuals and families secure settlement and prepare for the next step towards British citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
Let’s Discuss & Start Visa Consultations
Expert guidance on visas, settlement, citizenship, and asylum — just a message away.