Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): A Complete Guide

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is one of the most significant milestones for migrants in the UK. It grants permanent residency, allowing individuals to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. It also opens the path to British citizenship.

In this guide, we explain who is eligible for ILR, the requirements in 2025, how the application process works, and what happens after you’re granted ILR. Whether you're a skilled worker, care worker, or family visa holder, this article provides the essential information you need to navigate your route to settlement.

What is Leave to Remain?

Leave to Remain refers to permission for non-UK citizens to stay in the UK legally. There are three main categories:

• Limited Leave to Remain: granted for a specific period under a visa.
• Further Leave to Remain: an extension of an existing visa.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: permanent lawful status, also known as settlement.

With ILR, you are no longer subject to immigration control. You can:

• Live in the UK without time restrictions
• Work for any employer or be self-employed
• Access public funds (if eligible)
• Use the NHS and education system
• Apply for British citizenship

Who Can Apply for ILR?

ILR eligibility depends on your current visa and length of stay in the UK. Common visa routes to ILR include:

• Skilled Worker visa (after 5 years)
• Health and care worker visa
• Family visas (partner, parent, child)
• 10-year long residence
• Global Talent, Scale-Up, Innovator Founder, Ancestry visa
• Refugee or humanitarian protection status
• Returning residents

Some visa holders can apply sooner through accelerated settlement routes. For example, Global Talent and Tier 1 Investors may be eligible after two or three years, depending on their route and contributions.

ILR Eligibility Requirements in 2025

To apply for ILR, you must meet the following:

1. Continuous residence: You must have lived lawfully in the UK for the required time without exceeding 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. This is tracked closely by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

2. English language requirement: You must demonstrate B1 level English proficiency using an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as those provided by Trinity College London.

3. Life in the UK Test: This is a multiple-choice exam on UK history, traditions, and society. It is mandatory for most applicants aged 18 to 64.

4. Good character requirement: You must not have serious or recent criminal convictions or immigration breaches.

5. Visa-specific requirements: For example, Skilled Worker visa holders must meet the minimum salary threshold listed in the current immigration salary list and provide a valid certificate of sponsorship.

ILR for Dependants

Spouses, partners, and children can apply for ILR alongside or after the main applicant, depending on their length of residence. Dependants must meet residence and documentation requirements, including:

• Proving their relationship to the main applicant
• Meeting the continuous residence threshold
• Passing the Life in the UK Test and English test (if applicable)

Children born in the UK to a parent with ILR may automatically acquire British citizenship.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain

Step 1: Check your eligibilityYou can usually apply up to 28 days before reaching your qualifying residence period.

Step 2: Choose the correct application form

• SET(O): For work, long residence, ancestry visas
• SET(M): For family visas

Step 3: Prepare your documentsKey documents include:

• Valid passport(s)
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Proof of residence and travel records
• Payslips, employer letters, bank statements
• Life in the UK Test certificate
• English test certificate or academic qualification

Step 4: Book your biometric appointmentAttend an appointment at a UKVCAS centre for fingerprinting and photographs.

Step 5: Submit your application and pay the feeThe standard ILR application fee is £3,029 per applicant. You can also use priority (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) services for an additional fee.

Step 6: Wait for your decisionStandard processing can take up to six months. Ensure your supporting documents are clear, accurate, and properly formatted to avoid delays.

What Happens After ILR Is Granted?

Once approved, you’ll receive a Biometric Residence Permit or eVisa confirming your ILR. This status allows you to:

• Live and work in the UK permanently
• Access public services
• Sponsor family members

However, ILR can be lost if:

• You leave the UK for more than two consecutive years
• You are subject to deportation
• You obtained ILR through deception

To maintain your status, ensure regular ties to the UK and avoid prolonged absences.

ILR and British Citizenship

ILR is a prerequisite for applying for British citizenship. You can apply for naturalisation:

• 12 months after receiving ILR
• Immediately if married to a British citizen

Citizenship grants additional rights such as voting, access to a British passport, and full political participation.

Common ILR Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying outside the allowed 28-day window
• Providing incomplete or incorrect documents
• Failing to pass the Life in the UK Test
• Not using an approved English language test
• Not disclosing previous absences or convictions

To avoid these issues, applicants are encouraged to seek professional advice and follow up-to-date Home Office guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does ILR last?Indefinitely, unless lost due to long absence or revocation.

Can I apply early?Yes, up to 28 days before reaching the qualifying period.

What if I travel while my ILR application is in progress?You should not travel outside the UK while the application is pending, or it may be withdrawn.

Is ILR the same as citizenship?No. ILR gives permanent residency but not citizenship rights like voting or a British passport.

Supporting Your ILR Journey

At Borderless, we help employers and individuals navigate every stage of the immigration journey, from sponsor licence applications to visa processing and ILR.

Our platform simplifies compliance, tracks your sponsor management system responsibilities, and supports smooth certificate of sponsorship issuance.

To estimate your total costs, try our visa fees calculator.

Need help? Contact us to speak to an immigration advisor.