Indefinite Leave to Remain 

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the stage where temporary residents can transition to permanent settlement in the UK. Reaching this status requires meeting strict eligibility conditions such as continuous residence, passing mandatory tests, and providing the right documents. This guide outlines the routes available, the step-by-step application process, and the key requirements you need to be aware of before applying.

• Permanent Residency: You can live in the UK permanently and don't have to renew your visa.
• Route to Citizenship: You can apply for British citizenship 12 months after you get ILR.
• Family Sponsorship: You can help your family get residency (spouse, kids, and parents who depend on you).
• Access to Healthcare: You get full access to NHS healthcare.
• Work and Study Rights: You can work, study, and run a business in the UK without limits.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR UK)?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called “settlement,” is the status that allows you to live, work, and stay in the UK without any time restrictions. Once granted, you are considered “settled” and no longer need to apply for further visas or extensions.

Holding ILR also provides greater security and stability, as it removes immigration limitations and allows access to many of the rights and services enjoyed by permanent residents. In addition, ILR is often the key step towards applying for British citizenship if you meet the required conditions.

*Want guidance to apply for the UK ILR? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

Benefits of ILR in the UK

Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) brings significant advantages for individuals and families who wish to settle in the UK permanently. Once granted, ILR offers long-term stability and the freedom to plan your future without immigration restrictions. The key benefits include:

• Live, work, and study without restrictions – ILR removes visa limitations, giving you the flexibility to pursue employment, education, or business opportunities freely across the UK.
• Access to public funds – Unlike most temporary visas, ILR holders may be eligible for certain state benefits and services.
• Pathway to British citizenship – After holding ILR for a qualifying period, you can apply to become a British citizen if you meet the additional requirements.
• Secure immigration status – ILR provides peace of mind by eliminating the need for repeated visa renewals, ensuring long-term settlement rights.

ILR Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), applicants must meet general requirements along with route-specific conditions.
The main eligibility routes are summarised below:

Eligibility Route	Qualifying Period	Key Requirements
Standard 5-Year Route	5 years on eligible visas (Skilled Worker, Spouse/Partner, or other qualifying work visas)	- Continuous lawful residence for 5 years - Meet all visa conditions - Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements - For work visas, satisfy salary and sponsorship rules
10-Year Long Residence	10 years lawful and continuous residence in the UK	- Must have valid leave throughout - Absences within permitted limits - No overstaying or gaps in residence - English and Life in the UK Test requirements apply
Family Routes	Usually 5 years (varies by category)	- Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of a British citizen or settled person - Dependent children or parents under immigration rules - Private or family life grounds in certain cases
Exceptions & Special Routes	Typically 5 years (varies)	- Refugees or those with humanitarian protection - Discretionary or exceptional leave granted on compassionate grounds - Private life or long residence claims in exceptional circumstances
Good Character Requirement	Applies to all routes	- No serious criminal convictions - No breaches of immigration laws - Conduct must be considered conducive to the public good

ILR Requirements 

When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must satisfy the following core requirements:

• Life in the UK Test – A compulsory test on British history, culture, and values.
• English language proficiency – Proof of English skills, usually at CEFR B1 level or higher.
• Continuous residence – Must not exceed permitted absences from the UK during your qualifying period.
• Financial requirements – Certain visa categories (such as family visas) require meeting minimum income thresholds.
• Good character and suitability – No serious criminal record or breaches of UK immigration laws.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Applying for ILR involves a series of steps that must be followed carefully. The process typically includes:

Step 1: Check your eligibility and route

Confirm which ILR route you qualify for (e.g., 5-year route, 10-year long residence, family route) and ensure you meet all criteria.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Gather required documents such as passports, biometric residence permits, proof of residence, financial evidence (if applicable), and test certificates.

Step 3: Apply online

Complete the ILR application form through the official UK Government portal.

Step 4: Book your biometric appointment

Schedule an appointment at a UKVCAS centre to provide fingerprints, photographs, and other biometric details.

Step 5: Submit supporting documents

Upload or present your supporting evidence, either online or at your biometric appointment.

Step 6: Await a decision

The Home Office will review your application and issue a decision, typically within the standard processing time.

ILR Fees 

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK typically costs around £3,000 per applicant, with additional charges for biometric enrolment and, later, British citizenship if you choose to apply.

Below is a breakdown of the main fees:

Fee Type	Amount
ILR Application Fee (standard)	£3,029 per applicant (from 9 April 2025)
Biometric Enrolment Fee	£19.20 per applicant (for fingerprints and photo)
Citizenship Application Fee	£1,605 + £130 ceremony fee (total £1,735 for adults)

ILR Processing Time 

The time it takes to process an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application depends on the service you choose. Standard applications usually take several months, while faster processing options may be available for an additional fee. Complex cases or applications requiring further checks can take longer.

Service Type	Processing Time
Standard Service	Up to 6 months
Priority Service	Around 5 working days (if available)
Super-Priority Service	By the end of the next working day (if available)

Key Considerations About ILR

• ILR is not truly permanent – Your status can lapse automatically if you remain outside the UK for two or more continuous years, unless you qualify for a returning resident visa.
• Revocation due to deception – ILR can be revoked if it was obtained through false information, fraudulent documents, or misrepresentation during the application process.
• Deportation or public interest grounds – Serious criminal convictions, national security concerns, or behaviour deemed not conducive to the public good can result in ILR being taken away.
• Rights and services – ILR provides important benefits, including the freedom to live, work, and study without restriction, and in some cases, access to public funds and services.
• Pathway to citizenship – While ILR is a step towards becoming a British citizen, you must still meet additional naturalisation requirements, such as residence conditions and good character, before applying.

Pathway from ILR to UK Citizenship

After obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), most applicants become eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation after holding ILR for at least 12 months. An exception applies to spouses of British citizens, who may be able to apply immediately after securing ILR.

To naturalise as a British citizen, you must also meet additional requirements, including:

• Living in the UK for at least 5 years before the citizenship application (with ILR held during at least the final 12 months).
• Not exceeding the permitted absence limits: generally no more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5-year qualifying period, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
• Passing the Life in the UK Test, if not already taken.
• Demonstrating English language ability (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic), unless exempt.
• Meeting the good character requirement, with no serious criminal convictions or immigration breaches.

ILR Rule Changes & Latest Policy Updates 

In May 2025, the UK government published a major White Paper titled “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System”, laying out proposed reforms to the settlement and immigration framework. Below are the most significant proposals and updates currently under consideration:

• The default qualifying period for ILR under many points-based and work routes may be extended from 5 years to 10 years.
• A new “earned settlement” model is proposed, under which some applicants could qualify for ILR in fewer than 10 years by accumulating contributions to the UK economy and society.
• Certain routes would be exempt from the 10-year rule, including partners of British citizens, EU Settlement Scheme beneficiaries, and victims of domestic abuse.
• There is no confirmed implementation date — the government has launched a consultation, meaning these are proposals, not law yet.
• Transitional protection for people already in the UK is not clearly defined; it is uncertain whether the new rules would apply to those currently in a path to settlement.

How Y-Axis Can Help You with ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration consultancy firm that helps people with visa applications and immigration procedures, with the goal of securing permanent residency and citizenship. With years of experience, Y-Axis offers services intended to make your ILR application go smoothly.

Y-Axis can assist you with Indefinite Leave to Remain in the following ways:

• Eligibility Assessment: Determine if you are eligible for ILR based on your visa status and residency.
• Document Preparation: Help you gather and arrange needed documents, like job records, proof of where you live, and English skill certificates.
• Application Support: Offer help during the application to make sure it is correct and follows Home Office rules.
• Biometric Appointment Assistance: Give guidance on how to schedule and attend your biometric appointment.
• Post-ILR Guidance: Support your move from ILR to British Citizenship, ensuring you meet all residency and document needs.