Last Updated: July 28, 2026

UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Eligibility, Fees, How to Apply

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to settle permanently in the UK without needing to extend your visa. Most Skilled Worker and partner or family visa holders can apply for ILR after 5 years, while Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa holders may qualify after 3 years. Applicants must meet the residence, English language and Life in the UK Test requirements for their route. With ILR, you can live and work in the UK without a time limit, access public funds and become eligible for British citizenship.
 

Why Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain gives you permanent settlement in the UK with greater freedom and long-term security. It removes the need for regular visa extensions and gives you more flexibility to build your future in the UK.
 

• Stay permanently in the UK
• Freedom to change jobs or employers without sponsorship
• Access to NHS treatment and public funds
• Study without visa restrictions
• Greater stability for you and your family
• Chance to apply for British citizenship
   

*Want to apply for UK ILR? Book a free consultation with Y-Axis for expert guidance.
 

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, is a UK immigration status that allows you to remain in the UK permanently. Unlike a temporary visa, ILR does not have a fixed expiry date. Once granted, your immigration status is no longer tied to the conditions of your previous visa, allowing you to continue living in the UK without regular visa renewals.
 

Who Is Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must complete the required period of continuous lawful residence in the UK under your current visa route. Most routes require 5 years, while some allow settlement after 2 or 3 years. The qualifying period and other conditions vary by route, including work, family, investment, talent and long residence categories.

*Want to migrate to UK? Let Y-Axis help you through application process.
 

UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Requirements

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) requirements vary by UK visa route, but most applicants must complete the continuous residence period for their route, stay within the permitted absence limits, meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test. Work and family routes may also have specific salary, employment or relationship requirements.
 

• Continuous residence: Complete the required settlement period for your route without breaking your continuous UK residence.
• Absence limits: For many work routes, spend no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period.
• English language: Prove your English ability at the level required for settlement through an accepted qualification, English-taught degree or approved test, unless exempt.
• Life in the UK Test: Applicants aged 18 to 64 generally need to pass the Life in the UK Test.
• Immigration history: Maintain lawful immigration status and comply with UK immigration conditions during the qualifying period.
• Route-specific conditions: Meet any additional salary, employment, relationship, endorsement or business requirements for your settlement route.
   

Documents Required for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

The documents required for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) vary by visa route. Most applicants need proof of identity and UK residence, along with supporting documents for employment, income, relationship or other route-specific conditions.

• Passport: Current and previous passports covering the qualifying period.
• Immigration status: Current eVisa details.
• UK residence: Tenancy agreements, council tax bills or official correspondence.
• Travel history: Records of absences from the UK.
• English language: Approved test result or eligible degree, unless exempt.
• Life in the UK Test: Pass reference number.
• Employment and income: Employer letter, payslips and bank statements for work routes.
• Relationship: Marriage certificate and cohabitation evidence for partner routes.
   

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK?

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you must complete the online application for your settlement route, submit the required documents, pay the application fee and complete the required identity and biometric checks.

Step 1: Check your ILR eligibility

Confirm that you have completed the required qualifying period and meet the settlement requirements for your route.

Step 2: Complete the required tests

Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement, unless an exemption applies.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents

Gather your passport and evidence of residence, employment, income, relationship or other documents required for your route.

Step 4: Complete the online ILR application

Fill in and submit the online application form that applies to your settlement route.

Step 5: Pay the ILR application fee

Pay the required application fee when submitting your ILR application.

Step 6: Complete the identity and biometric checks

Verify your identity and provide your fingerprints and photograph where required.

Step 7: Receive the Home Office decision

The Home Office reviews your application and supporting documents before issuing its decision.

*Planning to apply for UK ILR? Book a free consultation with Y-Axis for expert guidance.
 

UK ILR Processing Time

Most Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications are decided within 6 months after you submit your application. Faster decisions may be available through priority or super priority services for an additional fee, depending on your application route and eligibility.
 

UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Fees

The UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application fee is £3,226 per person. Eligible dependants applying for settlement must also pay £3,226 each. Faster processing may be available for an additional £500 for priority service or £1,000 for super priority service, depending on the ILR route.
 

UK ILR for Dependants and Family Members

Partners and children may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as dependants of a Skilled Worker or another settlement visa holder. While spouses, partners and parents on eligible UK family visas may also qualify for ILR, usually after completing 5 years of continuous residence in the UK. The exact settlement period depends on the visa category and individual circumstances.
 

• Dependant partners: Generally qualify after 5 years of continuous UK residence as a dependant on an eligible work visa.
• Spouse or partner visa holders: Qualify after 5 years on the standard partner route, while 2-year and 10-year routes apply in certain cases.
• Dependent children: May qualify when their parent or parents are settled or applying for settlement and they continue to meet the dependent child conditions.
• Parent visa holders: Qualify after 5 years on the standard parent route or 10 years on the long-term family route.
• Adult dependant relatives: May qualify when the relative providing their long-term care is settled or applying for settlement in the UK.
   

Next Steps After Getting ILR in the UK

After getting ILR in the UK, you should check your immigration status, keep your eVisa details updated and follow the rules for travel outside the UK. Most ILR holders can apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months, subject to the residence and eligibility requirements for citizenship.
 

• Check your ILR status: Confirm your status and details on your UKVI account.
• Update your eVisa: Keep your passport and contact details up to date.
• Follow travel rules: ILR can lapse after 2 continuous years outside the UK.
• Keep residence records: Retain travel records for a future citizenship application.
• Check citizenship eligibility: Most ILR holders can apply for citizenship after 12 months.
   

UK ILR to British Citizenship

ILR holders can apply for British citizenship once they meet the naturalisation requirements. Most applicants must hold ILR for at least 12 months before applying, while those married to a British citizen can apply without waiting 12 months after receiving ILR.
 

• ILR period: Hold ILR for at least 12 months, unless married to a British citizen.
• UK residence: Complete 5 years of UK residence, or 3 years if married to a British citizen.
• Absence limits: Normally spend no more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5-year period and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. For spouses of British citizens, the 3-year limit is normally 270 days.
• Good character: Meet the good character requirement, which considers matters such as criminal offences, immigration breaches, fraud and dishonesty.
   

*Want to apply for British citizenship? Let Y-Axis guide you through the citizenship application process.
 

Latest UK ILR Rule Changes and Policy Updates

The UK ILR system is being updated, with a higher English language requirement confirmed from March 2027 and wider settlement reforms under consideration. The proposed earned settlement system would change how long some migrants need to live in the UK before qualifying for ILR.
 

• English requirement: CEFR B2 will apply to affected settlement routes from 26 March 2027.
• 10-year baseline: A 10-year default settlement period has been proposed for most migrants.
• Faster settlement: The proposed system could reduce the qualifying period based on factors such as higher earnings, public service or advanced English.
• Longer settlement: The qualifying period could increase for certain immigration or compliance breaches.
• Current rules: Existing ILR qualifying periods remain in force until the proposed reforms become law.
   

How can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration consultancy with over 25 years of experience in visa and immigration services. Our experts provide end-to-end support for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), from checking eligibility and preparing documents to application support and guidance on British citizenship.

• Eligibility assessment: Check your eligibility and qualifying period for UK ILR.
• Document preparation: Get help preparing the documents required for your application.
• Application support: Receive guidance to complete and submit your ILR application.
• Biometric assistance: Get guidance on completing the required biometric process.
• Citizenship support: Get guidance on applying for British citizenship after ILR.