Indefinite Leave to Remain 

To apply for UK ILR, you must provide the following documents.

• Passport or other travel documents are needed.
• You will need to show you have continuously lived in the UK. Documents like utility bills or bank statements are valid.
• Give proof of your job, such as pay slips or tax records.
• Show you know English well enough; test results or degree certificates can do this.
• Submit your fingerprints and required number of photographs.
• Other documents might be needed, like proof of family ties or your financial status.

No, you are advised not to leave the UK, while your ILR application is being processed. It is generally not a good idea to leave the UK when your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is being reviewed. Leaving the country at this time could create issues with the continuous residence requirement, possibly leading to delays or problems with your application. Long periods away from the UK can interrupt your residency, potentially making you ineligible for ILR. If travel is unavoidable, it is best to seek advice from an immigration professional to make sure you are following all regulations and protecting your ILR eligibility.

Yes, you can apply for British citizenship after receiving the UK ILR. After holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for 12 months, you become eligible to apply for British citizenship. The requirements include meeting residency standards, such as living in the UK for 5 years before getting ILR, and possessing good character. Applicants must also pass the Life in the UK Test and prove they have enough English language skills. Meeting all these conditions allows you to apply for naturalization as a British citizen.

Yes, your family can join you on your UK ILR application. Your spouse, children, and dependent parents can apply for Indefinite Leave to remain (ILR) with you if they are eligible. They need to submit their own paperwork and pass the required checks. When your ILR is approved, each eligible family member will receive their ILR status, giving them the right to live and work in the UK. You will need to prove you can financially support your family members as part of the ILR application.

Your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can be revoked if you stay outside the UK for over two years or commit grave offenses. If your ILR lapses, you may need to depart the UK or seek a new visa. Following the guidelines, like adhering to absence limits and obeying UK laws, is important for maintaining your ILR. Consistent residence in the UK is key to keeping this status.

The time you must spend in the UK depends on the visa route you hold. Most applicants on work visas such as Skilled Worker or on a spouse/partner visa become eligible after five years of continuous residence. Certain routes, such as Global Talent or Innovator Founder, allow you to apply after just three years. If you have lived lawfully in the UK on any visa for ten continuous years, you can also qualify under the long residence route. To meet the continuous residence requirement, you should not be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

Yes, ILR can be lost if you leave the UK for too long. If you spend more than two continuous years outside the country, your ILR status may lapse. In addition, the Home Office can revoke ILR in cases of serious criminal convictions, fraudulent applications, or conduct considered harmful to the public good. While ILR is indefinite in name, maintaining ties to the UK and respecting immigration rules is essential to keeping the status.

Most applicants between the ages of 18 and 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test before applying for ILR. The test assesses your knowledge of British history, culture, laws, and everyday life, with a pass mark of 75%. Some applicants are exempt, such as those over 65 or individuals with certain medical conditions. If you have already met the English language requirement during your visa process, you do not usually need to prove it again when applying for ILR.

The documents you need will depend on your visa route, but the core requirements usually include:

• Valid passport or travel documents
• Biometric Residence Permit (if issued)
• Life in the UK Test pass certificate and proof of English language ability (if applicable)
• Evidence of continuous residence, such as utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, or travel history
• Employer or sponsor letters, payslips, and tax records for work-based visas
• Marriage or partnership documents for family routes
• Details of all absences from the UK, with reasons and dates

Note: Any additional documents specific to your visa type, such as endorsement letters for Global Talent or Innovator visas

As of 2025, the application fee for ILR is £3,029 per person. In addition, you must pay a biometric enrolment fee of around £19.20 for fingerprints and photographs. If you choose faster processing, priority service costs approximately £500, while super priority service is around £1,000 on top of the standard fee. Unlike limited visas, you do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge when applying for ILR.

For most applicants, the standard ILR process takes up to six months from the date you provide your biometric information. If you select a priority or super priority service, a decision may be issued within five working days or even the next working day. Processing can take longer if the Home Office requests further documents or needs to carry out additional checks. While waiting for a decision, you are usually allowed to stay in the UK legally as long as you applied before your visa expired.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, gives a non-British national the legal right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time limit. Once granted, you no longer need to renew a visa and can access healthcare, education, and other benefits. ILR is also the key step toward British citizenship, provided you meet the additional criteria. However, ILR is not the same as citizenship, and in some circumstances it can be lost.

Yes, ILR can be lost if you leave the UK for too long. If you spend more than two continuous years outside the country, your ILR status may lapse. In addition, the Home Office can revoke ILR in cases of serious criminal convictions, fraudulent applications, or conduct considered harmful to the public good. While ILR is indefinite in name, maintaining ties to the UK and respecting immigration rules is essential to keeping the status.

The most effective preparation for the Life in the UK test comes from official resources. The test questions are based on the handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, which is the only official study material. Many applicants also use the official practice questions, mock tests, and apps created by the UK government’s approved publishers. Regular practice under timed conditions, using official sample questions, is highly recommended. Combining the handbook with official digital tools ensures you cover all required topics and become familiar with the format of the test.

Official ILR requirements can be found through:

• UK Home Office publications that set out immigration rules and ILR policies.
• UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) pages that outline eligibility criteria for each ILR route.
• Government guidance documents providing application forms and step-by-step instructions.
• Policy updates that clarify the latest requirements for family, work, or long residence routes.
• Route-specific sections listing eligibility rules, required documents, and detailed instructions for applicants.

There are many immigration lawyers in the UK with expertise in ILR applications. When choosing one, it is important to ensure the lawyer or solicitor is accredited under the Law Society’s immigration and asylum scheme or regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). These accreditations guarantee that the lawyer is qualified and authorized to provide immigration advice. Reputable firms often highlight their success rates and client testimonials. When selecting a lawyer, applicants should prioritize experience in ILR cases, transparent pricing, and personalized guidance tailored to the specific immigration route being pursued.

Yes, several immigration consultancies such as Y-Axis specializes in ILR applications. Our organization provides comprehensive services such as eligibility checks, document reviews, drafting application forms, and follow-ups with the Home Office. Choosing a company that is legally regulated and accredited is crucial to ensure reliable advice. We also provide additional support, such as mock interviews, checklists, and ongoing consultation, to improve the applicant’s chances of success and reduce the risk of application delays or refusals.

The best preparation starts early. Applicants should keep thorough records of their residence, employment, and travel history throughout their qualifying period. Maintaining copies of tenancy agreements, utility bills, payslips, and travel records will ensure continuity of residence can be proven. Preparing for and passing the Life in the UK test and the English language requirement in advance is also essential. Reviewing all eligibility criteria carefully, tracking absences from the UK, and ensuring financial requirements are met are equally important. Seeking professional advice to review the completed application and supporting documents can significantly reduce the chances of refusal.

Reliable ILR checklists are usually available from:

• Official government application guidance, detailing required documents for each ILR route.
• Accredited immigration solicitors, who provide tailored checklists for their clients.
• Standard document categories, including:

• Identity documents (passport, BRP card).
• Proof of residence (utility bills, tenancy agreements).
• Financial records (bank statements, payslips).
• Travel history (entry/exit records).
• Test results (Life in the UK and English language).
• Route-specific supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificates for family routes, employer letters for work routes).

• Additional requirements, such as certified translations or legalized documents where necessary.