UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) – Complete Guide for Permanent Residency

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) gives people who aren't citizens permanent residency in the UK. It lets them live, work, and study here without limits. If you get ILR, you have many of the same rights as British citizens. This includes using public services and healthcare. You can also apply for citizenship after a set time. The ILR visa is useful for people who plan to stay in the UK.

• 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.

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

What is ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

In the UK, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) gives eligible non-citizens permanent residency. This means they can live, work, and study in the UK without any time limits. It's a key step for those wanting to settle in the UK for good but who aren't yet British citizens. The great thing about ILR is that it provides permanent residence, so holders get almost all the same rights and benefits as UK citizens. This includes access to public services, healthcare through the NHS, and the option to apply for British citizenship after meeting certain requirements.

Benefits of UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

The benefits of UK ILR are given below.

• Live permanently in the UK: ILR lets you stay in the UK for good, with no need to extend your visa. You can work and study here as well.
• Apply for British Citizenship: After living in the UK with ILR for a year, you can apply to become a British citizen.
• Access Public Services: You get full access to the NHS, healthcare, and benefits.
• Work Freely: You can work in UK in any job without needing a sponsor.
• Sponsor Family: You can sponsor your family members come live in the UK, including your spouse, children, and parents who rely on you through the UK Dependant Visa.

Types of UK ILR Visas

There are various types of UK ILR visas. The primary ones are given below.

• Work-Based ILR: In the UK, people with a work visa can apply for permanent residency, called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Usually, people get ILR through the UK Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2 General) or the UK Investor Visa, which is for high net-worth individuals.

To be eligible, you need to have lived and worked in the UK for at least 5 years with a valid work visa. You also need to have lived in the UK continuously and meet specific salary and job requirements. You need to be working for a company that is an approved sponsor and be in a skilled job. The minimum salary is normally about £25,600 a year, but this can change based on your job.

• Family-Based ILR: Family-Based Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) provides permanent residency for family members of British citizens or those with existing Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Spouses, children, and dependent parents can use this route to live with their families in the UK and gain permanent residency after meeting the requirements. Usually, those who have lived in the UK under a family visa, like a Spouse or Parent Visa, apply for Family-based ILR as their next step.

The sponsor, either a British citizen or someone with ILR, needs to meet particular criteria, such as proving they can financially support the applicant.

• Long-Term Resident ILR: Long-Term Resident ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) offers permanent residency to people who've lived in the UK for a long time—usually 10 continuous years. It's for those who've been here legally for a while under different visas like work, family, or student visas, and who have kept their residency continuous. Unlike other ILR paths that depend on certain visa types, this one just looks at how long you've been in the UK.

To qualify, you need to have lived in the UK for 10 continuous years on a valid visa. During this time, you can't be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month stretch. This period can include time spent on different types of visas, as long as you were legally in the country.

• Investor and Entrepreneur ILR: The Investor and Entrepreneur visas offer a route to permanent residency in the UK for those who have made big contributions to the economy by investing or starting businesses. These programs aim to attract wealthy people and business owners who can create jobs, invest money, and help the UK economy grow. Both options are part of a system to attract global talent and investment, giving long-term residency to those who meet certain financial requirements.

Eligibility for UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

To be eligible for ILR, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: Most people need to have lived in the UK for 5 years with a qualifying visa.
• Time in the UK: You need to have been in the UK for a certain amount of time during those 5 years.
• Good Conduct: You need to be of good character and should not have serious criminal convictions.
• English Skills: You'll need to prove you can speak English well with a test or qualification.
• Life in the UK Test: You'll need to pass a test about British culture, history, and values.

UK ILR Application Process

The step-by-step process to apply for the UK ILR is given below.

Step 1: Make sure you qualify based on residency and English skills.

Step 2: collect your passport, biometric info, job verification, and proof you've lived here continuously.

Step 3: Fill out and send in your ILR application on the UK Home Office website.

Step 4: Submit your fingerprints and photos at a UKVCAS office.

Step 5: If it is approved, you will get your ILR status.

UK ILR Requirements

The documents required to apply for UK ILR are given below.

• Residency: You need to show you've lived in the UK for 5 years straight with the right type of visa.
• Time spent outside the UK: During those 5 years, you can’t have been away from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
• English Language Skills: You have to prove you're good at English by passing an approved test or showing a valid qualification.
• Life in the UK Test: You'll need to pass this test, which covers British history, laws, and values.
• Good behavior: You must not have a criminal record or any immigration offenses while you've been in the UK.

Cost of UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Application

Detailed information about the application cost of UK ILR is given below.

ILR Visa Type	Cost (GBP)
Work-Based ILR	£2,389 (for adults)
Family-Based ILR	£2,389 (for adults)
	£1,523 (for children under 18)
Long-Term Resident ILR	£2,389 (for adults)
Investor and Entrepreneur ILR	£2,389 (for adults)

UK ILR Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for UK ILR applications is given below.

UK ILR Visa Type	Processing Time
Work-Based ILR	6 months (standard processing)
Family-Based ILR	6 months (standard processing)
Long-Term Resident ILR	6 months (standard processing)
Investor and Entrepreneur ILR	6 months (standard processing)
Priority ILR Application	1-2 weeks (priority processing)

Can I Include My Family Members in My ILR Application?

Yes, you can include your family members in your UK ILR application. You are permitted to include your spouse, children, and dependent parents in your ILR application, provided that each family member fulfills the required eligibility criteria, which include health checks and background investigations. After your ILR receives approval, your family members can then submit their own ILR applications under family reunification rules.

Renewal of UK ILR

Permanent Residency Status: Once granted, indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is a permanent right and does not require renewal.

Circumstances for Revocation: Your ILR status can be cancelled if you stay outside the UK for over two years or if you are convicted of serious crimes.

UK ILR to British Citizenship

For those wanting to live in the UK permanently, getting Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an important move. After holding ILR for a year, people can apply for British citizenship.

To apply for British citizenship you must:

• Wait at least 12 months after getting ILR before applying for citizenship.
• Need to have lived in the UK for 5 years before applying for ILR. Do not spend more than 90 days outside the UK in the past 12 months, or 450 days total over the last 5 years.
• Should have no criminal record or legal problems.
• Show English language skills by passing a test or having a degree in English.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test to prove you know about British culture and laws.
• Send in your citizenship form with your ILR approval, proof of where you live, and the Life in the UK Test results.

Citizenship gives you the right to vote, a UK passport, and the freedom to live in the UK without limits.

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.