Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a type of permanent residency status in the UK. It allows you to live and work in the country without restrictions, providing a pathway to British citizenship if desired. If you’ve been living in the UK for a while on a temporary visa and want to stay permanently, applying for ILR is an important step. This comprehensive guide explains the process of applying for ILR, eligibility requirements, documentation, and more.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a status granted by the UK government to non-citizens who have resided in the UK for a certain period, under specific visa categories. ILR allows you to stay in the UK indefinitely, without any restrictions on employment, healthcare, or study.
While ILR doesn’t grant full British citizenship, it is a crucial step towards gaining citizenship. ILR holders are also allowed to sponsor family members for visas to join them in the UK.
Benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain
Permanent Residency: ILR allows you to live and work in the UK without time limits or restrictions on the type of work.
Access to Public Services: You will have access to the National Health Service (NHS) and other public benefits available to UK residents.
Path to Citizenship: After holding ILR for a certain period, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
Sponsorship Rights: As an ILR holder, you can sponsor family members to join you in the UK.
Who Can Apply for ILR?
Not all visa holders are eligible for ILR. Typically, applicants must have been living in the UK for a set number of years on a qualifying visa, such as a work visa, family visa, or student visa. The exact eligibility depends on your visa type and circumstances.
Common Visas that Lead to ILR
Skilled Worker Visa: If you’ve been in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa for five years, you may be eligible to apply for ILR.
Spouse Visa: If you’re married to a UK citizen or a person with ILR, you can apply for ILR after living in the UK for five years.
Tier 2 (General) Visa: Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, holders of this visa may be eligible for ILR after five years.
Tier 4 (Student) Visa: While Tier 4 visa holders cannot apply for ILR directly, those who switch to a work visa and meet the residency requirements may eventually apply.
Ancestry Visa: If you have a UK ancestry visa, you can apply for ILR after five years.
Refugee Status: If you have been granted refugee status, you can apply for ILR after five years of living in the UK.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for ILR, you must meet the following basic requirements:
Residence Requirement: You must have lived in the UK for a specific period, usually five years, depending on your visa.
Absence from the UK: You cannot have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying period.
Good Character: You must not have any serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.
Financial Requirement: You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
English Proficiency: You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language. This can usually be done by providing proof of a degree taught in English or passing an English language test.
How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
The application process for ILR is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Follow the steps below to ensure you meet all requirements.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria. This includes the length of time you’ve lived in the UK, the type of visa you hold, and your absence history. Keep in mind that some visa types may have different requirements or shorter qualifying periods.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
When applying for ILR, you will need to provide various documents to support your application. These may include:
Proof of Residence: You must provide evidence that you’ve lived in the UK for the required time, such as:
Payslips
Bank statements
Utility bills
Letters from your employer or educational institution
Passport and Travel Documents: You will need to provide your current passport, along with any previous passports or travel documents to prove your travel history and residence in the UK.
Proof of Employment or Self-Employment: If you are employed or self-employed, provide documents such as:
Pay slips
Tax returns or self-employment records
Employer’s letter confirming your employment
English Language Requirement: If you need to prove your English language ability, you will need to provide a certificate from an approved English language test provider or evidence of an English-language degree.
Life in the UK Test: You must take and pass the Life in the UK Test, which is a multiple-choice test on British history, culture, and society.
Biometric Information: As part of your ILR application, you will be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph).
Additional Documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as evidence of marriage or civil partnership if applying as a spouse or partner.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Once you’ve gathered all your documents, the next step is to complete the ILR application form. You can apply for ILR online or, in some cases, by post, depending on your circumstances. The application form will ask for your personal information, details about your visa history, and the documents you’re submitting.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
There is a fee for applying for ILR, which varies depending on your circumstances and the type of visa you hold. As of 2025, the application fee for ILR is around £2,389, but fees can change, so be sure to check the latest details before applying. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge unless you are exempt.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the form and paid the application fee, submit your application along with the supporting documents. If you’re applying online, you will be asked to send your documents to the Home Office for verification. If you’re applying by post, you will need to include the necessary documents with your application.
Step 6: Attend Your Biometric Appointment
After submitting your application, you will receive an invitation to attend a biometric appointment. During this appointment, you will provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph. The appointment typically takes place at a local UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
Step 7: Wait for a Decision
The processing time for ILR applications can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications being processed. Generally, you can expect a decision within 6 months. During this time, it is important not to leave the UK unless you have been granted permission to travel abroad.
Step 8: Receive Your ILR Status
If your application is successful, you will receive confirmation of your ILR status. You may receive a biometric residence permit (BRP), which serves as evidence of your ILR status. You can now live and work in the UK indefinitely.
What Happens After You Get ILR?
Once you’ve been granted ILR, you have the right to live, work, and access public services in the UK. You are no longer subject to visa restrictions or renewals, and you can travel freely in and out of the UK.
However, your ILR status can be revoked if you commit serious criminal offenses or if you spend too much time outside the UK. It’s important to keep track of your absences to ensure you maintain your status.
Path to British Citizenship
After holding ILR for at least 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship, provided you meet additional eligibility criteria such as:
A minimum of 5 years’ residence in the UK (including time spent on ILR).
Demonstrating good character.
Passing the Life in the UK Test.
Conclusion
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK is a significant step toward securing permanent residency. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing the necessary documents, and following the application process, you can make your journey toward ILR a smooth one. Keep in mind that ILR is an important milestone, whether you aim to remain in the UK long-term or eventually apply for British citizenship.
With the right preparation and knowledge, you can successfully navigate the process and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency in the UK.
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- How Long Does Change of Status Take?
