indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – UK Settlement Guide 2025 Comprehensive 2025 guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK Table of Contents What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain? ILR…
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – UK Settlement Guide 2025
Comprehensive 2025 guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
Table of Contents
- What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
- ILR Eligibility & Routes
- How to Apply for ILR (Step-by-Step)
- ILR Fees & Costs (2025)
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for ILR
- Life in the UK Test & English Language Requirement
- ILR Documents Checklist
- ILR Processing Time & Decision Timeline
- After ILR: British Citizenship
- Indefinite Leave to Remain FAQ
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of settlement status in the UK that grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. It is often the final step before becoming eligible for British Citizenship.
Unlike temporary visas, ILR allows you to stay in the UK permanently, although it can be lost if you leave the UK for more than two consecutive years. You can apply for ILR through various routes including:
- After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa
- After 5 years on a Spouse Visa
- After 10 years of lawful continuous residence
- As a refugee or person under humanitarian protection
Having ILR also means you’ll have access to public funds and healthcare and won’t need to apply for future visa extensions.
The eligibility, documentation, and application process vary depending on your current visa route and personal circumstances. Use this page as your go-to guide for all things related to ILR in 2025.
ILR Eligibility & Routes
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can be achieved through several immigration routes, depending on how long you’ve lived in the UK, your visa category, and compliance with immigration rules. Below are the most common ILR pathways:
ILR After 5 Years
Many applicants qualify for ILR after legally residing in the UK for 5 continuous years under eligible visa categories. You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during this time.
| Visa Type | ILR Qualifying Period | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | 5 Years | Meet minimum salary threshold & continuous residence |
| Spouse Visa (5-year route) | 5 Years | Relationship subsisting + financial + English requirements |
| Innovator Founder / Global Talent / Tier 1 | 3-5 Years | May qualify for accelerated ILR depending on achievements |
| Ancestry Visa | 5 Years | Proof of ancestry and continuous residence |
Skilled Worker ILR Route
Skilled Workers can apply for ILR after 5 years if:
- They’ve held continuous lawful residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa.
- They meet the salary threshold: typically £26,200 or £10.75/hour, but varies by role.
- They’ve passed the Life in the UK Test and met English requirements.
Switching from other work routes (Tier 2, Health and Care) is allowed if timelines are preserved.
ILR for Spouse Visa Holders
Applicants on the Spouse/Partner route can apply after 5 years (standard) or 10 years (human rights/private life route). You must prove:
- Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- You meet the financial threshold (usually £18,600).
- You’ve passed the Life in the UK Test and meet English requirements (A2 level or above).
Other 5-Year Routes
These additional categories may also qualify for ILR after 5 years:
- UK Ancestry Visa
- Representative of Overseas Business
- International Sportsperson or Minister of Religion
ILR After 10 Years (Long Residence)
If you’ve lived legally in the UK for 10 continuous years under any visa combination, you can apply for ILR under the long residence route. Conditions:
- Must not have spent more than 540 days outside the UK in total, or 180 days in any one year.
- Pass Life in the UK Test and English requirement (B1 level recommended).
Exceptions & Accelerated ILR Routes
Some visa categories allow accelerated ILR in under 5 years:
| Visa Type | Accelerated ILR Timeframe | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Global Talent Visa | 3 Years | Must be endorsed and demonstrate exceptional promise or talent |
| Innovator Founder Visa | 3 Years | Must meet specific business performance criteria |
| Tier 1 (Investor / Entrepreneur) | 2-3 Years | Route now closed, but ILR may still be available for ongoing cases |
How to Apply for ILR (Step-by-Step)
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) involves careful preparation of documents, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting an online application through the UK Home Office. Below is a simplified guide:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirm Eligibility | Check your visa type, continuous residence period, and ensure you meet financial, English, and knowledge of life in the UK requirements. |
| 2. Pass Required Tests | Complete the Life in the UK Test and provide evidence of English language skills (e.g. IELTS, B1 SELT). |
| 3. Gather Documents | Collect all required documents like passports, BRP, proof of residence, finances, and previous visa letters. Refer to the ILR Documents Checklist. |
| 4. Complete the Online Application | Apply online via the official UK Government ILR Portal. Use the correct form based on your visa route (SET(M), SET(O), or SET(LR)). |
| 5. Pay the Fee | Pay the ILR application fee (typically £2,885 for 2024–2025). See ILR Fees & Costs. |
| 6. Book & Attend Biometrics Appointment | Book a UKVCAS appointment to submit fingerprints, photographs, and documents at a Visa & Citizenship Application Centre (VCAC). |
| 7. Await a Decision | Wait for UKVI to review your application. You’ll be notified by email or post once a decision is made. Most decisions take 8–12 weeks. |
| 8. Receive BRP & ILR Confirmation | If successful, you’ll receive your Biometric Residence Permit confirming your ILR status. This allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without time limits. |
You may also consider priority or super priority services for faster decisions at an additional cost. Learn more about ILR processing times.
ILR Fees & Costs (2025)
The cost of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK includes application fees, biometric enrolment, and any optional priority services. Below is a breakdown of the main costs for 2025:
| Item | Cost (2025) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ILR Standard Application Fee | £2,885 | Fee for most routes including Skilled Worker, Spouse, Long Residence etc. |
| Biometric Enrolment Fee | £19.20 | Paid during your UKVCAS appointment to submit fingerprints and photo. |
| Priority Service (5 working days) | £500 (extra) | Optional service for faster decision-making. |
| Super Priority Service (1 working day) | £1,000 (extra) | Fast-track service for urgent decisions. Limited availability at some UKVCAS centres. |
| Dependent ILR Application Fee (per child/adult) | £2,885 | Each dependant applying with you must pay the same base fee. |
ILR applicants do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) again once ILR is granted. However, all fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
If your financial circumstances are limited, you may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver – particularly if applying based on human rights or private life routes.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for ILR
Once your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application is approved, you’ll receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This card confirms your immigration status and is a legal document proving your right to live, work, and access benefits in the UK.
| What’s on a BRP Card? | Details |
|---|---|
| Your Personal Information | Full name, date of birth, nationality, and immigration status |
| Immigration Status | Displays “Indefinite Leave to Remain” or “Settlement” |
| Biometric Data | Digital photo and fingerprints |
| Card Expiry | Most BRPs currently expire on 31 December 2024, even if your ILR is indefinite. See note below. |
⚠️ Important BRP Expiry Update for 2025
Due to the UK government’s plan to transition to a fully digital immigration system, all BRPs issued before the end of 2024 will expire on 31 December 2024. This doesn’t affect your immigration status.
From 2025 onwards, ILR holders will access their status online using an eVisa account instead of a physical card. You will receive instructions on how to create or access your eVisa profile via the UKVI portal.
Life in the UK Test & English Language Requirement
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), most applicants must demonstrate both knowledge of British life and adequate English language proficiency. These are mandatory for nearly all ILR routes.
| Requirement | Details | Who Needs It? |
|---|---|---|
| Life in the UK Test | A 24-question multiple-choice test covering UK history, politics, values, and law. Must be taken at an approved test centre. | Required for most ILR applicants aged 18–65. |
| English Language Test | Typically a CEFR B1 level or higher speaking & listening qualification (e.g. IELTS for UKVI, Trinity GESE). | Required unless exempt due to age, disability, or citizenship of English-speaking country. |
Accepted English Tests
- IELTS Life Skills B1 – approved by UKVI
- Trinity GESE Grade 5
- Other Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) listed on the official UK government website
If you hold a degree taught in English or are from a majority English-speaking country, you may be exempt from the English test requirement.
Book the Life in the UK Test | Check IELTS scores by visa type
ILR Documents Checklist
Submitting a well-organised set of documents is crucial for a successful ILR application. Below is a comprehensive checklist based on your ILR route (5-year, 10-year, Skilled Worker, Spouse, etc.).
| Document Type | Description | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Passport(s) | Current and any expired passports covering your UK residence period. | All applicants |
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | Current BRP card showing visa status. | All applicants |
| Proof of Continuous Residence | Bank statements, tenancy agreements, council tax, or official letters spanning the qualifying period. | 5/10-year route |
| Employment Letters or Payslips | Employment confirmation, job title, salary, and duration of employment. | Skilled Worker, Spouse |
| Financial Evidence | Bank statements, salary slips, or HMRC records to meet income thresholds. | Spouse visa, Private life |
| Life in the UK Test Certificate | Pass certificate issued by an approved test centre. | All applicants (unless exempt) |
| English Language Certificate | SELT test certificate (B1 CEFR or above), or UK degree certificate taught in English. | Most routes |
| Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate | Official certificate proving your relationship status. | Spouse visa route |
| Children’s Birth Certificates | For dependent applications being submitted with a parent. | Dependent ILR applications |
Double-check that all documents are original (or certified copies), clearly scanned, and translated into English (if applicable).
ILR Processing Time & Decision Timeline
Once you’ve submitted your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application and attended your biometrics appointment, the UKVI will begin processing your case. The processing time varies depending on whether you’ve selected the standard or expedited service.
| Service Type | Typical Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Service | Up to 6 months (most cases resolved in 8–12 weeks) | £2,885 (application fee only) |
| Priority Service | 5 working days after biometric appointment | + £500 (in addition to base fee) |
| Super Priority Service | Next working day after biometrics | + £1,000 (in addition to base fee) |
📍 How to Track Your Application
After applying, you’ll receive an email from UKVI with your application reference number. You can use this to track your ILR application:
- Log into your UKVI account via UKVI Contact Page.
- Check your registered email regularly for updates or requests for additional documents.
- If using Priority or Super Priority, you'll usually receive a decision within the stated time frame.
Note: Delays may occur if documents are missing, your case is complex, or background checks are extended.
After ILR: British Citizenship
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is often the final step before applying for British Citizenship. Once granted ILR, you may be eligible to naturalise as a British citizen after meeting specific requirements.
🕒 When Can You Apply?
- If you are married to a British citizen: You can apply for citizenship immediately after getting ILR.
- If you are not married to a British citizen: You must wait 12 months after ILR to apply.
📌 British Citizenship Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a British citizen). |
| ILR Status | Must hold ILR for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen). |
| Absences | No more than 450 days outside the UK in 5 years and 90 days in the last 12 months. |
| Life in the UK Test | Already completed for ILR; no need to retake. |
| English Language | Proof of English at B1 CEFR level or higher (e.g. IELTS, Trinity, Degree taught in English). |
| Good Character | No serious criminal convictions, immigration breaches, or unpaid taxes. |
The application for British citizenship is submitted online via the UK Home Office and includes uploading documents and attending a Citizenship Ceremony if successful.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
ILR is a form of settlement that allows a person to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. It’s often a step before applying for British citizenship.
How long does it take to get ILR?
You can apply after 5 years on eligible visa routes (e.g. Skilled Worker, Spouse) or 10 years of continuous lawful residence. Some categories allow accelerated ILR after 2–3 years.
What is the ILR application fee in 2025?
The standard ILR application fee is £2,885. Additional costs apply for biometric enrolment and optional fast-track services.
Is the Life in the UK Test mandatory?
Yes. All ILR applicants (aged 18–65) must pass the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt due to disability.
Can I apply for British citizenship after getting ILR?
Yes. You can apply for British citizenship 12 months after getting ILR, or immediately if you are married to a British citizen.
What happens if my ILR application is refused?
You may be eligible for an administrative review or appeal depending on the reason for refusal. You can also reapply if circumstances allow.
Does ILR expire?
ILR status does not expire, but your BRP card does. Most BRPs currently expire on 31 December 2024 due to the UK's move to digital eVisas.
Can I lose my ILR?
Yes, ILR can be revoked if you leave the UK for over 2 continuous years or commit a serious crime. You’ll need a Returning Resident Visa to re-enter.
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