Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Settle in the UK with confidence

ILR lets you live, work and study without time limits — and is the last step before British citizenship.

What is ILR?

Indefinite Leave to Remain allows you to stay in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. You can access public funds, work or study freely, and after 12 months may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

Big picture: ILR is the stability step — no more time limits, and a clear path to citizenship.

Which visas lead to ILR?

Common routes and typical qualifying periods.

Spouse/Partner

5 years on the route if relationship & financial rules continue to be met.

Unmarried Partner

5 years with evidence of a genuine, durable relationship.

Skilled Worker

5 years of sponsored employment and salary/role requirements.

Innovator

3 years if business meets specific growth/success criteria.

Parent of British Child

5 years while meeting parental responsibility and residence rules.

Ancestry

5 years of residence and work in the UK.

Adult Dependant Relative

ILR is typically granted immediately on approval.

Long Residence (10 years)

Any lawful combination of visas totaling 10 continuous years.

Eligibility requirements

These vary by route, but most applicants must meet the following:

Residency

Complete the qualifying period for your visa (e.g., 5 years or 3 years for Innovator).

Continuous residence

No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

English & Life in the UK

Meet the English (B1) and pass the Life in the UK Test (unless exempt).

Good character & finances

No serious breaches; meet any route-specific financial rules.

Benefits of ILR

Permanent stability, full rights, and a clear path to citizenship.

Live without limits

No time restrictions or immigration controls.

Access public funds

Use services and benefits where eligible.

Citizenship pathway

Apply for British citizenship after 12 months (if eligible).

Application process

From eligibility checks to receiving ILR.

1

Initial consultation

Confirm route & timeline; plan your application.

2

Life in the UK & English

Prepare for/pass tests (if required).

3

Document build

Residence, absences, finances, route-specific proofs.

4

Online application

Form completion and fee payment.

5

Biometrics

Fingerprints, photo, and supporting bundle.

6

Decision

Home Office outcome; BRP/eVisa updated.

Documents required

  • Passport/ID: Valid passport or travel document.
  • Residence evidence: Bank statements, bills, tenancy, council tax, etc.
  • Absence records: Proof of travel dates to show continuous residence.
  • English & Life in the UK: Test certificates (if required).
  • Finance/route items: Evidence specific to your visa (e.g., salary, relationship).
  • Any route-specific forms: As required by your category.

How we help

We map your route, build the evidence, and manage the entire application to keep things smooth and compliant.

  • Route & eligibility assessment
  • Life in the UK / English planning
  • Evidence building & application drafting
  • Representation and updates with the Home Office

Why choose us

Experienced, efficient, and focused on getting you to settled status quickly and cleanly.

ILR specialists

Deep knowledge across all ILR routes and rules.

High success rate

Strong outcomes with organised, compliant submissions.

Transparent fees

No surprises — clear pricing from the outset.

Ready to secure ILR?

We’ll guide you through eligibility, evidence, and a smooth application — so you can settle in the UK with confidence.