ILR Application Guide UK 2025

Section A: What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is settlement under UK immigration law. It removes the time limit on stay and allows you to live, work and study in the UK without immigration conditions. It is the stable platform for long-term life in the UK and, for most people, the necessary step before applying for British citizenship.

1. What does ILR Status mean?

ILR lifts sponsorship and role restrictions. You can take any employment, run a business or study without a sponsor. Access to public funds depends on wider eligibility tests. ILR can lapse after two continuous years outside the UK or be revoked for deception or serious offending. You still need to prove status when asked by employers, landlords or carriers.

ILR ends repeat visa renewals and sponsor fees. You can change jobs freely, switch sector, and plan study without visa conditions. Families gain long-term security where dependants qualify for ILR in their own right. The status gives a clear route to citizenship once residence and good character requirements are met.

ILR does not give a British passport or a vote in general elections. Most applicants for citizenship need to hold ILR for twelve months first unless married to a British citizen. ILR is different from settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Settled status normally lapses after five years’ absence from the UK, four for most Swiss cases. ILR lapses after two.

Crucially, ILR is not automatic. To secure settlement in the UK, you have to make a successful ILR application to the Home Office.

ILR is granted under the Immigration Act 1971 where the requirements of the Immigration Rules are met. Most work or family routes lead to settlement after five years. Long residence sits under Appendix Long Residence and needs ten years of continuous lawful residence. The Rules describe ILR as settlement and treat it as permanent permission without a time limit.

ILR granted now is held as digital status through an eVisa. Keep your online account details current and make sure the passport you travel on is linked. If you expect long time abroad, plan travel to avoid the two-year lapse rule.

2. Earned Settlement: Proposed ILR Reforms in 2026

The Home Secretary has announced proposals to reform ILR rules and pathways, under a new Earned Settlement system, which for most applicants would result in a 10-year pathway, rather than 5-year default.

The proposals are subject to a consultation until 25 February 2026. In the meantime, the current rules remain in place and anyone planning to apply for ILR in the near future may wish to take advice now on their options and whether expediting their application before any new system comes in.

Section B: ILR Application Requirements

ILR eligibility depends on the route you hold, how long you have lived lawfully in the UK, whether absences stay within the limits and whether suitability and knowledge of language and life requirements are met. Most work and family routes lead to settlement after five years. Long residence requires ten years under Appendix Long Residence. Some routes offer accelerated settlement. Others do not lead to ILR, though time on them can still count towards ten-year long residence.

Time in the UK needs to be lawful. Visitor status and short-term study are excluded from the qualifying period. Switching category close to ILR needs care, because some routes allow combination while others require the most recent permission to be in the settlement-leading route. Where combination is allowed, ensure the last grant is in a qualifying category and that all absences across the period comply with the rolling calculation.

1. Qualifying routes

The five-year qualifying period can usually be made up by time in one route or a combination of eligible routes, provided your most recent permission is in a qualifying route and all route-specific rules are met. Time can generally be combined across Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, International Sportsperson, Minister of Religion, Scale-up, Tier 1 (other than Graduate Entrepreneur), and Representative of an Overseas Business. Global Talent can qualify after three or five years depending on the endorsement or prize route. Innovator Founder can qualify after three years where the business meets the settlement success criteria.

a. Skilled Worker route

Settlement is available after five continuous years in qualifying permission, which can include time in certain other eligible routes, provided your most recent permission is as a Skilled Worker (or legacy Tier 2 (General) route). At ILR stage pay needs to meet the settlement salary requirement, usually the higher of the route’s cash floor and the occupation’s going rate. From 22 July 2025 the general settlement floor widely referenced for RQF 6 and above roles is £41,700, subject to any transitional or occupation-specific rules then in force. Sponsors also confirm continuing need for the role at settlement.

b. Partner route (Appendix FM)

Partners on the five-year route can apply for ILR where the relationship is genuine and subsisting and the route’s requirements continue to be met. Financial rules depend on when the route was joined. Those who entered the partner route on or after 11 April 2024 are generally required to show a minimum income of £29,000. Those who entered the route before that date remain on the legacy threshold for future extensions and settlement under the transitional policy.

c. Accelerated routes

Global Talent can qualify after three years where the endorsement or prize route meets the accelerated criteria. Innovator Founder offers settlement after three years where the business meets the specified success criteria. Evidence needs to track the exact route rules, as caseworkers assess against the live guidance at the date of decision.

d. Long residence (ten-year rule)

Appendix Long Residence provides a route to ILR after ten years of continuous lawful residence. Since April 2024, absences follow the same rolling 180-day test. Time in visit or short-term study does not count. A policy change introduced after April 2024 means applicants whose current permission was granted after 11 April 2024 are generally required to have held that permission for at least 12 months before applying for ILR, unless an exemption applies.

e. Routes that do not lead to ILR

Some routes, such as most Global Business Mobility sub-routes, do not in themselves lead to settlement. Time spent on a non-settlement route can still contribute to ten-year long residence if the residence is lawful and continuous. If settlement on a five-year route is the goal, plan switching early so that qualifying time accrues in a settlement-leading category.

2. Continuous residence and absences

For work and family routes, the usual limit is up to 180 days’ absence in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying years. Appendix Long Residence now follows the same rolling calculation. Keep accurate travel records because the rolling test can catch out applicants with frequent short trips.

3. English language and Life in the UK

For adult applicants, knowledge of language and life means passing an approved English test at B1 or holding a recognised English-taught degree, and passing the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt by age or medical condition. An uplift to B2 for specified work routes applies from January 2026 at entry or extension but this does not change today’s ILR standard, though applicants should watch for rule changes affecting future settlement policy.

4. Suitability and good conduct

Settlement can be refused for suitability reasons such as deception, criminality, unpaid NHS debt, or serious breaches of immigration law. Ensure tax, compliance and character issues are resolved before applying. For partners, the relationship and eligibility requirements continue through to settlement.

Section C: ILR Application Process

ILR is applied for online through GOV.UK. The process is straightforward on paper, but decisions turn on clean evidence, correct forms and timing. Treat the application as an audit. Build a file that a stranger could verify from the documents alone. Keep language tests and Life in the UK aligned to the route and make sure absences, salary and relationship evidence track the rules in force on the decision date.

1. ILR Application Form

Use the route-specific online application. Partners use SET(M). Most work, business and protection-linked routes use SET(O). Ten-year long residence uses SET(LR). The form directs the document checklist, so the wrong choice leads to gaps. Check your current grant and route before you start and confirm the application aligns with the status you hold today.

Confirm the qualifying period, the rolling 180-day absence limits and any route-specific settlement rules. Skilled Worker applicants should check the settlement salary at today’s rates, not the offer at sponsorship. Partners should check the financial requirement that applies to their cohort and the relationship evidence expected at settlement. Long residence applicants should review their full lawful residence timeline and any periods that do not count.

Present evidence clearly, with dates and coverage that match the qualifying period. Employers should provide letters that confirm role, pay, hours and continued need where required. Partners should provide relationship evidence across the residence period rather than a single snapshot. Keep Life in the UK and English certificates ready and ensure details match the passport you will use.

Complete the online form, pay the fee, and upload evidence in the portal. Book a UKVCAS appointment unless you are told biometrics can be reused. You can upload documents yourself or use assisted scanning at the appointment. Originals are usually not retained, but carry them to resolve any scanning issues.

Biometrics are enrolled at a UKVCAS centre. Take your passport and any documents you could not upload. If invited to reuse biometrics, follow the instructions in your account and keep the acknowledgement. Appointment upgrades, out-of-hours and location choices are paid add-ons; they do not change the Home Office decision queue unless paired with a priority service.

If details change after submission, use the change of circumstances route in your account. If the Home Office asks for more evidence, respond within the deadline and label uploads clearly. If you discover a material error in the form, consider withdrawal and refiling rather than letting an avoidable refusal stand. Refunds are limited once the application has been progressed.

2. ILR supporting documents

Build the bundle around identity, residence and the route rules that apply on the decision date. Every claim in the form needs a dated document behind it. Names, dates of birth and addresses should align across the form, passport, HMRC records and uploads. Adults provide English at B1 and the Life in the UK pass unless exempt. Children are exempt from KoLL. If your status is digital, include an eVisa printout or screenshots and keep the passport in your account up to date.

3. ILR Application Fees

The ILR fee is £3,029 per person. Where available, priority adds £500 for a five-working-day target and super priority adds £1,000 for a next-working-day target. Availability varies by route and appointment capacity. Each dependant pays the same fee and, if used, the same priority upgrade.

The application fee covers the cost of processing the application and is non-refundable once the Home Office begins consideration, even if the application is refused or withdrawn. There are no exemptions or waivers for the standard ILR fee outside the narrow provisions that apply to certain protection and human rights cases.

Optional faster decision services are available on many routes. The priority service adds £500 and targets a decision within five working days after biometrics. The super priority service adds £1,000 and targets the end of the next working day. Availability changes by route and appointment capacity, so check the options displayed when booking your UKVCAS appointment. Paying for a faster appointment slot alone does not guarantee faster processing unless you also pay for the priority or super priority decision add-on.

In addition to the ILR fee, applicants may pay extra for assisted document scanning, appointment upgrades or out-of-hours slots at UKVCAS centres. These are convenience charges and do not affect processing time. Legal or professional fees, if you use representation, are separate from the Home Office fee.
There is no Immigration Health Surcharge for ILR applications because settlement removes the condition of limited leave. Dependants applying with you also do not pay the surcharge once they are applying for ILR.

Always confirm the fee on GOV.UK before submission, as Home Office charges usually increase each April. Applications submitted before a fee change but paid after it is implemented are charged at the new rate. If you withdraw before biometrics, you can usually request a partial refund, but once biometrics are given the fee is treated as spent regardless of the outcome.

4. ILR Application Processing Times

Standard ILR applications are usually decided within up to six months. If you applied in-time, section 3C keeps your existing conditions in place until a decision or withdrawal. Travel before a decision risks treating the application as withdrawn, so avoid travel unless you accept that risk and its consequences. Keep employment and residence continuous during the pending period.

Processing time depends on the route, the service level you choose and whether the Home Office needs more evidence. The standard timeframe for ILR applications is up to six months from the date of submission and biometrics. In practice, most straightforward Skilled Worker, partner and long residence cases are decided within eight to twelve weeks. Complex cases, or those needing extra checks or verification, can take longer.

Priority and super priority services are available on many routes, though not all. The priority option aims for a decision within five working days after biometrics, and super priority aims for the end of the next working day. Availability is limited, and appointments can fill fast. If you want a faster decision, book early and check the service is offered for your route before paying the upgrade fee.

The clock starts once your application and biometrics are both submitted. Applications are queued until biometrics are confirmed, so delays in booking appointments slow the process. If the Home Office requests further evidence, the processing clock effectively pauses until you respond.

Section 3C keeps your status lawful while a timely ILR application is pending. You can keep working and studying under your existing conditions until the decision is issued or the application is withdrawn. Travel outside the UK before a decision will normally cancel the application, so avoid travel unless you accept that risk.

For most applicants, planning for around three months is realistic. Build in extra time for peak periods or document requests. If you are approaching visa expiry and cannot secure an appointment, file the online application before your leave ends. Once submitted and paid, your status is protected while pending and you can attend biometrics later when slots open.

5. ILR Dependants

Dependants can apply with you if they have completed their qualifying period on a settlement-leading route. Adult partners need English at B1 and the Life in the UK Test unless exempt. Children do not need knowledge of language and life. If a dependant is short on residence, they can extend their leave and apply for ILR later when eligible.

Dependants who have not yet reached eligibility can extend their permission and apply for ILR when they qualify. Children do not need knowledge of language and life for settlement. If your family plans include long trips abroad, map absence rules for each person because their clocks and limits can differ.

6. If ILR is refused

Routes to challenge depend on the reason and the route. Some decisions carry administrative review. Appeal rights can be available where human rights are engaged. In many cases a fresh, stronger application is quicker and safer than a weak challenge. If section 3C leave applies, take care before withdrawing because you lose protection the moment you exit the process. Fix the defect that caused refusal, rebuild the evidence and reapply on solid ground.

Section D: ILR Rights, Restrictions & Path to Citizenship

ILR brings permanence to your status but it still needs active management. You gain broad rights on work and study. You also take on practical tasks to keep proof of status current, protect against lapses through long absences and prepare for citizenship at the right time. Family members who hold ILR have the same residence rights in their own capacity.

ILR removes the time limit on stay and ends sponsorship or role restrictions. You can work in any job, be self-employed or set up a company. However, right to work checks continue, but you no longer rely on a sponsor licence or a Certificate of Sponsorship. Keep your share code and eVisa details ready for new employers. If your role requires professional registration, keep that current because fitness to practise and criminal record issues can still affect your position even if immigration status is secure.

Study is unrestricted. Access to public funds is available where wider eligibility tests are met. Student finance becomes available for eligible courses. Employers no longer act as sponsors and you can change roles without immigration steps.

New ILR grants are digital. Your eVisa is accessed through the View and Prove service and linked to your travel document. Keep your online account details up to date and make sure the passport you use is the one shown in your account. When an employer or landlord asks for proof, generate a share code and check the name and date of birth match your official ID.

ILR lapses after a continuous absence of more than two years from the UK. If you expect extended time abroad, plan return trips within that timeframe. Keep a simple record of travel dates. If you are close to the limit, seek advice before travelling because an unexpected delay can push you over the two-year line. For those holding settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, the absence limit is usually five years, four for most Swiss cases.

Update your eVisa if you renew your passport or change your name. Keep HMRC, your bank and GP records consistent with your immigration identity. Store key documents that prove residence and ties such as council tax, tenancy or mortgage statements and annual tax summaries. If you rely on digital mail, download and keep copies. Consistent records reduce problems when proving status or applying for citizenship.

ILR can be lost by lapse through long absence or revoked for deception or serious offending. If ILR lapses while you are overseas, apply for a Returning Resident visa before travelling back. Evidence of strong ties to the UK, the reasons for absence and intention to live here again carry weight. Where revocation is in play, take specialist advice immediately.

Most applicants can apply for naturalisation 12 months after ILR, or immediately if married to a British citizen and other rules are met. You need to show residence within the stricter nationality absence limits, good character and continued compliance. Adults need Life in the UK and English at the required level unless exempt. The current naturalisation fee is £1,605. Decisions issue first, followed by the ceremony. The grant only takes effect once you attend the ceremony within the deadline.

Section E: Summary

ILR is the point where temporary permission ends and permanent status begins. It confirms lawful residence, compliance and ties to the UK, but the process is exacting. Every detail in the form and document set needs to match. Absences, income, residence and KoLL all have to align with the rules in force at the date of decision.

A clean application is built months in advance, with evidence mapped to the route and a file that can stand on its own if tested. For Skilled Workers, salary levels change frequently and need checking before submission. For partners, financial and relationship evidence must meet the right cohort. For long residence, the timeline has to be watertight.

Once ILR is granted, your permission becomes permanent but not automatic. Keep your eVisa linked, update records when details change and avoid long absences that risk lapse. After twelve months, most can take the next step to British citizenship if residence and conduct continue to meet the standard.
Handled carefully, ILR provides the security of permanence and the foundation for life in the UK. The key is precision—meeting the rule exactly and proving it clearly through evidence that leaves no gaps or guesswork.

Section F: Need Assistance?

ILR is a major step and small mistakes can cost both time and status. Home Office caseworkers decide strictly on the evidence in front of them, and there is no margin for error once the application is submitted. If you are unsure which route applies, whether your absences break continuity, or if your evidence meets the current rules, take advice before you file.

Our immigration specialists help individuals and families prepare ILR applications that meet the latest requirements and avoid the common refusal traps. We check your eligibility, confirm the correct form and route, review your supporting evidence and identify any weaknesses before submission.

To protect your position and achieve ILR first time, contact our team for tailored guidance. We can assess your case, prepare your bundle and support you through to approval and eVisa registration. Start your settlement process with confidence and accuracy today.

Section G: FAQs

Can I apply for ILR early?

You can usually apply up to 28 days before completing your qualifying residence period. Applications made earlier than this are refused. Check the qualifying date carefully and count backwards from the earliest lawful entry or grant of leave that starts the clock.

How long does an ILR application take?

Standard processing takes up to six months from biometrics. Priority aims for five working days and super priority for the next working day. Times vary by route, volume and whether the Home Office requests extra evidence.

Can I travel while my ILR application is pending?

Travel outside the UK before a decision is issued normally withdraws the application automatically. Wait for the decision and eVisa activation before leaving the country.

Do children need to pass English or Life in the UK?

Children are exempt from knowledge of language and life. Only adults aged 18–64 need to meet the requirement unless exempt due to medical reasons.

Can I include my dependants in my ILR application?

Yes, if they have completed their own qualifying residence period on a settlement route. Each dependant needs to apply separately, pay the full fee, and meet their own route-specific rules.

What happens if I make a mistake on the form?

If the application has not been submitted, correct it before payment. After submission, you can use the change of circumstances function in your online account. If the error affects eligibility, it may be safer to withdraw and reapply with accurate information.

Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

ILR applicants do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge because settlement removes the limited leave condition. Once ILR is granted, NHS access continues without further payment.

What if my ILR is refused?

Check the refusal reason and act fast. Some refusals can be challenged by administrative review or appeal, depending on the route. If the problem is missing or weak evidence, a new, complete application is usually the best fix.

When can I apply for British citizenship?

Most applicants can apply 12 months after ILR. If married to a British citizen, you can usually apply as soon as ILR is granted, provided all residence and conduct rules are met.

Does ILR expire?

ILR itself has no expiry, but it lapses if you stay outside the UK for more than two continuous years. If that happens, you can apply for a Returning Resident visa to reinstate your settlement.

Do I get a BRP or eVisa after ILR?

ILR granted from 2025 is issued as digital status through an eVisa. Keep your online account details current and link your passport so you can prove your status to employers or landlords when required.

Can I work while waiting for my ILR decision?

Yes, if you applied before your visa expired. Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 extends your existing permission and right to work until the decision or withdrawal of the application.

Can I lose ILR after it is granted?

It can lapse after two years abroad, or be revoked if obtained by deception or for serious criminal offending. Keep residence ties, records and lawful conduct to protect your status.

Section H: Glossary

Section I: Additional Resources & Links