Documents for ILR 5-Year Route

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5-year route is a significant milestone toward permanent residence in the United Kingdom. Whether you are applying through a Skilled Worker, Partner, or Family route, the Home Office will require comprehensive documentary evidence to prove lawful residence, identity, and eligibility under the Immigration Rules.

Each document serves a specific evidential purpose. Identity and immigration records establish lawful stay; residence and absence records confirm continuity; and financial, employment, and language evidence demonstrate compliance with the conditions of leave. From 2024 onwards, ILR decisions are recorded digitally through an eVisa, replacing the physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Applicants must therefore ensure that both digital and paper evidence are accurate and up to date.

What this article is about: This guide provides a full checklist of documents required for ILR under the 5-year route. It explains the categories of evidence accepted by the Home Office—identity, residence, employment, financial, and integration—and sets out current evidential standards from Appendix Continuous Residence, Appendix FM, Appendix English Language, and Appendix KoLL. All information is current as of November 2025.

Section A – Core Identity and Immigration Documents (Revised)

All applicants for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5-year route must provide clear, verifiable proof of identity and immigration status. This section reflects current Home Office practice, including the transition to digital immigration status (eVisa).

1. Passport and Travel Documents

Your current and previous passports should be provided to evidence identity, nationality and travel history. Stamps and visas are used to verify absences from the UK and continuity of lawful stay. If you hold more than one nationality, submit all relevant passports to show your complete immigration history.

2. Digital Immigration Status (eVisa) and BRP

The Home Office issues ILR and most leave digitally. If you already have an eVisa, include:

• A print/PDF of your View and Prove your immigration status screen (status details and document numbers)
• Your share code and date of birth so UKVI can verify status
• Any status update or decision emails from UKVI confirming grant of leave

If you still hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), include it and any decision letters. Note that BRPs are being phased out; priority is given to digital evidence. Where details on the BRP differ from digital records (for example name or nationality updates), explain and support with documentary proof (deed poll, passport, etc.).

3. Current Immigration Permission and Visa History

Provide copies of grant notifications and decision letters covering the full qualifying period, including any variations or extensions of leave. For sponsored workers, retain correspondence showing continuous permission on the route leading to settlement. For partners, include prior grants under Appendix FM to evidence the 60-month pathway.

4. Proof of Continuous Lawful Residence

Show that you have remained lawfully present for the entire 5-year period. Evidence includes visas/grant letters, digital status printouts, and continuity of leave with no gaps between expiry and renewal. If there was any near-gap or administrative error, provide a chronology and supporting material (receipts, acknowledgements, courier or biometric booking confirmations).

5. Photographs and Biometric Enrolment

Where requested, provide recent passport-style photographs meeting UKVI specifications. Most applicants enrol biometrics via UKVCAS; keep appointment confirmations and receipts. Ensure the photograph and personal details match the identity documents provided.

Summary: Section A establishes identity and lawful status, now primarily evidenced through your digital immigration status. Submit passports, status print/PDF and share code, together with any BRP and decision letters. All documents must be legible, current and consistent with details entered in the online form.

Section B – Residence and Absence Evidence (Revised)

Proving lawful and continuous residence in the UK for the full 5-year qualifying period is central to an ILR application. The Home Office assesses absences differently depending on the visa route. Applicants must therefore understand which residence rule applies to them and submit documents covering every year of their qualifying period.

1. Which Absence Rule Applies

(a) Skilled Worker and Other Work Routes under Appendix Continuous Residence
Applicants must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying period. Each day of absence is counted from the day after departure to the day of return. The Home Office allows limited “permitted absences” where supported by evidence, such as overseas work for a UK employer or compelling compassionate reasons.

(b) Partner and Parent Routes under Appendix FM
Applicants under Appendix FM are not subject to the 180-day absence cap. Instead, they must show that the relationship remains genuine and subsisting and that they have lived together in the UK throughout the 60-month period. Long periods abroad may still raise questions about cohabitation, and applicants should provide detailed explanations supported by evidence such as travel records and joint correspondence.

Note: If time was spent on different visa categories, only absences during periods of leave leading to settlement count toward the qualifying residence period.

2. Acceptable Evidence of Residence

To prove residence, provide documentary evidence from reliable sources for each 12-month period of your qualifying stay. The Home Office expects a consistent paper or digital trail confirming that you have lived continuously in the UK. Acceptable examples include:

• Council tax or HMRC correspondence
• Utility bills, tenancy agreements, or mortgage statements
• Bank statements showing regular UK transactions
• Official letters from NHS, schools, or educational institutions
• Employer letters or payslips confirming UK-based work location
• For partners: joint bills, insurance policies, or tenancy documents showing cohabitation

3. Absence and Travel Records

Declare all absences during the qualifying period. Evidence should include copies of passport stamps, travel itineraries, employer confirmation for business trips, or compassionate evidence (for example, medical letters). To demonstrate compliance with Appendix Continuous Residence, applicants should maintain a table summarising travel dates and total days absent per rolling 12-month period.

4. Dependants

Each dependant must provide independent proof of presence and cohabitation, such as school attendance letters, GP registration, or shared tenancy agreements. Dependants’ residence evidence must align with the main applicant’s address and dates to ensure consistency.

5. Consistency and Record Accuracy

Ensure names, addresses, and dates are consistent across all evidence. Discrepancies—such as minor address variations or unrecorded travel—should be explained in a cover letter with supporting proof. Consistency is crucial to avoid Home Office verification delays or requests for further information.

Summary: Section B demonstrates the applicant’s continuous residence. Work-based routes must comply with the 180-day rule under Appendix Continuous Residence, while family routes rely on evidence of ongoing cohabitation. Comprehensive, consistent documentation across all five years is vital to prevent refusal under paragraph CR 2.1 of the Immigration Rules.

Section C – Employment and Financial Evidence (Revised)

Financial and employment documentation provides evidence that the applicant has met the economic or maintenance requirements of their visa category throughout the qualifying 5-year period. The Home Office assesses this evidence under the relevant appendices, including Appendix Skilled Worker, Appendix FM, and Appendix Finance.

1. Employment Evidence – Skilled Worker and Points-Based Routes

Applicants under the Skilled Worker or other work-related routes must show that they have been lawfully and continuously employed by a licensed sponsor and that their earnings meet or exceed the applicable salary threshold at the date of application. The minimum salary threshold is the higher of £38,700 per year or the occupation-specific going rate, unless tradeable points apply under Appendix Skilled Worker.

Provide the following evidence:

• Payslips for at least the last 6 months immediately before application
• Corresponding bank statements showing salary payments
• An employer letter confirming employment, salary, SOC code, and work location
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number for current employment
• Tax documentation such as P60s, or employment records from HMRC

If employment has changed within the 5-year period, include previous employer letters or P45s to confirm continuous lawful work and sponsorship.

2. Self-Employment and Business Income

Self-employed applicants must show that they are actively trading and compliant with UK tax obligations. The Home Office accepts:

• Self-assessment tax returns (SA302) and HMRC tax year overviews
• Business accounts for the last 12 months prepared by a qualified accountant
• Business bank statements confirming regular trading activity
• Invoices, contracts, and correspondence with clients
• Proof of registration with HMRC as self-employed or as a company director

Ensure figures in bank statements match declared income and that there are no unexplained gaps in trading. Discrepancies may trigger an enquiry under Appendix Finance.

3. Financial Requirement – Partner and Family Routes

Applicants under Appendix FM must meet the minimum income requirement of £18,600 per year (plus increments for children). The financial evidence categories are defined in Appendix FM-SE and include:

• Category A – Salaried Employment: Payslips and bank statements covering the last 6 months, and a letter from the employer confirming employment details.
• Category B – Non-Salaried or Variable Income: Evidence covering the previous 12 months, showing average income meets or exceeds the required threshold.
• Category C – Non-Employment Income: Rental income, dividends, or pensions supported by tax documentation.
• Category D – Cash Savings: Proof of savings held for at least 6 consecutive months, totalling a minimum of £62,500 if used alone.
• Category E/F – Self-Employment or Company Director Income: Business accounts, tax returns, and dividend records covering the last financial year.

Only specified documents listed in Appendix FM-SE are accepted. Missing or substituted documents will usually result in refusal unless discretion applies under paragraph D-SE 2.1.

4. Dependants’ Financial Support

For applications including dependants, evidence must show that the family can be maintained without access to public funds. Acceptable proof includes joint bank accounts, tenancy or mortgage statements, and household bills confirming shared financial responsibility.

5. Supplementary and Discretionary Evidence

Applicants may include additional documentation such as pension statements, investment portfolios, or employer confirmation of allowances and bonuses, provided these are verifiable. Consistency between tax submissions, bank statements, and declared earnings is essential to demonstrate financial credibility.

Summary: Section C confirms compliance with the financial and employment requirements relevant to your visa category. Each category—Skilled Worker, Self-Employed, or Family Route—has distinct evidential standards under the Immigration Rules. Submit only specified documents, ensure consistency across all records, and verify that earnings or savings meet the minimum threshold before applying.

Section D – English Language and Life in the UK Requirements (Revised)

Meeting the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement is a mandatory step in the ILR 5-year route. This requirement ensures applicants demonstrate both English language competence and knowledge of UK values, culture, and laws. Exemptions are available in limited circumstances, but evidence must be clear and current at the date of application.

1. English Language Requirement

Applicants must prove English language ability to at least B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Evidence can be provided in one of the following ways under Appendix English Language:

• A valid Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate from an approved provider showing at least B1 in speaking and listening
• A UK bachelor’s degree or higher, or a degree taught or researched in English, confirmed by UK ENIC if obtained overseas
• Proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country (for example, the United States, Canada, or Jamaica)

Only approved test providers listed on GOV.UK are accepted. From January 2026, the Home Office will introduce a consolidated verification system under Appendix English Language. Applicants should always verify the current approved test provider list before booking their test.

2. Life in the UK Test

All applicants aged between 18 and 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test before applying for ILR. The test assesses knowledge of British history, institutions, and civic life. To meet Home Office standards, applicants must:

• Book the test at an approved UK test centre via the official GOV.UK website
• Provide original, valid ID (passport, travel document, or BRP/eVisa record) at the test centre
• Upload the original pass notification letter with the ILR application

The Life in the UK test has no expiry date once passed and remains valid for future ILR or British citizenship applications.

3. Exemptions from KoLL

Certain applicants are exempt from one or both elements of the KoLL requirement. Exemptions include:

• Applicants aged under 18 or over 65
• Applicants who have previously met the KoLL requirement in a successful ILR or naturalisation application
• Applicants with a long-term physical or mental condition preventing them from taking the test, supported by medical evidence from a registered practitioner

Evidence of exemption must be explicit, detailed, and issued by an appropriately qualified professional. Generic medical letters are not accepted.

4. Common Errors and Delays

Frequent issues include submitting certificates from unapproved providers, expired test results, or incorrect CEFR levels. Ensure that the SELT centre is Home Office approved and that the pass certificate is dated and issued under the correct test version. The applicant’s name must exactly match the details on the ILR application.

Summary: Section D ensures compliance with the English language and Life in the UK test requirements under Appendix English Language and Appendix KoLL. Applicants should verify the latest approved test provider list, ensure test results meet B1 level or higher, and retain the original Life in the UK pass letter to avoid processing delays.

Section E – Additional Supporting Documents (Revised)

Although not all documents are mandatory, submitting comprehensive supporting evidence can strengthen an ILR application by demonstrating credibility, integration, and transparency. These materials are particularly useful in clarifying anomalies, proving relationships, or addressing issues that are not immediately evident in standard evidence categories.

1. Cover Letter or Applicant Statement

A well-drafted cover letter can help structure your submission and assist the caseworker in navigating your evidence. It should include:

• A short summary of your immigration history and current visa category
• An explanation of any travel exceeding permitted absences with documentary support
• Details of dependants included in the application
• Clarification of any discrepancies in dates, addresses, or name changes

Where applicable, reference relevant paragraphs of the Immigration Rules (for example, Appendix Continuous Residence or Appendix FM) to show awareness of the legal criteria being addressed.

2. Children’s and Family Relationship Documents

Applicants including dependants must prove family relationships and cohabitation. Evidence typically includes:

• Full birth certificates or adoption orders for dependent children
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• School attendance or enrolment confirmation for children
• Shared tenancy agreements, council tax bills, or utility statements showing the same household address

Consistency between family members’ documentation—especially names, addresses, and dates—is essential. Discrepancies must be explained to avoid integrity checks or requests for further evidence.

3. Home Office Correspondence and Previous Decisions

Include copies of previous Home Office letters, grant notifications, and emails confirming leave periods, visa extensions, or status changes. These documents verify continuity of lawful residence and help reconcile digital status records with historical BRP or visa information.

4. Evidence of Integration and Community Ties

While not a strict legal requirement, integration evidence may support discretion-based assessments or character evaluations. Examples include letters from community organisations, evidence of volunteering, professional memberships, or UK-based study certificates. These show commitment to living permanently and contributing to UK society.

5. Translations and Certification

All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation that complies with paragraph 34G of the Immigration Rules. Each translation must include:

• A statement from the translator confirming it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The translator’s full name, contact details, and credentials
• The date of translation and signature

Where copies are submitted, ensure they are clear and, if necessary, certified by a solicitor or regulated immigration adviser. Poor-quality or incomplete scans may be rejected by the UKVCAS system.

Summary: Section E strengthens the credibility of your ILR application by addressing relationship, context, and procedural details. Well-organised supporting evidence—combined with proper certified translations and clear explanations—reduces the likelihood of queries and demonstrates thorough compliance with Home Office evidential standards.

FAQs – Documents Needed for ILR 5-Year Route (Revised)

Do I need to submit original documents for my ILR application?

Most ILR applications are now completed and verified online. Applicants upload scanned or digital copies of documents through the UKVCAS portal, and original hard copies are generally not required at the appointment. However, the Home Office may still request originals in exceptional cases or where authenticity is questioned. Keep all originals available until a decision is issued.

What if a required document is missing?

If a document is unavailable, include a written explanation in your cover letter and provide substitute evidence that meets the same purpose. For example, where a utility bill cannot be provided, council tax or HMRC correspondence for the same period can confirm residence. The Home Office exercises limited discretion under paragraph 245AAA and Appendix FM-SE, but unsupported omissions usually lead to delays or refusal.

Are digital or electronic documents acceptable?

Yes. The Home Office accepts electronic documents if they are authentic, complete, and legible. Screenshots and partial scans should be avoided. Where documents are generated online—such as payslips or bank statements—include the employer or bank authentication note where available. Save files in PDF format and label them clearly (for example, “Employment_Payslips_Jan–Jun2025.pdf”).

How far back should my evidence cover?

Your evidence must cover the entire 5-year qualifying period. The Home Office expects consistent documentation from each year, confirming residence, lawful status, and—if relevant—employment or cohabitation. Missing annual coverage can undermine the continuous residence requirement unless robustly explained.

What happens if my address or name has changed?

Provide documentary proof such as a marriage certificate, deed poll, or tenancy record showing the change and date. Make sure updated details appear across all future correspondence and status documents, including your digital immigration record. Inconsistent details should be explained in the cover letter to prevent verification delays.

How should I organise my documents for upload?

There is no fixed structure, but grouping documents by category—Identity and Status, Residence, Employment/Finance, Language and Life in the UK, Supporting Documents—is recommended. The order should match your cover letter index. The UKVCAS upload portal allows naming and ordering of files; use this to guide the caseworker efficiently through your evidence.

Can I use my digital immigration status instead of my BRP?

Yes. From late 2024, the Home Office has transitioned to digital immigration records (eVisa). Applicants must provide their share code and date of birth to allow UKVI to verify status online. Where a BRP is still held, it should also be uploaded, but digital status now serves as the primary proof of lawful residence.

Summary: The FAQs highlight the procedural requirements and common document-related issues for ILR under the 5-year route. Accuracy, legibility, and consistency across digital and physical records remain critical to a successful application.

Conclusion

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the 5-year route requires careful attention to evidence, accuracy, and presentation. The Home Office decision-making process depends on the completeness and credibility of the documentation you submit. Each evidence category—identity, residence, financial, and integration—must meet the prescribed standards under the Immigration Rules and reflect your lawful stay and commitment to the UK.

Applicants should ensure that all records are consistent across paper and digital formats, particularly as the transition to eVisa status replaces physical BRP cards. Before submitting, verify that:

• All mandatory documents have been uploaded in full and are legible
• Residence evidence covers the entire 5-year qualifying period
• Financial evidence meets the correct Appendix requirements for your visa route
• English language and Life in the UK test results are valid and issued by approved providers
• Translations comply with paragraph 34G of the Immigration Rules

Where circumstances are complex—such as mixed visa histories, long absences, or income fluctuations—seek professional advice from a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor. They can ensure that your evidence aligns precisely with the relevant appendix and current Home Office guidance.

In summary: The success of an ILR application depends not only on meeting the eligibility criteria but also on presenting a clear, comprehensive, and legally compliant body of evidence. A well-organised and verified submission demonstrates credibility, reduces risk of refusal, and supports a smooth transition to permanent settlement in the UK.

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