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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

  • suryamjv
  • May 2
  • 2 min read
UK settlement - Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Your Path to Permanent UK Residence

ILR, also known as settlement, gives you the permanent right to live and work in the UK without any immigration time limits or conditions. It is the final step before British citizenship and removes the need to renew your visa.

Once you have ILR, you can work in any role, access public services, and leave and re-enter the UK freely (though absences of more than 2 years will cause your ILR to lapse).

Routes to ILR

  • Skilled Worker route: After 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker Visa

  • Family route: After 5 years on a spouse, partner, or parent visa

  • Long residence: After 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK

  • Global Talent: After 3 years (exceptional talent) or 5 years (exceptional promise)

  • Investor route: After 2 to 5 years depending on investment level

  • Ancestry route: After 5 years on an Ancestry Visa

  • Hong Kong BN(O) route: After 5 years

UK Parliament - permanent residence in Britain

General Requirements for All ILR Routes

  • Meet the continuous residence requirement (no more than 180 days outside UK per year)

  • Pass the Life in the UK test (24 questions, 75% pass mark)

  • English language at B1 level (equivalent to IELTS 4.0-5.0)

  • No criminal convictions or immigration breaches

  • Pay the application fee (currently £2,885)

  • No unspent criminal convictions

The Life in the UK Test

This computer-based test covers British history, traditions, culture, and government. You need to score at least 75% (18 out of 24 questions). We recommend using the official study materials and practice tests. The test fee is £50 and can be booked at approved centres across the UK.

ILR is the most important milestone in your immigration journey. One mistake can cost you years of waiting. Let our experts ensure your application is perfect.

Our ILR Service

  • Comprehensive eligibility assessment and absence calculation

  • Review of all supporting documents

  • Life in the UK test preparation guidance

  • Full application preparation and submission

  • Ongoing support until your decision

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