Settlement (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants permanent residence in the UK without time restrictions. Most applicants qualify after 5 or 10 years of continuous lawful residence, depending on their immigration route. ILR is a prerequisite for British citizenship and provides long-term security in the UK.
Regulatory Notice: Decision Making & Outcomes
Immigration outcomes are determined by the Home Office (UKVI) based on the specific facts of each case. Our role is to provide expert legal guidance and robust representation to maximise the prospects of success. Decisions involve the exercise of discretion by the Secretary of State, and applications are assessed against the Immigration Rules in force at the time.
Who This Is For
Long-term Residents
Currently, individuals must have 10 continuous years of lawful residence in the UK to be eligible for ILR, but requirements may change in the future.
Work Visa Holders
Those nearing completion of their qualifying period and seeking permanent residence.
Family Members
Spouses and partners of UK citizens or settled persons who have completed qualifying period on a family route.
Our Legal Support
ILR applications require careful attention to continuous residence requirements and absence calculations. Our practice ensures your application is comprehensive and compliant.
Eligibility Review
Calculating your qualifying period and reviewing any absences from the UK that may affect continuous residence.
Life in the UK Test
Guidance on the Life in the UK test requirement and acceptable English language evidence.
Document Compilation
Preparing comprehensive evidence of residence, employment, and relationship history over your qualifying period.
Application Management
Submitting your ILR application and managing any queries from the Home Office.
Continuous residence requirements – overview
Applicants must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during their qualifying period. Absences for compelling reasons may be forgiven at the discretion of the Home Office. Careful absence tracking is essential to avoid refusal.
British Citizenship
After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalization. Citizenship offers additional rights including the right to vote and hold a British passport.
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