Getting indefinite leave to remain (UK ILR)—UK settlement visa—lets you live in the UK permanently. But who can apply, what are the rules, and how do you qualify? This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from visa routes to requirements.
What is indefinite leave to remain (UK ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (UK ILR) is a type of immigration status that allows non-UK citizens to stay in the UK permanently. It is also known as a UK settlement visa and provides individuals with the right to:
Live in the UK without time restrictions
Work or start a business
Access the NHS and public services
Apply for public benefits (if eligible)
Apply for British citizenship after 12 months
ILR is the final step before becoming a British citizen, making it a crucial status for those who want to settle in the UK long-term.
How to apply UK ILR (indefinite leave to remain): 5 ways to get your UK settlement visa
To obtain an ILR visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria based on your visa type and residency history. Here are the most common routes to UK ILR:
Work visa
Family
Long residence
UK ancestry
Refugee or humanitarian protection
UK ILR work visa route
If you hold a Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Scale-up Worker, or Innovator Founder visa, you may be eligible for ILR after 5 years (or sooner for some visa types).
Indefinite leave to remain spouse/family route
If you have a partner, parent, or child who is a British citizen or has ILR, you may qualify for ILR through a spouse visa after 5 or 10 years, depending on your UK visa type.
Long residence route
If you have lived in the UK continuously for 10 years under any legal visa category, you may apply for ILR under the long residence rule.
UK Ancestry visa route
Commonwealth citizens with a UK Ancestry visa can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence.
Refugee or humanitarian protection
Those with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK may apply for ILR after 5 years.
Indefinite leave to remain status
Once you obtain ILR, you are considered settled in the UK, meaning:
You are no longer subject to immigration control.
You can live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely.
You can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Your ILR will be recorded as an eVisa instead of a physical document.
Here is how can you check UK settled status in 3 steps!
UK ILR rules & requirements
To apply for ILR, you must meet specific requirements, including:
1. Continuous residence
You must have lived in the UK for 5 or 10 years, depending on your visa.
You cannot have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
2. Life in the UK Test
This is a multiple-choice exam about British history, culture, and laws.
The test costs £50, and you must pass it before applying for ILR.
3. English language requirement
You must prove your English proficiency through:
A B1-level English test in speaking and listening
A degree taught in English
4. Financial requirements
Some visas (e.g., Skilled Worker visa) require you to meet a minimum salary threshold.
5. Criminal record check
Serious criminal offenses or breaches of immigration rules can lead to ILR refusal.
UK ILR visa-free countries
It's important to note that ILR status is not equivalent to British citizenship or holding a British passport. Consequently, the visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges associated with ILR are limited and largely dependent on the passport you hold. However, some countries and territories may offer visa exemptions, such as:
Ireland (visa-free entry for ILR holders)
Schengen Area (easier visa approval for ILR holders)
USA (ILR holders may find it easier to get a visa)
Canada (ILR holders can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they have held a valid UK visa)
United Arab Emirates (UAE) (visa-free entry for 30 days for ILR holders)
Singapore (easier visa approval)
Malaysia (90-day visa-free entry)
A summary to 5-year route to UK settlement
The most common way to obtain ILR is through the 5-year route. This applies to:
Skilled Worker visa holders
Global Talent visa holders
Scale-up Worker visa holders
Family members of British citizens or ILR holders
UK Ancestry visa holders
To qualify, you must:
Have spent 5 continuous years in the UK on an eligible visa
Meet the salary and financial requirements (if applicable)
Pass the Life in the UK test
Meet the English language requirement
Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
FAQs
UK indefinite leave to remain fee
As of 2025, the application fee for ILR is £2,885 per person.
UK ILR processing time
Most applications take up to 6 months, though priority services may be available.
