ILR Guide: Everything About Indefinite Leave to Remain

What Is ILR?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called settlement or permanent residency, allows you to live and work in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. It's a major milestone on the path to British citizenship.

Who Can Apply for ILR?

Common routes to ILR include:

• Skilled Worker visa — after 5 years
• Spouse/Partner visa — after 5 years
• Long residence — after 10 years continuous lawful residence
• Innovator Founder visa — after 3 years

Not sure which route you're on? Use our ILR eligibility date calculator to work out your earliest application date.

General Requirements

1. Continuous residence — usually 5 years (or 10 for long residence)
2. Absence limit — no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
3. Life in the UK Test — mandatory
4. English language — B1 level or above
5. Good character — no serious criminal record
6. No immigration breaches

The Life in the UK Test for ILR

Passing the Life in the UK Test is mandatory for ILR. The test has:

• 24 multiple choice questions
• 45-minute time limit
• 75% pass mark (18/24)

Prepare with our free practice tests.

Application Process

1. Check your eligibility and gather documents
2. Complete the online application on gov.uk
3. Pay the application fee (£3,226 per person)
4. Book and attend a biometric appointment
5. Upload supporting documents
6. Wait for a decision

Processing Times

After Getting ILR

Once you have ILR, you can:

• Live and work in the UK permanently
• Use the NHS without restriction
• Apply for public funds (benefits)
• Apply for British citizenship after 12 months

Warning: ILR Can Be Lost

ILR expires if you leave the UK for more than 2 consecutive years. If you need to travel, plan carefully to avoid losing your status.

For detailed requirements, see our ILR requirements guide.