Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Settle permanently in the UK
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as UK settlement or permanent residence, allows you to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom without immigration time limits. Once granted, you can stay in the UK indefinitely and take the next step toward British citizenship.
At Mulgrave Law, our London-based immigration solicitors specialise in helping individuals and families secure ILR especially after the spouse visa route as well as through work, ancestry, and long residence applications.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s version of permanent settlement, allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. Once granted, you no longer need to extend your visa or meet ongoing financial or sponsorship requirements.
ILR is often the final step before becoming a British citizen, as most applicants can apply for naturalisation 12 months after receiving ILR. It confirms your lawful, long-term status in the UK meaning you can access healthcare, employment, and education on the same basis as British citizens.
Which visa routes lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?
There are several UK immigration routes that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The most common routes include:
Spouse or Partner Visa: Apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK with your British or settled partner, provided you meet all financial and relationship requirements.
Family Visa: Parents or dependent relatives of British citizens or settled persons can apply for ILR after living lawfully in the UK for 5 years under the family route.
Skilled Worker or Tier 2 Visa: Skilled professionals can qualify for ILR after 5 years of continuous employment with a licensed sponsor, provided they meet salary and residence requirements.
Innovator Founder or Global Talent Visa: Entrepreneurs and talented individuals may qualify for ILR in 3 or 5 years, depending on achievements and endorsement criteria.
UK Ancestry Visa: Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent can settle permanently after 5 years of residence and employment in the UK.
Long Residence Route (10-Year Rule): Anyone who has lived lawfully and continuously in the UK for 10 years may be eligible for ILR, regardless of visa type.
Each route has specific eligibility criteria, residence periods, and documentation requirements. The immigration team at Mulgrave Law provides clear, step-by-step guidance on when you become eligible, which forms to use, and how to prepare a strong ILR application under your current visa category.
How to apply for ILR after a spouse visa
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person, you can usually apply for ILR after five years on a spouse visa.
Eligibility includes:
Completing five continuous years on a spouse or partner visa
Maintaining a genuine relationship with your British or settled partner
Meeting the financial requirement — currently £29,000 per year for a couple, with additional amounts for dependent children if applicable
Having no immigration breaches or overstays
Spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
Passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the English language requirement (B1 or higher)
If the income requirement cannot be met through salary, applicants can use savings. The Home Office formula is: multiply the minimum income requirement (£29,000) by 2.5, then add £16,000. For example: £29,000 × 2.5 = £72,500; £72,500 + £16,000 = £88,500 in savings required. Funds must have been held for at least six months.
Exemptions may apply if the sponsor receives certain disability or carer’s benefits. In such cases, they must show they can adequately maintain and accommodate the applicant and dependents without public funds.
Common ILR mistakes to avoid
Many ILR applications are delayed or refused due to simple errors, including:
Exceeding the 180-day absence rule
Missing or incorrectly formatted documents
Failing to meet English language or financial requirements
ILR application process
Check eligibility: Determine when you can apply and under which visa route
Gather documents: Collect passports, BRPs, proof of residence, financial evidence, and relationship proof
Submit application online: Complete the Home Office form accurately
Attend biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photo for processing
Receive decision: Usually within 6 months; super priority service may deliver a decision within 1 working day
General ILR eligibility requirements
Lawful residence in the UK for the required period
Continuous residence with limited absences (max 180 days/year)
Good character with no serious convictions or breaches
Pass the Life in the UK Test
Meet the English language requirement
Supporting documents for ILR
Passports and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Proof of residence (bills, tenancy agreements, official letters)
Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, P60s, or qualifying savings)
Proof of relationship (for spouse or partner visa holders)
Life in the UK Test certificate
English language test certificate
ILR after refusal or expired visa
If your ILR application was refused, you may still have options:
Appeal the decision or request an administrative review
Reapply with corrected documentation
Frequently Asked Questions about Indefinite Leave to Remain
How long does it take to get ILR?
Standard processing takes up to 6 months. Super priority service can provide a decision within 1 working day.
Can I lose my ILR status?
Yes, leaving the UK for more than 2 consecutive years or committing a serious offence can lead to loss. Returning Resident Visa may be required.
Is ILR the same as British citizenship?
No, ILR allows permanent residence but does not confer citizenship. After 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship.
Can children apply with me?
Yes, dependent children can apply for ILR with you if they meet residence and dependency requirements.
What happens if my ILR application is refused?
You may appeal or request an administrative review. Mulgrave Law can guide you and assist in reapplication.