Indefinite leave to remain: requirements
What indefinite leave to remain (settlement) is and the requirements to qualify in the UK.
- ILR gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently.
- Most routes require a continuous qualifying period of 5 years.
- You must meet residence, language and Life in the UK requirements.
- You must not exceed the allowed absences.
What ILR is
Indefinite leave to remain is the UK's settlement status. It lets you live, work and study in the UK without time restrictions.
It is the usual stepping stone to British citizenship for those who want it.
The qualifying period
Most work and family routes require 5 continuous years in the UK, although some routes have shorter or longer periods.
You must have held the relevant visa for the required time and still meet its conditions.
Residence and absence rules
You must not have spent more than a set number of days outside the UK in any 12-month period, and your absences must be explained.
Exceeding the limit can reset or delay your qualifying period.
Language and Life in the UK
You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet an English language requirement (usually CEFR B1).
Both are mandatory for most applicants, so book them before you apply.
Applying
You apply online before your current visa expires, pay the fee and provide supporting documents. A decision can take several months.
Apply early and keep your evidence of residence and absences up to date.