Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK – Full Guide for 2025

welcome to uk bloom: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of settlement status that allows individuals to live, work, and remain in the UK without time restrictions. It is often the final step before applying for British citizenship. In this detailed guide, we cover the ILR eligibility criteria, application process, fees, required documents, processing times, and common questions for 2025.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK?

ILR is an immigration status granted to non-British citizens that allows them to remain in the UK without a time limit. It offers the holder full rights to:

Live and work in the UK
Access public services such as the NHS
Exit and re-enter the UK without visa restrictions
Apply for British citizenship after 12 months (if eligible)

ILR Eligibility Criteria (2025)

You can apply for ILR under various routes, depending on your visa type and duration of lawful stay in the UK.

Common ILR Routes:

Route	Time Required in the UK
Skilled Worker Visa	5 years
Spouse or Partner Visa	5 years
UK Ancestry Visa	5 years
Innovator or Start-up Visa	3–5 years
Long Residence	10 years
Global Talent Visa	3–5 years
Refugee or Humanitarian Protection	5 years

You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying residency.

ILR Requirements

General Requirements:

Continuous lawful residence in the UK
Pass the Life in the UK Test
Meet the English language requirement
No serious criminal record or immigration breaches
Proof of income/employment if applying under work or family routes

Life in the UK Test

Mandatory for most adult ILR applicants
Tests your knowledge of British history, values, and society
Fee: £50
Take the test at an approved centre

Book here: Life in the UK Test Booking

English Language Requirement

You must either:

Pass a B1-level English test from an approved provider
Hold a degree taught in English
Be from a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)

Approved test providers: UK English Test Providers

Required Documents for ILR Application

Valid passport or travel document
Biometric Residence Permit (if issued)
Proof of lawful stay (visa history)
Proof of residence (tenancy agreements, bills)
Payslips or employment letters (if applying through a work route)
Life in the UK Test certificate
English language certificate or exemption proof

ILR Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the residency and route-specific requirements.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents and ensure they are up to date.

3. Apply Online

Use the UK Home Office application form relevant to your visa route.

Apply here: Settle in the UK: Online Application

4. Pay the Fee

See the cost section below.

5. Book a Biometrics Appointment

You’ll be invited to visit a UKVCAS service centre to submit fingerprints and a photo.

6. Await Decision

You can choose standard or priority processing.

ILR Application Fees (2025)

Service	Cost
Standard ILR Application	£2,885
Super Priority (24 hours)	+£1,000
Priority (5 working days)	+£500

Processing Time

Standard: Up to 6 months
Priority: 5 working days
Super Priority: 1 working day (24 hours)

Note: Processing times depend on complexity and completeness of your application.

ILR for Children

Children under 18 can apply for ILR if:

One or both parents have ILR
They were born in the UK and are applying for British citizenship

Learn more: British Citizenship for Children

ILR and Absences from the UK

You must not be absent from the UK for:

More than 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying period
More than 540 days in total (in most cases)

Exemptions may apply for work-related travel or compassionate reasons.

Switching to ILR from Other Visas

You can switch to ILR from these visa categories after completing the required period:

Skilled Worker Visa
Family (Spouse/Partner) Visa
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur/Investor) (if applicable before closure)
Ancestry Visa
Long Residence (10 years lawful stay)

Each route may have specific documents and conditions.

ILR vs. British Citizenship

Feature	ILR	British Citizenship
Permanent Stay	✅	✅
Passport	❌	✅ (British)
Voting Rights	❌	✅
Subject to Deportation	✅ (in rare cases)	❌
Nationality Status	❌	✅

You can apply for British citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR, provided you meet residency and other eligibility criteria.

External Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ILR be lost?

Yes, if you leave the UK for more than 2 years, you may lose ILR and need to apply for a Returning Resident visa.

Does ILR give you a British passport?

No, ILR holders are not British citizens and cannot get a British passport until they naturalise.

Can I apply for ILR with a criminal record?

You must disclose all convictions. Serious or recent offences may lead to refusal.

Is ILR the same as Settled Status?

No. Settled Status is granted under the EU Settlement Scheme, while ILR is a broader category under UK immigration law.

Conclusion

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a major step toward building a permanent life in the UK. It gives you freedom from visa renewals, access to public services, and a path to British citizenship. Whether you’re applying through work, family, or long r