Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) lets you stay in the UK permanently. It means you can live, study, and work here without visa limits. People also call it “settlement” or “permanent residence“. ILR is the goal for many who want to live in the UK long-term.

It is the step before British citizenship.

Benefits of ILR:

  • You can live in the UK forever.
  • You can study without any restrictions.
  • You can work without any immigration limits.
  • You can get public funds like benefits.
  • You can use the NHS for free.
  • You can travel in and out of the UK freely. But do not stay outside the UK for too long.
  • You can apply for British citizenship after 1 year.

ILR Requirements:

  • You need to have lived in the UK for a certain time. This is usually 5 years. Some visas let you apply after 3 years. There is also a 10-year route.
  • You must be of good character.
  • You need to pass the Life in the UK test. Some people do not need to take this test.
  • You need to prove your English language skills. This is usually level B1 or higher. Some people do not need to do this.
  • You must not have spent too much time outside the UK. Generally, this is no more than 180 days in any year.

How to Apply for ILR:

  1. Make sure you are eligible.
  2. Fill in the online application form.
  3. Pay the fees.
  4. Give your biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
  5. Provide the required documents.
  6. You might need to go to an interview.
  •  You usually get a decision within 6 months. You can pay more for a faster decision.
  •   After having ILR for 12 months, you can usually apply for British citizenship.
  •   If you were on a spouse visa, you might be able to apply for citizenship sooner after getting ILR.

Read this tending blog on: Quickest way to get ILR in UK

Exemptions for ILR Requirements:

  • You might not need to prove your English language skills if you are over 65 years old, have a long-term health condition, or are from certain English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA.
  • You might not need to take the Life in the UK test if you are a victim of domestic violence, a foreign or Commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Forces, or meet other specific conditions.

ILR for Family Members:

  • Your spouse/partner and children can also apply for ILR as your dependants.
  • They usually need to meet the same requirements for continuous residence, English language, and the Life in the UK test.
  • You will need to show you have enough money to support them.
  • Generally, if your family members got their visas at the same time as you, they can apply for ILR at the same time.

If Your ILR is Refused:

  • If your ILR application is refused, you might be able to appeal if it involves human rights.
  • You can also challenge the refusal through a Judicial Review if you think a mistake was made.
  • Another option is an Administrative Review to challenge the legal reasons for the refusal.
  • Sometimes, you might need to apply again.
  • Reasons for refusal include criminality, giving false information, not meeting the eligibility rules, or spending too much time outside the UK.

Navigating the complexities of Indefinite Leave to Remain can be challenging. If you are unsure about your eligibility or the application process, seeking guidance from specialist UK immigration solicitors is highly recommended.