Earning Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a major step for those who want to make the UK their permanent home. It allows you to live, work, and study without time limits and opens the door to British citizenship.
In 2025, several visa routes can lead to ILR, each with its own conditions and timelines. This article outlines these options clearly, showing what is required, how long you must stay, and what to prepare before applying, so you can move closer to settlement with confidence and accuracy.
General Eligibility Criteria for ILR in 2025
While each visa route has its own conditions, there are standard rules that apply to all ILR applications. Those planning their application should take time to explore different ILR routes in the UK to understand which one fits their current visa status and long-term goals.
Continuous Lawful Residence
Most applicants must have lived in the UK lawfully for at least five years under an eligible visa route. The residence must be continuous, meaning the applicant should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during those five years. For some routes, such as the Long Residence route, a ten-year lawful stay may be required.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must prove they have sufficient knowledge of English. This can be done by passing an approved English language test at level B1 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or by holding a recognised academic qualification taught in English. Citizens of majority English-speaking countries are exempt from this requirement.
Life in the UK Test
All applicants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test. This exam assesses knowledge of British history, culture, and laws. It consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, and a score of at least 75% is required to pass.
Good Character and Immigration Compliance
Applicants must show they have obeyed UK laws and immigration rules throughout their stay. Any criminal record, overstaying, or false information on previous applications can lead to refusal. Evidence of lawful residence, tax payments, and compliance with visa conditions is critical to support the application.
Financial and Employment Stability
Some routes, such as the Skilled Worker and Family routes, have financial thresholds that must be met to show financial independence. Applicants may need to provide bank statements, payslips, and employment letters to confirm they meet income or savings requirements.
ILR through the Skilled Worker Visa Route
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most common paths to ILR for professionals in the UK. Individuals on this route can apply for settlement after completing five years of lawful residence under the Skilled Worker category or a combination of eligible work visas such as Tier 2 (General).
To qualify, applicants must have worked continuously for an employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. The job must remain at the appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or above) and meet the required salary threshold, which is typically the higher of £38,700 per year or the going rate for the role. Exceptions may apply for health and education sectors or shortage occupations.
Key Requirements
- Five years of continuous lawful residence under an eligible work visa
- Employment with a Home Office-approved sponsor
- Ongoing job offer that meets skill and salary criteria
- Absences not exceeding 180 days per 12-month period
- Proof of English and Life in the UK Test pass
Applicants will also need to provide a recent payslip, an employment confirmation letter from the sponsor, and proof of National Insurance contributions. If the role has changed significantly, the sponsor must issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before the ILR application.
ILR through a Spouse or Partner Visa
The spouse or partner visa is another major route to settlement in the UK. Applicants can qualify for ILR after five years of continuous residence under the Family route (usually through two periods of 30 months each under FLR(M)).
To qualify, applicants must continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. They must also meet the financial requirement, which currently stands at £29,000 per year in combined income, or show savings of at least £88,500 if relying solely on savings.
Relationship and Residence Requirements
- Proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship (e.g., joint bills, tenancy, photos)
- Continuous residence in the UK for five years under a partner route
- Shared address and cohabitation evidence for the entire qualifying period
- No immigration breaches or absences beyond the permitted limit
In addition, the applicant must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement. If the couple separates before completing five years, ILR eligibility is lost, and a new visa route may be required.
ILR through a Family Visa (Parent, Child, or Dependent Relative)
Family visas allow certain relatives of British citizens or settled persons to live in the UK. ILR through this route usually follows after five years of lawful residence, provided the family relationship remains valid and ongoing.
Parents of British or settled children can apply for ILR after completing the required period under the parent route. They must show they are taking an active role in their child’s upbringing and that the child lives primarily in the UK.
Children who entered as dependants or were born in the UK to parents with settled status can apply for ILR alongside their parent’s application. Dependent relatives, such as elderly parents, may qualify under strict criteria that prove they require long-term care that can only be provided in the UK.
Key Evidence
- Birth certificates or proof of relationship
- Evidence of ongoing family life in the UK
- Proof of financial support and accommodation
- Compliance with visa conditions and absence rules
ILR through the Long Residence Route (10-Year Route)
The Long Residence route allows individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for ten continuous years to apply for ILR, regardless of the visa types held during that time. This route benefits those who have switched between categories, such as students, workers, or dependants, over a long period.
To qualify, the applicant must show continuous lawful residence for ten years, with absences not exceeding 540 days in total or 180 days at a time. Any unlawful stay, even for a short period, can break continuity. However, short overstays due to genuine reasons may be overlooked under Home Office discretion.
Applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test, meet the English language requirement, and show that they have maintained lawful immigration status throughout the period. The Home Office will also review the applicant’s conduct, including any criminal history, unpaid taxes, or breaches of immigration conditions.
ILR through the Innovator Founder or Global Talent Visa
The Innovator Founder and Global Talent routes are among the fastest ways to qualify for ILR in the UK. Applicants can apply after three years of lawful residence if they meet the success criteria set out in their visa category.
For Innovator Founders, the business must show measurable progress since the initial endorsement. This includes growth in revenue, job creation, or expansion into new markets. The endorsing body must confirm that the applicant has achieved the required business objectives before ILR can be granted.
Global Talent visa holders can qualify for ILR after three or five years depending on the basis of their endorsement. Those recognised as “leaders” in their field, such as academia, research, digital technology, or the arts, may qualify after three years. Those endorsed as “potential leaders” usually qualify after five years.
In both categories, applicants must continue to meet the English language and Life in the UK requirements, maintain their endorsement, and provide evidence of residence and tax compliance throughout their stay.
ILR for Refugees or Those with Humanitarian Protection
Individuals granted refugee status or humanitarian protection can apply for ILR after completing five years of lawful residence in the UK. This route acknowledges that they have established a stable life and are no longer dependent on temporary protection.
Applicants must show that their protection status remains valid and that no change in their circumstances justifies a withdrawal of protection. The Home Office will review their background to ensure they do not pose a risk to national security or have committed serious offences.
Supporting evidence includes the Biometric Residence Permit, proof of ongoing residence, and a statement confirming that their situation in their country of origin has not changed. Once approved, ILR provides permanent stability, enabling them to work freely and apply for British citizenship later.
ILR for Ancestry and UK Descent Visa Holders
Commonwealth citizens who hold a UK Ancestry visa can apply for ILR after completing five years of continuous residence. To qualify, they must prove that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, and that they have been living and working in the UK during the qualifying period.
Applicants must provide evidence of employment or active job-seeking throughout their stay. Those who have taken short breaks between jobs can still qualify if they show ongoing efforts to remain economically active. Absences from the UK must not exceed the 180-day limit per year.
The application must include proof of ancestry, such as birth and marriage certificates linking the applicant to the British-born grandparent, along with payslips and tax records showing employment history.
ILR through the Private Life Route
The Private Life route is for individuals who have built their lives in the UK over a long period but may not fit into other immigration categories. Applicants usually qualify after ten years of continuous residence under Appendix Private Life.
Children and young adults who have lived most of their lives in the UK may qualify sooner. For example, a child born in the UK who has lived continuously for seven years can apply for limited leave, which can later lead to ILR. Adults who entered the UK as minors or have lived in the UK for at least half their life can also qualify earlier in some cases.
Evidence must show that the applicant has made the UK their home, with proof such as school records, medical documents, and community involvement. Absences from the UK should be minimal, and applicants must meet the English language and Life in the UK requirements before settlement is granted.
ILR for EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals under the EU Settlement Scheme
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who moved to the UK before 31 December 2020 can still obtain ILR through the EU Settlement Scheme. Those granted pre-settled status can apply for settled status after completing five years of continuous residence.
To qualify, applicants must show that they have lived in the UK for at least six months in each 12-month period during the qualifying time. Short absences for holidays or work abroad are usually permitted. Supporting evidence includes council tax bills, bank statements, utility bills, and employment records.
Once granted, settled status offers the same rights as ILR, including access to work, study, and public services without immigration restrictions. Applicants with settled status can apply for British citizenship after holding it for 12 months, provided they meet residence and character requirements.
Common Reasons for ILR Refusals
ILR refusals often result from missing evidence or breaches of immigration rules. The most frequent reasons include:
- Gaps in lawful residence due to visa expiry or overstaying
- Excessive absences from the UK during the qualifying period
- Failure to meet the financial or employment requirements
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Failure to pass the English language or Life in the UK test
- Criminal convictions or unpaid taxes
Applicants can request an administrative review if they believe a mistake has been made, or they can reapply with stronger supporting documents once they meet the requirements.
How to Apply for ILR in 2025
The ILR application process is completed online through the official UK government website. Applicants must:
- Complete the ILR application form for their specific route
- Upload supporting documents (passport, BRP, proof of residence, financial records)
- Book a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre
- Pay the application fee and any additional costs for priority services
As of 2025, the ILR fee is £2,885 per applicant. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions at an additional cost.
Processing times vary, but most standard applications are decided within six months. Applicants must remain in the UK while awaiting a decision.
Once approved, they receive a Biometric Residence Permit showing their ILR status. This card confirms their right to live permanently in the UK and should be renewed every ten years.
What Happens After Getting ILR
After obtaining ILR, individuals can live in the UK without time limits and enjoy most rights of British citizens. They can work, study, and access public services without restrictions.
Those who wish to become British citizens can apply 12 months after receiving ILR, provided they meet the residency and good character requirements.
ILR status can be lost if the holder leaves the UK for more than two consecutive years or is convicted of a serious criminal offence. In such cases, they may need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to re-enter the UK.
FAQs
Can I apply for ILR earlier than five years?
Yes, some routes such as the Innovator Founder or Global Talent visa allow ILR after three years if conditions are met.
Does time spent as a student count towards ILR?
Only under the Long Residence route, where lawful residence in any category can be combined.
How long does it take to get a decision on ILR?
Most standard applications take up to six months. Priority services can provide a decision within five working days or 24 hours.
Do dependants need to apply for ILR separately?
Yes, each family member must submit their own application and pay the relevant fee.
Is ILR the same as citizenship?
No, ILR gives permanent residence, while citizenship provides full rights, including a British passport.