Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the term the UK Home Office uses for permanent settlement. It allows non-UK nationals to live, work and study in the United Kingdom without time restrictions. Obtaining ILR is usually a key milestone before applying for British citizenship. Eligibility rules vary based on your current visa route, residence history, language ability and conduct.

What ILR Means in Practice

ILR is a form of settled immigration status. If granted:

• You can remain in the UK indefinitely without visas or renewals.
• You can work in most jobs and start a business.
• You can access public services and, if eligible, some benefits.
• You can usually apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for at least twelve months.

ILR can be lost if you spend extended periods outside the UK; normally it lapses after two years abroad, requiring a returning resident visa to come back.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for ILR, applicants must meet several structured requirements:

1. Lawful Residence

You must live in the UK with valid leave for the minimum qualifying period linked to your route. For most skilled work visas and family visas, this is five years. Some other routes, such as Global Talent or certain investor/entrepreneur categories, allow settlement after three years. Others, like long-residence routes, require ten years of continuous lawful residence.

2. Continuous Residence and Absences

During the qualifying period, you must show continuous residence. The general rule is that you must not be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. Brief or unavoidable trips for work, medical treatment or family emergencies may be accepted if documented.

3. Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK

Most applicants between 18 and 64 must meet the “Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK” requirement. This involves passing:

• An approved English language test (typically at least B1 level, though minimum requirements are proposed to rise) or holding a qualifying UK degree.
• The Life in the UK Test, a multiple-choice exam about UK society, history and civic life.

Exemptions exist for older applicants, those with qualifying disabilities or long-term health conditions.

4. Good Character and Suitability

The UK Home Office assesses suitability by reviewing criminal records, immigration compliance and honesty of application. Serious criminal convictions, deception or breaches of immigration conditions can lead to refusal or refusal on suitability grounds.

Qualified Routes

Work Visas

If you are on visas such as Skilled Worker or certain innovation, talent or sector-specific visas, you may qualify for ILR after five years of meeting residence and other requirements. You must continue to meet job, financial or sponsor conditions up to the point of application.

Family Visas

Partners, spouses, children or other dependants of settled persons or British citizens may qualify after a specified number of years on a qualifying visa and meeting language and relationship evidence criteria.

Long Residence

If you have lived lawfully in the UK for ten years continuously, you may qualify under the long-residence rule regardless of route. Any break in lawful status generally disqualifies this route.

Other Paths

Refugees, people with humanitarian protection, armed forces veterans and others with specific UK immigration histories may also qualify under special provisions.

Application Process and Evidence

To apply for ILR you must complete the correct Home Office form and provide evidence demonstrating that you meet every requirement. Required documents often include:

• Valid passport or biometric residence permit or eVisa status.
• Records of UK residence and travel absences.
• Proof of English language ability and Life in the UK Test pass confirmation.
• Supporting evidence of employment, family relationships, tax payments and accommodation history.

The Home Office generally charges a substantial fee, and processing may take several months. Premium priority services are sometimes available for faster decisions.

Recent and Proposed Policy Changes

Government policies on ILR are under review. The UK Government has proposed extending the qualifying period for most settlement routes from five years to ten years as part of broader immigration reforms. These changes are still subject to consultation and may introduce additional contribution-based requirements such as earnings, tax and community participation.

Political debates continue around ILR, with some calling for more stringent criteria or even abolishing the traditional indefinite settlement model entirely. These proposals, if enacted, could significantly alter eligibility paths.

After ILR

Once granted ILR, you have settled status in the UK. This allows you to live and work without immigration restrictions. After holding ILR for twelve months, most people become eligible to apply for British citizenship if they also meet residence, language, good character and other statutory requirements.