Indefinite Leave to Remain
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK – Your Pathway to Settling Permanently
At Lexify Solicitors, we help individuals and families secure long-term settlement in the UK through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If you’ve built your life here and are ready to take the next step toward stability, freedom, and even British citizenship, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you arrived in the UK on a work visa, partner visa, family route, or long residence basis, we’ll make sure your application is strong, complete, and built for success.
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain is permanent residence in the UK. Once granted, you can live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions, access public services, and eventually apply for British citizenship.
Most people apply for ILR after 5 years, but some may qualify after 2 or 3 years, or after 10 years of lawful residence through long stay routes.
ILR Benefits at a Glance
- Live in the UK with no time limit
- No need to extend your visa again
- Work or start your own business freely
- Full access to the NHS and public services
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Children born in the UK become British citizens
- Step closer to a British passport
Who Can Apply for ILR?
You may qualify for ILR if you have spent the required amount of time in the UK on a valid visa. Common visa routes include:
| ILR Route | Typical Qualifying Period |
| Spouse or Unmarried Partner Visa | 5 years |
| Skilled Worker Visa | 5 years |
| Innovator Founder Visa | 3 years |
| Global Talent Visa | 3 years (exceptional talent) |
| Long Residence (various visas) | 10 years continuous stay |
| UK Ancestry Visa | 5 years |
| Refugee status / Humanitarian | 5 years |
Let us help you identify your eligibility based on your visa history and future goals.
General ILR Requirements
To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, most applicants must:
- Have spent the qualifying period in the UK lawfully
- Not have broken their residence with long absences (more on that below)
- Not be in breach of UK immigration rules
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Meet the English language requirement (at B1 level or above)
Some routes may have additional criteria such as salary thresholds, endorsements, or business success.
Absence Rules and Residency
To keep your ILR application valid:
- You cannot be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period
- You must not exceed 540 days total outside the UK if applying under 10-year long residence (before April 2024)
- From April 2024 onward, the rules follow a rolling 180-day rule per 12-month window
Tip: Always keep records of your travel history, entry/exit stamps, flight tickets, or work leave letters can be helpful.
English Language and Life in the UK Test
If you’re between 18 and 65, you’ll need to:
- Pass the Life in the UK test (about British history, culture, and values)
- Show your English speaking and listening is at B1 level or higher
Exemptions apply if:
- You’re from a majority English-speaking country (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia)
- You’ve got a degree taught in English
- You’re unable to take the test due to a medical condition
We’ll help guide you to a recognised test provider and prepare you for success.
What Documents Do You Need?
When applying for ILR, you must provide:
- Your current passport and any previous travel documents
- Evidence of continuous residence (e.g. visas, letters, or tenancy agreements)
- Proof of absences from the UK with explanations
- Employment or income proof (for work-based routes)
- English test certificate (if applicable)
- Life in the UK test certificate
- Police registration certificate (if required)
- Financial and accommodation proof (for partner/family routes)
- Completed ILR application form (SET(O), SET(M), or SET(LR))
Don’t worry, we provide a full checklist and prepare everything for submission.
How Long Does the ILR Process Take?
| Service Type | Approx. Time |
| Standard Application | Up to 6 months |
| Priority Service | 5 working days (additional fee) |
| Super Priority | 24 hours (where available) |
We’ll help you choose the right service level based on your visa expiry, travel plans, or personal circumstances.
Can You Get ILR in Less Than 5 Years?
Yes, certain categories allow accelerated ILR:
- Global Talent visa holders (after 3 years if recognised as exceptional talent)
- Innovator Founders (after 3 years if business growth is proven)
- Tier 1 Investor or Entrepreneur (route now closed to new applicants)
Unsure what applies to you? We’ll review your case and build a customised path forward.
What If Your ILR Application Is Refused?
If your ILR is refused, Lexify Solicitors can help you:
- Understand the Home Office decision
- File an appeal, administrative review, or judicial review if you’re eligible
- Reapply with stronger documentation
- Challenge any unfair findings in your immigration record
We never sugarcoat outcomes, but we give honest, strategic advice tailored to your best route forward.
ILR Fee and Processing Costs (2024–25)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
| ILR Application Fee | £2,885 |
| Super Priority Processing | £1,000 (extra) |
| Biometric Fee | £19.20 |
| Life in the UK Test | £50 |
| English Language Test | £150–200 (varies) |
Fees are updated annually. Please check the Home Office website and third party website’s for up to date figures.
ILR Through the 10-Year Long Residence Route
If you’ve lived in the UK lawfully for 10 continuous years, you may qualify for ILR even if you’ve held different visa types during that time. This includes time as a:
- Student
- Visitor (with long-term visas)
- Partner
- Skilled Worker
- You must not have been away for more than:
- 180 days at any time per trip
- 540 days total (for periods before April 2024)
- Rolling 180 days per 12-month window (after April 2024)
Let us assess your full immigration history to confirm your eligibility and strengthen your application.
Why Choose Lexify Solicitors?
- Legal specialists in ILR and settlement applications
- Our lawyers have supported clients from over 110+ countries
- Transparent fixed fees, no surprises
- 24-hour application preparation (where Super Priority is available)
- Honest, jargon-free legal advice from day one
Ready to Apply for ILR? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re applying for ILR for yourself, your partner, or your family, we’re here to help you get it right. At Lexify Solicitors, our priority is to give you clarity, confidence, and the support you need to settle in the UK permanently.
Book a free initial assessment today, and start your journey to a secure future in the UK.
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help You
At Lexify Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors offer clear, practical legal support for all types of UK Student Visa applications and post-graduation immigration options. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa for the first time, switching from another visa category, or looking to remain in the UK after completing your studies, we provide strategic, end-to-end guidance tailored to your situation.
We begin by carefully assessing your eligibility and advising you on the most appropriate visa route. Our team can assist you in preparing a fully compliant application and will draft a detailed legal representation to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set by the Home Office. We also support clients wishing to switch into the Student Visa category from another UK immigration route or extend their stay through post-study options such as the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa, or the Innovator Founder visa.
Our goal is to ensure that your application is strong, accurate, and professionally presented to give you the best chance of approval. From initial consultation to submission, we are here to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.