Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
How Indefinite Leave to Remain works in UK immigration — eligibility routes, the Life in the UK test, English-language requirement, and what ILR does (and doesn't) give you.
Quick answer
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is permanent immigration permission to live and work in the UK without time limits. Most routes require 5 years' continuous lawful residence (10 years for the 'long residence' route, 2 years for some partner-of-British-citizen routes), passing the Life in the UK test, meeting an English-language requirement, and showing no serious criminal record. ILR can be lost if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK.
Overview
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK's permanent residence status. It is not the same as British citizenship — you remain a citizen of your home country and travel on that passport, but you can live and work in the UK indefinitely without further immigration permission. ILR is granted on different qualifying periods depending on your underlying visa route: most work routes require 5 years, the 10-year long residence route requires 10 years' continuous lawful residence, and certain family routes (e.g. partner of a British citizen) can lead to ILR after 5 years (currently being reviewed and may move to 10). ILR is a sensitive YMYL matter: getting it wrong can mean refusal, removal, or losing your right to be in the UK. This guide is a general overview only — always consult a regulated immigration adviser (SRA-regulated solicitor or OISC-registered adviser) for advice on your specific application.
Who Can Use This Process
- You hold a qualifying visa (Skilled Worker, Spouse, Global Talent, long residence, etc.)
- You have completed the required continuous residence period without breaks of more than 180 days in any 12-month rolling period
- You meet the English-language requirement (typically B1 CEFR — IELTS Life Skills B1, or a degree taught in English)
- You have passed the Life in the UK test
- You can show no serious criminal convictions or breaches of immigration law
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm your qualifying period and route
Check your visa category and start date. The qualifying period runs from the date your most recent qualifying visa started. Switching between routes can reset the clock unless transitional rules apply.
Check absences
Most routes allow no more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying period. Keep evidence of every trip (passport stamps, boarding passes, employer letters).
Pass the Life in the UK test
Book through the official gov.uk website. The test is 24 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes; you need 75% (18/24). Study the official handbook and use practice tests.
Meet the English-language requirement
Either pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B1 or above with an approved provider, or evidence a degree taught in English (verified by Ecctis). Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt.
Apply online and pay the fee
Use the relevant SET form on gov.uk. The current ILR fee is £2,885 (subject to annual change — verify on gov.uk before paying). Submit biometrics at a UKVCAS centre.
Provide supporting documents
Typical evidence: payslips, P60s, bank statements, employer letters, council tax records, NHS records, tenancy agreements — proving your continuous lawful residence. Family-route applicants need relationship and cohabitation evidence.
Costs
Important Warnings
Continuous residence is strictly counted — even one day over the 180-day absence limit can cause refusal.
Criminal records, civil penalties (e.g. Right to Work fines), and breaches of visa conditions can all defeat an ILR application.
If your application is refused, you may lose the right to be in the UK. Always seek regulated advice if there is any doubt.
ILR can be lost if you remain outside the UK for more than 2 continuous years.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- Is ILR the same as British citizenship?
- No. ILR is permanent immigration permission. British citizenship is a separate further step (typically requiring 1 year as ILR holder, plus the Life in the UK test which you've already passed, plus a citizenship application and fee).
- Can I apply for ILR before my 5 years is up?
- Generally no. You can usually apply up to 28 days before your qualifying period completes; earlier applications are refused. Check the specific transitional provisions for your route.
- What happens if I leave the UK after ILR?
- If you are outside the UK for more than 2 continuous years, your ILR lapses and you would need to apply for a Returning Resident visa. Frequent short trips do not affect ILR.