Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain: A Checklist

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain: A Checklist

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the gateway to permanent life in the UK. Once you have it, you can live and work here without any immigration conditions and without needing to renew anything.

The Qualifying Period

For most visa routes, ILR requires five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. The exact qualifying period depends on your visa route: Skilled Worker visa five years, spouse or partner visa five years of leave as a partner (usually two periods of 30 months each), and long residence ten years.

The Continuous Residence Requirement

You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying period. Check your travel history carefully before applying.

The Application Checklist

Before submitting, check: you have been lawfully resident for the full qualifying period, you have not exceeded the 180-day absence allowance in any 12-month period, your current visa has not expired, you have passed the Life in the UK test if required, you meet the English language requirement, you have a valid passport and all previous passports covering the qualifying period, and you have pay slips, P60s, and bank statements covering the qualifying period.

The Application Fee

Always check the current ILR application fee on the UK Visas and Immigration website before applying — fees change and are not refunded on refusal.

This article provides general legal information only. It is not formal legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client or barrister-client relationship. If you need advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.