Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a type of permanent residency status that allows individuals to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. It is granted to individuals who have lived in the UK for a certain period under a qualifying visa category, meeting the eligibility criteria.

ILR is a crucial step for those who wish to settle permanently in the UK and is a path to British citizenship after meeting additional requirements.

Eligibility

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must meet the following criteria:

• Residency Requirement: You must have lived in the UK for a specific period, typically 5 years (though this may vary depending on your visa type, such as spouse, work, or student visa).
• Continuous Residence: You must have continuously lived in the UK without significant absences (usually no more than 180 days in any 12-month period).
• Good Character: You must not have any serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.
• Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK: You must pass the Life in the UK test and demonstrate your knowledge of English, unless you are exempt.
• Financial Stability: You must meet financial requirements, including proving that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.
• Valid Visa Status: You must be in the UK on a valid visa when applying for ILR.

Duration of Stay

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants you permanent residency in the UK. Once granted, you are free to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions.

You can apply for British citizenship once you have held ILR status for at least 12 months (if not married to a British citizen, in which case the waiting period is reduced).

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for ILR 28 days before your current visa expires. The application process typically involves:

• Proving your identity.
• Providing documents that show you meet the residency, language, and financial requirements.
• Attending a biometric appointment.
• Submitting a completed application form and paying the application fee.

Decision Timeframe

• 6 months is the usual processing time for ILR applications, although it can vary.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

• Live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions.
• Access healthcare, education, and other public services.
• Apply for British citizenship after meeting the requirements.

What You Cannot Do:

• Travel freely if you have not yet been granted British citizenship (ILR holders may face re-entry checks).
• Apply for public funds unless you meet certain conditions.
• Bring dependents unless they meet eligibility criteria.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application process seamless and stress-free!