Understanding ILR processing time is essential for anyone applying for permanent settlement in the UK. This comprehensive guide covers current decision times, application timelines for all ILR categories, priority and super priority service options, and practical strategies to help your Indefinite Leave to Remain application progress smoothly through the Home Office system.
Understanding ILR Processing Time in 2026
ILR processing time refers to how long the Home Office takes to decide on Indefinite Leave to Remain applications. According to the official Home Office service standards, the standard ILR decision time is up to 6 months from the date of your biometric appointment. However, actual waiting times vary significantly depending on your visa category, application complexity, and whether you use expedited services.
The ILR application timeline encompasses several stages: submitting your online application, attending your biometric appointment, waiting for the decision, and receiving your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Understanding these stages helps you plan effectively and set realistic expectations for your settlement application.
ILR Decision Time by Visa Category
The standard ILR decision time is up to 6 months for all settlement categories including spouse visa, skilled worker, and long residence routes. Priority service reduces this to 5 working days (£500 fee), while super priority offers next working day decisions (£1,000 fee) where available.
While the Home Office applies a 6-month service standard across most ILR categories, actual processing performance varies. The following table shows the current ILR processing time standards and typical decision times based on recent Home Office data.
How Long Does Indefinite Leave to Remain Take to Process?
Based on recent Home Office performance data, the actual ILR waiting time shows that the majority of straightforward applications are decided well within the 6-month standard:
- Standard applications: 95-99% decided within 6 months
- Super priority service: 98%+ processed by next working day
- Priority service: 95%+ processed within 5 working days
- Complex cases: May extend beyond 6 months with written notification
Priority and Super Priority ILR Processing Service
Priority ILR processing costs £500 for a decision within 5 working days. Super priority costs £1,000 for next working day decisions. Availability varies by ILR category—check the priority visa service page for current eligibility.
For applicants who need faster decisions, the Home Office offers expedited processing through priority and super priority services. These services significantly reduce the ILR application timeline but come with additional costs and eligibility restrictions.
ILR Priority Service Comparison
Factors Affecting Your ILR Application Timeline
ILR waiting time is affected by application complexity, missing documents, security checks, criminal history disclosure, and current Home Office workload. Non-straightforward cases requiring additional verification commonly exceed the 6-month standard processing time.
Several factors influence how long your ILR application takes to process. Understanding these can help you prepare a stronger application and set realistic expectations. Applications flagged as non-straightforward will exceed standard timelines.
What Causes ILR Processing Delays?
- Incomplete documentation: Missing continuous residence evidence, payslips, or bank statements
- Security checks: Additional verification required for certain nationalities or backgrounds
- Criminal history: Disclosure of convictions requiring further assessment
- Travel history gaps: Unexplained absences from the UK during the qualifying period
- Document verification: Suspicion of fraudulent documents triggering investigation
- Peak application periods: Higher volumes during certain times of year
- English language evidence: Issues with English proficiency certificates or Life in the UK test results
Average ILR Waiting Time Statistics
Home Office data indicates the following performance against service standards for ILR applications:
- Spouse/Partner (SET M): Approximately 93% decided within 6 months
- Skilled Worker: Approximately 95-96% decided within 6 months
- Long Residence: Approximately 99% decided within 6 months
- Domestic Violence: Approximately 99% decided within 6 months
ILR News and Policy Updates 2026
Recent ILR policy discussions have included proposals to extend the qualifying period from 5 to 10 years for certain routes. As of January 2026, the standard 5-year route remains in place for most categories. Always check the latest Home Office guidance for current rules.
Staying informed about UK ILR news and immigration policy changes is important for applicants planning their settlement journey. The UK immigration policy landscape has seen significant discussion around ILR qualifying periods and requirements.
Key ILR Changes and Proposals
- 5-year vs 10-year debate: Political discussions have included proposals to extend ILR qualifying periods
- Current position: The 5-year route remains standard for spouse, skilled worker, and most work visa categories
- Fee changes: ILR application fees are reviewed periodically and may change
- IHS requirements: Immigration Health Surcharge is not payable for ILR applications
- Digital status: BRP cards being phased out in favour of eVisas
Tracking Your ILR Application Status
Track your ILR application through the UKVI online portal using your application reference number. You will receive email notifications at key stages. For detailed status updates, you can contact UKVI directly or use the paid enquiry service if your application has exceeded service standards.
Once you have submitted your ILR application and attended your biometric appointment, tracking the progress becomes important for planning purposes. The Home Office provides several methods to check your application status.
How to Check ILR Application Status
- Online tracking: Use the UKVI online service with your reference number
- Email notifications: Automatic updates sent to your registered email address
- UKVI contact: Direct enquiries for applications exceeding service standards
- MP enquiries: Your Member of Parliament can make enquiries on your behalf
ILR Decision and BRP Delivery
After your ILR application is approved:
- Decision notification: You receive an email or letter confirming the outcome
- BRP dispatch: Your Biometric Residence Permit is typically posted within 7-10 working days
- Collection option: Some applicants can collect BRP from a nominated Post Office
- Digital status: Your immigration status is also viewable online immediately
Tips for Faster ILR Processing
Speed up your ILR processing by submitting a complete application with all required documents, using the correct ILR application form, ensuring English test and Life in the UK certificates are valid, and considering priority services if time is critical.
While you cannot control Home Office processing speeds, you can significantly reduce the risk of delays by submitting a well-prepared, complete application. The following strategies help ensure your ILR application progresses smoothly.
- Complete all sections of the application form accurately
- Gather 5+ years of continuous residence evidence
- Ensure Life in the UK test certificate is valid
- Verify English language certificate meets requirements
- Calculate and document any absences from the UK
- Prepare financial evidence for your visa category
- Include passport and all previous BRPs
- Pay correct application fee (check current ILR fees)
Avoiding Common ILR Application Mistakes
- Incorrect form: Use the right SET form for your visa category (SET M, SET O, SET LR, etc.)
- Missing evidence: Include all pages of bank statements and payslips
- Expired certificates: English tests and Life in the UK passes must be within validity
- Absence miscalculation: Accurately calculate days outside the UK
- Undisclosed information: Declare all relevant criminal history or immigration issues
- Standard ILR processing time is up to 6 months from biometric appointment
- Priority service (£500) offers 5 working day decisions; super priority (£1,000) offers next-day
- Incomplete applications and complex cases commonly exceed standard timelines
- The 5-year qualifying period remains standard for most ILR routes in 2026
- Track your application online and contact UKVI if it exceeds service standards
Frequently Asked Questions About ILR Processing Time
How long does ILR processing take in 2026?
Standard ILR processing time is up to 6 months from your biometric appointment date. Priority service reduces this to 5 working days for an additional £500, while super priority offers next working day decisions for £1,000 where available. Actual processing times vary based on application complexity and Home Office workload.
What is the current ILR decision time for spouse visas?
The ILR decision time for spouse visa holders (SET M applications) is up to 6 months under standard processing. Home Office statistics show approximately 93% of spouse ILR applications are decided within this timeframe. Priority and super priority services are available for faster decisions if you meet eligibility criteria.
Can I use super priority for my ILR application?
Super priority service is available for certain ILR categories including SET M (spouse/partner) and SET O (skilled worker) applications. It costs £1,000 and provides a decision by the end of the next working day. However, availability is limited and not offered for applications where biometrics were provided via the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
What causes ILR application delays beyond 6 months?
ILR delays beyond 6 months are typically caused by incomplete documentation, security checks, criminal history requiring additional assessment, suspicious documents triggering investigation, or complex case circumstances. The Home Office will notify you if your application is considered non-straightforward and expected to take longer than standard processing time.
How do I track my ILR application status?
Track your ILR application through the UKVI online portal using your unique application reference number. You will also receive automatic email notifications at key stages. If your application exceeds the 6-month service standard, you can contact UKVI directly or ask your MP to make enquiries on your behalf.
Is ILR changing from 5 years to 10 years?
As of January 2026, the standard 5-year qualifying period remains in place for most ILR routes including spouse, skilled worker, and other work visa categories. While there have been political discussions about extending to 10 years, no such changes have been implemented. If changes occur, transitional arrangements typically protect existing visa holders.
When will I receive my BRP after ILR approval?
After your ILR application is approved, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is typically dispatched within 7-10 working days. Your digital immigration status is available online immediately after approval. Note that BRP cards are being phased out, and future applicants will receive eVisa confirmation of their settlement status instead.
What happens if my ILR is refused?
If your ILR application is refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. Depending on your circumstances, you may have the right to administrative review, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, or submit a fresh application addressing the refusal reasons. Your refusal letter will specify which options are available to you and the relevant deadlines.
For the latest official information on ILR processing times and requirements, visit the UK Government visa decision waiting times page.