Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the gateway to permanent settlement in the UK, allowing you to live, work, and study without visa restrictions. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ILR requirements, eligibility routes, the 180-day absence rule, application process, and the path to British citizenship.
Understanding Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement or permanent residence, is an immigration status that allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. Unlike temporary visas that require renewal, ILR grants you the right to stay in the UK indefinitely, provided you do not break the conditions of your status. The rules governing ILR are set out in the Immigration Rules and vary depending on your current visa category.
ILR is the final step before British citizenship through naturalisation. Most applicants must hold ILR for at least 12 months before becoming eligible to apply for a British passport. Understanding the ILR requirements, application process, and ongoing conditions is essential for anyone seeking permanent settlement in the UK.
ILR Routes and Eligibility Requirements
There are multiple ILR routes in the UK, each with different qualifying periods. Most work visas require 5 years of continuous residence, while spouse visas typically require 5 years (or 2 years for pre-July 2012 applications). Long residence requires 10 years of lawful stay in the UK.
The ILR route you follow depends on your current immigration status. Each route has specific eligibility criteria, including qualifying residence periods, English language requirements, and the Life in the UK test.
What Are the Main ILR Routes in the UK?
Core ILR Requirements for All Routes
Regardless of which ILR route you follow, most applicants must meet these standard requirements:
- Continuous residence: Complete the required qualifying period without significant breaks
- 180-day absence rule: Not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- English language: Pass a B1 level English test (A2 for some family routes initially)
- Life in the UK test: Pass the test on British history, culture, and government
- Good character: No unspent criminal convictions or serious immigration breaches
- Valid immigration status: Lawful leave throughout the qualifying period
The ILR 180-Day Absence Rule Explained
The 180-day rule requires ILR applicants to have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during their qualifying residence. Since January 2018, this is calculated on a rolling basis rather than fixed annual periods.
The 180-day absence rule is one of the most critical ILR requirements and a common reason for application refusals. Understanding how absences are calculated can make the difference between approval and visa refusal.
How is the 180-Day Rule Calculated?
Since 11 January 2018, the Home Office calculates absences on a rolling 12-month basis. This means at any point during your qualifying period, looking back 12 months, you must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days.
Exceptions to the 180-Day Rule
Some exceptional circumstances may be considered:
- Serious illness: Documented medical emergencies that prevented return
- Travel restrictions: COVID-19 or similar government-imposed travel bans
- Accompanying spouse: Crown servants' partners may have different rules
- Children: Dependent children are generally exempt from the 180-day rule
ILR Application Process and Fees 2026
The ILR application fee is £2,885 per person in 2026. Applications are submitted online, followed by a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre. Standard processing takes up to 6 months, with priority options available for faster decisions.
Applying for indefinite leave to remain involves completing the correct ILR application form, gathering supporting documents, and attending a biometric appointment. You can apply up to 28 days before completing your qualifying residence period.
Step-by-Step ILR Application Process
- Step 1: Pass the Life in the UK test and obtain your English language certificate
- Step 2: Complete the online application form (SET(O) for work routes, SET(M) for family routes)
- Step 3: Pay the application fee of £2,885 per applicant
- Step 4: Book and attend your UKVCAS biometric appointment
- Step 5: Upload supporting documents including passport, travel history, and route-specific evidence
- Step 6: Await decision (standard processing up to 6 months)
ILR Fees and Processing Times
Which ILR Application Form Do I Need?
- Form SET(O): Work routes (Skilled Worker, Tier 2, UK Ancestry), business routes, domestic workers, bereaved partners
- Form SET(M): Family routes (spouse/partner visa to ILR, parents, children of settled persons)
- Form SET(LR): Long residence route (10 years lawful residence)
ILR vs British Citizenship: Key Differences
ILR grants permanent residence but can be lost through extended absences (2+ years) or serious crimes. British citizenship is truly permanent, grants a passport, voting rights, and cannot be revoked under normal circumstances. You can apply for citizenship 12 months after obtaining ILR.
While indefinite leave to remain provides significant rights, it differs from British citizenship in important ways. Understanding these differences helps you plan your long-term settlement in the UK.
Life After ILR: Rights, Benefits, and Responsibilities
ILR holders can work without restrictions, access public benefits including the NHS, and sponsor family members for UK visas. Children born in the UK to ILR holders automatically become British citizens. After 12 months with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
Once granted indefinite leave to remain, your immigration status changes significantly. However, ILR comes with ongoing responsibilities to maintain your status.
ILR Benefits and Rights
- Work freely: No sponsorship or work permit required for any employment
- Access public funds: Eligible for benefits, NHS treatment, and social housing
- Sponsor family: Can sponsor spouse/partner and dependents for UK visas
- Children born in UK: Automatically British citizens at birth
- Path to citizenship: Eligible for naturalisation after 12 months
- Study freely: Access to home fees and student finance
How Can You Lose ILR Status?
ILR is permanent but can be lost in specific circumstances:
- Extended absence: ILR lapses if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years
- Deportation: Serious criminal convictions can lead to deportation and ILR revocation
- Fraud or deception: If ILR was obtained through false representations
- National security: Involvement in activities threatening UK security
- Complete qualifying residence period (typically 5 years)
- No more than 180 days outside UK in any rolling 12-month period
- Pass Life in the UK test
- Meet English language requirement (B1 level)
- No unspent criminal convictions
- Valid passport and biometric appointment
- Application fee of £2,885 per person
- Supporting documents for your specific route
- Indefinite Leave to Remain grants permanent residence in the UK with unrestricted work rights
- Most ILR routes require 5 years of continuous residence (10 years for long residence)
- The 180-day absence rule is calculated on a rolling 12-month basis since January 2018
- ILR can be lost through 2+ years absence—apply for citizenship to secure permanent status
- You can apply for British citizenship 12 months after obtaining ILR
Frequently Asked Questions About Indefinite Leave to Remain
What is ILR in the UK?
ILR stands for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is the UK's permanent residence status. It allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. ILR holders can access public benefits, sponsor family members for visas, and apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
What are the ILR requirements in the UK?
ILR requirements include completing the qualifying residence period (typically 5 years), not exceeding 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, passing the Life in the UK test, meeting B1 English language proficiency, having no serious criminal convictions, and maintaining valid immigration status throughout the qualifying period.
How long does it take to get indefinite leave to remain?
Most ILR routes require 5 years of continuous residence in the UK. The long residence route requires 10 years. After meeting the residence requirement, standard ILR application processing takes up to 6 months. Priority processing (5 working days) costs an additional £500, and super priority (next working day) costs £1,000 extra.
What is the 180-day rule for ILR?
The 180-day rule means you cannot spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying residence. Since January 2018, this is calculated on a rolling basis, not fixed annual periods. Exceeding this limit may reset your qualifying period or lead to ILR refusal.
What is the difference between ILR and British citizenship?
ILR grants permanent residence but can be lost after 2 years absence from the UK or through serious criminal convictions. British citizenship is truly permanent, allows you to obtain a British passport, provides full voting rights, and cannot be revoked under normal circumstances. You can apply for citizenship 12 months after obtaining ILR.
How much does ILR cost in 2026?
The ILR application fee in 2026 is £2,885 per person, including dependents applying at the same time. Priority processing adds £500 for a 5 working day decision, while super priority adds £1,000 for a next working day decision. You will also need to pay for the Life in the UK test (£50) and English test if required.
Can I lose my ILR status?
Yes, ILR can be lost if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years, through deportation following serious criminal convictions, if it was obtained through fraud or deception, or for national security reasons. To secure permanent status, consider applying for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months.
What are the benefits of ILR in the UK?
ILR benefits include unrestricted right to work in any job, access to public funds and benefits, eligibility for NHS treatment, ability to sponsor family members for visas, children born in the UK automatically becoming British citizens, access to home student fees, and eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months.