Indefinite Leave To Remain As A Refugee (5-Year Route)

If you are granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK after spending 5 years as a refugee or as humanitarian protection. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a common way to settle in the UK. It is also known as ‘settlement’.

To discuss your ILR application as a refugee with our immigration lawyers, you can call our experienced visa lawyers on 01614644140 or 07827126843. You can book an appointment with our immigration lawyers to discuss your indefinite leave to remain application under Refugee status.

ILR allows you to live, work or study in the UK without any immigration restrictions. You may be able to apply for the benefits if eligible. UK immigration rules and requirements are subject to change, so it is always best to consult with a qualified immigration solicitor for the most up-to-date information.

Can a Refugee Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

As one of the leading firms in the UK for asylum and refugee law, we frequently receive enquiries about whether refugees can apply for indefinite leave to remain. The answer is yes, refugees can indeed apply for ILR. This article will explain how this can be accomplished after getting refugee status in the UK, as well as what to anticipate in terms of the waiting period for refugee ILR.

A person with Humanitarian Protection has also fled their country because they are at risk of serious harm. He or she will be granted five years’ leave to remain. After five years he or she can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

What are the requirements to apply for ILR as a refugee?

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK as a refugee, you must meet certain requirements. These include:

  • You must have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection by the UK government;
  • You must have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years;
  • You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the five-year period;

Eligibility requirements for settlement as a refugee

The applicant must have spent a continuous period of at least five years in the UK with either:

  • refugee status; or
  • humanitarian protection.

What documents are required to apply for ILR as a refugee?

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK as a refugee, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – This is proof of your legal right to stay in the UK as a refugee and will be issued to you when you are granted refugee status.
  • Passport or travel document – You will need to provide a valid passport or travel document to prove your identity.
  • Home Office letter – The Home Office will send you a letter confirming your refugee status. You will need to include a copy of this letter with your ILR application.
  • Evidence of residence – You will need to provide evidence that you have been living in the UK since being granted refugee status. This can include things like utility bills, bank statements, and rental agreements.

How much does it cost to apply for ILR as a refugee?

There’s no fee if you have protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection) or Section 67 Leave. This will also apply to your partner or child.

If you have Discretionary Leave it costs £2,885 for you and each other person you include in your application. You’ll each need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken – there’s no fee for this.

Refugee ILR waiting time

Many clients ask us about refugee ILR waiting time. Generally, ILR applications as refugee takes 6 months.

If you have Discretionary Leave and you paid to use the ‘super priority service’, you’ll get a decision within 2 working days. Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Family Reunion

If you have received refugee status, you can apply to have your family members join you in the UK. This process is called ‘Family Reunion’. 

What happens If your application for indefinite leave to remain is refused

If you have protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection) or Discretionary Leave, you might still be able to stay in the UK. Your decision letter will explain what you’ve been offered instead of indefinite leave to remain.

If you have Section 67 leave, you will need to apply for another form of leave (for example, a visa) to stay in the UK.

How soon can I apply for indefinite leave to remain as a refugee?

Applications should be made in the last month of an individual’s permission to stay.

Continuing status requirement for settlement for a person on a protection route

The applicant’s refugee status or humanitarian protection must not have been revoked or renounced.

Ask our Expert Legal Team For ILR As A Refugee

Choosing the right and best immigration lawyer for your immigration needs can be stressful. While it could seem like a difficult choice, let us simplify things for you. Here are a few good reasons why you should choose Deluxe Law Chambers to assist you with your UK visas and immigration matters.

We have offices in London and Manchester. However, we provide immigration advice and services nationwide.

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  • REGULATED – We are regulated and approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to provide immigration advice & services.
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