Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Applications 2025 (Requirements And Documents)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a UK immigration status that allows an individual to live and work in the UK without restrictions. Think of it as a stepping stone to permanent residency and, potentially, British citizenship. It costs £2,885 to apply for ILR. This fee applies to both the main applicant and any dependents. to apply for ILR.

ILR essentially means you’re no longer subject to immigration controls. It’s a way for long-term residents to solidify their status, ensuring they can stay indefinitely.

Solicitors For Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) online

If you are looking to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain status, our highly experienced team of immigration lawyers can provide you with the help and guidance you need. Indefinite Leave to Remain enables a person to live in the UK without any restrictions, and is the first step towards becoming a British Citizen.

Here’s a detailed list of the documents typically required for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application in the UK:

What documents are required for an ILR application?

You will need to provide for ILR applications:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document
  • Your current passport or travel document, as well as any previous passports used during your qualifying period in the UK.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Card
  • If you’ve been issued a BRP card, you must include it as part of your application.
• English Language Proof
  • A certificate from an approved English Language Test (e.g., IELTS for UKVI) at the required level.
  • Alternatively, evidence of a UK degree taught in English or proof that your degree is recognized as equivalent to a UK qualification and was taught in English.
• Life in the UK Test Certificate
  • A pass certificate showing you’ve successfully completed the Life in the UK test.
• Evidence of Continuous Residence
  • Documents to prove you’ve lived in the UK continuously, such as utility bills, council tax statements, or official correspondence over the qualifying period.
• Absence Records
  • A detailed list of all absences from the UK during the qualifying period, including dates, destinations, and reasons for travel.
• Proof of Employment or Self-Employment
  • For employed applicants: Employer letters, payslips, and employment contracts.
  • For self-employed applicants: Tax returns, invoices, and evidence of ongoing business activity.
• Accommodation Details
  • Documents to prove where you live, such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord.
• Evidence of Financial Stability
  • Recent bank statements, pay slips (covering the past 6 months), or other proof showing you can financially support yourself without public funds.

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Spouse or Partner Proof: If applying as a partner, include marriage certificates or proof of cohabitation (e.g., joint utility bills or council tax).
• Child’s Documents: If applying for dependents, provide birth certificates and proof of their residence in the UK.
• Previous Visa Documents: Evidence of your past visas and any associated correspondence with UKVI.

To ensure your application is complete and tailored to your individual situation, contact us today for expert guidance and a comprehensive list of supporting documents. We are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Requirements for Indefinite Leave To Remain

To qualify for ILR, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Continuous Residence
   • You must have lived continuously in the UK for the required qualifying period.*
2. Good Character
   • Applicants must not have a criminal record or immigration violations.
3. Life in the UK Test
   • You need to pass the Life in the UK test to demonstrate your knowledge of British culture and history.
4. English Language Proficiency
   • Prove your knowledge of the English language at level B1, B2, C1, or C2.
5. Absence Limit
   • You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period.

* The required period varies depending on your visa type. Most visas, like the Skilled Worker or Spouse Visa, require five years of residence. Others, such as the Global Talent or Innovator Founder Visa, allow ILR applications after three years.

When Can You Apply for ILR?

Five-Year Route

• The majority of visa holders (e.g., Skilled Worker, Spouse, Ancestry Visa) can apply after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
• Switching visas might affect eligibility, and the 5-year period may reset depending on visa types.

Ten-Year Long-Residence Route

• Available to those who have lawfully resided in the UK for 10 years, regardless of visa type.

Accelerated Route

• Available to Innovator, Global Talent, and certain business visa holders after 2 or 3 years, depending on specific criteria like business growth or investment level.

How to Apply for ILR?

• Complete the appropriate online ILR application form.
• Pay the ILR application and biometric residence permit (BRP) fees.
• Book an appointment at TLS Contact Centre centre for biometrics.
• Upload required documents online or present them during your appointment.
• Await a decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Application Processing Times

• Standard Service: Up to 6 months.
• Priority Service: 5 working days (£500).
• Super Priority Service: 1-2 working days (£1,000).

Different Routes To Apply For Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR)

If you have been lawfully living in the UK under a settlement route, you will be able to apply for ILR / Settlement once you complete the qualifying period.

Our ILR lawyers can help you apply for ILR based on following routes:

1. ILR 10 Years Lawful Residence
2. ILR As A Skilled Worker (5-Year Route)
3. ILR As A Spouse (5 & 10-Year Route)
4. ILR As An Unmarried Partner (5 & 10-Year Route)
5. ILR Child Born In The UK under 7 Years (7-Year Route)
6. ILR As A Parent Of A British Child (5 & 10-Year Route)
7. ILR As An Innovator Founder (3-Year Route)
8. ILR Based On Domestic Violence

How Can Our Solicitors Help with Your ILR Application?

Our team of dedicated immigration solicitors, offers comprehensive assistance with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. Here’s how we can support you:

• Ensuring Accuracy and Completeness
  • By preparing a complete and accurate application, our solicitors can help minimise the risk of delays or unnecessary rejections from the Home Office.
• Clarifying ILR Requirements
  • We explain the ILR eligibility criteria clearly and help you understand the steps you need to take to meet these requirements.
• Addressing Complex Issues
  • If your application involves challenges such as gaps in your residence or excessive absences from the UK, we provide tailored legal strategies to overcome these hurdles effectively.
• Document Preparation and Organisation
  • We assist you in gathering, reviewing, and organising all necessary documents, ensuring nothing is overlooked or incorrect.
• Accurate Form Completion and Submission
  • Our team meticulously fills out your ILR application forms and submits them on your behalf, ensuring compliance with all Home Office requirements.
• Comprehensive Legal Representation
  • We manage all legal work related to your ILR application from start to finish, keeping you informed throughout the process and representing you until a decision is made by the Home Office.

ILR 180 day rule

The continuous residence requirement, often known as the ILR 180 day rule, states that applicants must not have spent more than 180 days outside of the UK in any 12-month period before to completing their ILR application.

Why Choose Us For Your ILR Application?

Frequently Asked Questions For ILR