Indefinite Leave to Remain allows you live in the UK without time limits, after a qualifying period on routes – Skilled Worker, Spouse/Partner (5 years), Global Talent (3–5 years), Innovator Founder (3 years), or Long Residence (10 years)
Key takeaways
- Know your route & timeline: Most work and family routes qualify after 5 years; Global Talent/Innovator Founder may qualify after 3 years; Long Residence is 10 years lawful residence
- Pass KOLL: You will usually need B1 English and the Life in the UK Test (with limited exemptions)
- Mind the 180-day rule: For most ILR routes, keep absences less than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. Track and evidence trips.
- Salary & role checks (work routes): At ILR you must still meet your route’s salary/role rules (e.g., Skilled Worker “going rate”/general threshold, with route-specific nuances)
- Clean compliance history: No breaches/overstays; disclose convictions; keep Appendix D-style records if sponsored.
Unsure if you qualify? Get a quick expert assessment.
What is the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK without time limits and is a step toward British citizenship (usually after 12 months, if eligible). It requires meeting time, continuous residence, English + Life in the UK, and route-specific rules.
Who can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (and when)?
Typical qualifying periods (not exhuastive):
- Skilled Worker: 5 years continuous residence, meeting the route’s salary/role rules at ILR.
- Spouse/Partner (Appendix FM): 5 years on the 5-year route (10-year route possible where rules weren’t met earlier). → Start here: UK Spouse Visa (Appendix FM)
- Global Talent: 3 years (for certain endorsements/prize route) or 5 years otherwise. → See: Complete Guide to the Global Talent Visa (2025) and British Academy Endorsement Guide
- Innovator Founder: 3 years with qualifying business growth and fresh endorsement.
- Long Residence: 10 years lawful & continuous residence under Appendix Long Residenc
Elibility tequirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (at a glance)
You will need to meet your route-specific requirements, including:
- Continuous residence: No absences of 180 days or more in any rolling 12-month period (exceptions apply—keep evidence). → Learn more: Guide to the 180-Day ILR Rule
- KOLL: B1 English + Life in the UK Test (unless exempt by age/condition/qualification).
- Route-specific rules: e.g., salary/going rate (Skilled Worker), endorsement & business criteria (Innovator Founder/Global Talent), relationship (Spouse).
- Suitability: good character, no serious breaches/overstays, taxes in order.
Read more
Get specialist advice for your ILR application
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. Call us now on +44(0)2034799979 or email: info@ukvisagateway.com
Document checklist for ILR application
Applications are submitted online on the UKVI website.
- Passport(s) and BRP/eVisa details.
- Absence evidence (travel history, employer letters, boarding passes where needed).
- English + Life in the UK Test proof.
- Route-specific items:
- Skilled Worker: employer letter confirming role, SOC code, salary, continuity.
- Global Talent/Innovator Founder: endorsement evidence meeting ILR criteria.
- Spouse: proof you’re still in a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Read more: How to meet the Financial requirements for ILR
ILR Application Process
- Check eligibility & route (with us).
- Absence audit & KOLL (book Life in the UK; line up B1 SELT if needed).
- Evidence pack (appendix-compliant; employer/endorser letters where relevant).
- Apply online → biometrics/eVisa.
- Decision & status update → switch to eVisa only (BRPs are being phased out).
- Post-ILR planning: citizenship timing, travel, dependants.
ILR Fees
Home Office fees for ILR is currently £3,029. Fees change frequently, check most updated fees on GOV.UK. No IHS for ILR applications.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Absence miscounts → maintain a dated log + employer travel letters.
- Missing KOLL → book Life in the UK and B1 SELT early; keep certificates together.
- Salary shortfall (work routes) → confirm going rate/general threshold at ILR before filing.
- Endorsement gaps (accelerated routes) → ensure your Innovator/Global Talent endorsement meets settlement criteria, not just extension.
How we can help
Gateway Immigration Services can help you navigate the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application process smoothly and efficiently. Our experienced team will ensure your application meets all the necessary requirements, maximizing your chances of success.
- Precision eligibility mapping – we review your situation and flag any gaps early, whether you are on the 5-year vs 3-year vs 10-year ILR route
- Absence & risk audit – We reconcile passport stamps, travel, and payslips against Appendix Continuous Residence
- Quality control – thorough review before submission
- Submission & follow-through – Clean forms and Home Office ready submission pack
Get specialist advice for your ILR application
Book a confidential consultation with our UK immigration experts today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need the Life in the UK Test and English at ILR?
Usually yes: B1 English and Life in the UK Test (unless exempt).
What’s the 180-day rule?
For most ILR routes, you must not be absent for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying period. Some exceptions apply.
Can I qualify after 3 years?
Yes, on certain routes like Global Talent (specific endorsements/prize route) and Innovator Founder (if endorsement criteria for settlement are met).
What about ILR after Skilled Worker?
You’ll need 5 years continuous residence and to meet the route’s salary/role rules at ILR; we verify your going rate before filing.
Is there a 10-year option?
Yes—Long Residence allows ILR after 10 years of lawful, continuous residence (with KOLL, suitability, etc.).
Can ILR status be revoked?
While Indefinite Leave to Remain provides a high degree of security and stability, it is not an absolute or irrevocable status. The Home Office has the power to revoke or curtail a person’s ILR in certain circumstances, such as:
Providing false information or documents in the ILR application
Receiving a custodial sentence of 12 months or more
Spending excessive periods of time outside the UK
Engaging in deception, illegal activity or other conduct deemed “not conducive to the public good”
If your ILR status is revoked, you may be required to leave the UK, unless you are able to apply for and be granted an alternative form of leave to remain. Our immigration advisors can provide guidance if you are at risk of ILR revocation.
What can I do if my ILR application is refused?
If your Indefinite Leave to Remain application is refused by the Home Office, you have the right to appeal the decision. You must act quickly, as you only have 14 calendar days from the date of the refusal decision to submit your appeal. There are a few options:
Administrative review: You can apply for an administrative review of the decision, which involves the Home Office reconsidering the original decision.
Appeal to the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal: You can appeal the refusal to the independent Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal.
Judicial review: As a last resort, you may be able to apply for a judicial review of the Home Office decision through the courts.
Author
Tochi Okoronkwo
Tochi is an IAA certified immigration adviser with expert knowledge of UK Immigration Law and a genuine desire to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
