The Ultimate Guide to UK Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) offers stability, security, and a pathway to full citizenship for those who have made the UK their home.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2025, from eligibility requirements and application processes to the benefits it offers and pathways to citizenship.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain, often referred to as ILR or ‘settlement’, is an immigration status that allows non-British citizens to live and work in the United Kingdom without any time restrictions. Unlike temporary visas that require periodic renewals and come with various limitations, ILR grants you the freedom to live, work, study, and access public services in the UK indefinitely.

ILR is not the same as British citizenship, though it is often a prerequisite step toward naturalization. While ILR offers many of the same rights as citizenship, there are important differences, particularly regarding voting rights, passport eligibility, and overseas travel restrictions.

Benefits of Obtaining ILR

Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain offers numerous advantages that significantly enhance your life in the UK:

• Permanent Residence: Live in the UK without time restrictions or visa renewals
• Unrestricted Work Rights: Work in any profession, change employers freely, or start your own business
• Access to Education: Study at any level with home fee status at UK educational institutions
• Healthcare Access: Full access to NHS services on the same basis as British citizens
• Public Funds Eligibility: Access to benefits, tax credits, and housing assistance if needed
• Family Security: Children born in the UK to parents with ILR automatically become British citizens
• Path to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen)

Eligibility Requirements for ILR in 2025

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2025, you must meet several core requirements:

1. Continuous Residence

Most applicants need to have lived in the UK for a continuous period, typically 5 years, though this varies depending on your visa category. Some routes, such as Global Talent or Innovator Founder visas, offer accelerated 3-year paths to settlement.

The continuous residence period must be lawful, meaning you must have held valid leave to remain throughout. Any gaps in your immigration status could reset your qualifying period.

Learn how to calculate your continuous residence period for ILR

2. Absence Limitations

During your qualifying period, you must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period. Calculating these absences correctly is crucial, as exceeding this limit could delay your eligibility for ILR.

Some exceptions exist for certain circumstances, such as travel for work purposes or compassionate reasons, but these must be properly documented and explained in your application.

Understand how to manage and document absences for your ILR application

3. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate English language proficiency at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be proven through:

• Passing an approved English language test
• Holding a degree taught in English
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

The specific requirements and acceptable evidence may vary, so it’s important to check the most current guidelines.

Find out which English language tests are accepted for ILR in 2025

4. Life in the UK Test

All applicants between the ages of 18 and 65 must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of British traditions, customs, history, and practical aspects of life in the UK. The test consists of 24 questions, and you need to answer at least 18 correctly to pass.

5. Good Character Requirement

You must meet the good character requirement, which means having no serious criminal convictions, not breaching immigration laws, and being honest in your dealings with UK authorities. This includes declaring all relevant information in your application.

Understand what the good character requirement means for your ILR application

6. Visa-Specific Requirements

Depending on your current visa category, additional requirements may apply. For example:

• Skilled Worker visa holders: Meeting minimum salary thresholds
• Family visa holders: Proving ongoing relationship with your sponsor
• Entrepreneur or Investor visa holders: Meeting investment or business criteria

Check the specific ILR requirements for your visa category

Different Pathways to ILR

There are multiple routes to obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, each with its own specific requirements and timelines:

Work-Based Routes

• Skilled Worker visa: 5 years of continuous residence
• Global Talent visa: 3 or 5 years, depending on endorsement
• Innovator Founder visa: 3 years
• Representative of an Overseas Business: 5 years
• Scale-up Worker visa: 5 years

Explore all work-based routes to ILR in detail

Family-Based Routes

• Spouse or Partner visa: 5 years
• Parent visa: 5 years
• Child dependent: Varies based on circumstances
• Adult dependent relative: Usually immediate ILR upon entry

Learn about family routes to settlement in the UK

Long Residence Route

If you’ve lived in the UK legally for 10 continuous years, you may qualify for ILR through the long residence route, regardless of which visas you’ve held during that time.

Understand the 10-year long residence route to ILR

Other Routes

• UK Ancestry: 5 years
• Refugee status or humanitarian protection: 5 years
• Returning residents: For those who previously held ILR
• Victims of domestic violence: Special provisions apply
• Bereaved partners: Special provisions apply

Discover specialized routes to UK settlement

The ILR Application Process in 2025

Application Forms

The specific form you need depends on your current immigration status. Most applicants use:

• SET(O): For work, long residence, and other routes
• SET(M): For family routes
• SET(DV): For victims of domestic violence

Applications are primarily made online through the UK government website, though paper applications are available in certain circumstances

Documentation Requirements

A successful ILR application requires comprehensive documentation. Essential documents include:

• Current and previous passports
• Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable)
• Proof of continuous residence (bank statements, utility bills, etc.)
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Life in the UK test pass certificate
• Evidence specific to your visa category

Application Fees

As of April 2025, the standard fee for an ILR application is £3,029 per person, including dependents. Additional costs include:

• Biometric enrollment fee
• Immigration Health Surcharge (refunded if your application is successful)
• Optional priority services for faster processing

Processing Times

Standard ILR applications typically take 6-8 months to process. Priority services are available at additional cost:

• Priority service: Decision within 5 working days
• Super Priority service: Decision by the end of the next working day

Life After ILR

Once you’ve secured Indefinite Leave to Remain, it’s important to understand how to maintain your status and what rights you now have.

Can You Lose ILR Status?

ILR can be lost if you:

• Spend more than 2 consecutive years outside the UK
• Commit serious criminal offenses
• Obtain settlement or citizenship in another country

Traveling with ILR

With ILR, you can travel freely in and out of the UK, but should be mindful of the 2-year absence rule. Your Biometric Residence Permit serves as evidence of your right to re-enter the UK.

Path to British Citizenship

Most ILR holders become eligible to apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months. If you’re married to a British citizen, you may be able to apply immediately after obtaining ILR.

Citizenship requirements include:

• Meeting residence requirements
• Passing the Life in the UK test
• Meeting the English language requirement
• Being of good character

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Many applicants face challenges during the ILR process. Common issues include:

• Gaps in continuous residence documentation
• Exceeding absence limitations
• Meeting financial requirements
• Navigating complex application forms

In conclusion

Obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain is a significant achievement that offers security, stability, and a foundation for your future in the UK. While the process can be complex, understanding the requirements and preparing thoroughly will maximize your chances of success.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey toward settlement or are ready to submit your application, this guide provides the essential information you need to navigate the process confidently in 2025.