A1.13 Applying for ILR/PR¶
How to Apply for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – September 2025 Update
What is ILR?
UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), officially termed indefinite leave to remain (abbreviated as ILR) and commonly known as settlement or permanent residence (PR), grants the holder the right to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions.
Equivalent in the US: Permanent Resident Card
In Australia and Canada: Permanent Resident
If You Already Hold ILR or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE)
If you have been granted ILR or ILE, your stay in the UK is no longer subject to time limits. If you have made the UK your home, you are considered "settled in the UK."
If You Cannot Provide Proof of ILR
If you believe you have ILR status but cannot provide documentary evidence, you may submit a No Time Limit (NTL) application to obtain confirmation of your status in the form of an eVisa.
You can apply for NTL if:
The passport containing your ILR status or a previous NTL endorsement has been lost, stolen, or has expired.
You have ILR but lack any documentary evidence.
You have legally changed your status after obtaining ILR and require official confirmation.
Windrush Scheme
If you or your parents were settled in the UK by 1 January 1973, or arrived before 1988, check if you are eligible to apply for status confirmation under the Windrush Scheme.
Holders of 'Settled Status' under the EU Settlement Scheme
If you obtained ILR through the EU Settlement Scheme, you generally do not need to apply for additional proof. The Home Office will send a link via email to an online service where you can view and prove your status.
For details on your rights, see the EU Settlement Scheme guide:
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/what-settled-and-presettled-status-means
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
If you are settled in the UK and still hold a BRP card, note that physical BRP cards have now been phased out. If yours is still within its validity period, it is recommended to replace it with an eVisa as soon as possible. A biometric residence document will usually bear one of the following endorsements:
"Indefinite leave to enter"
"No time limit"
Important Notes Regarding BRPs and eVisas:
All BRP cards are now expired, but under specific circumstances, they may continue to be used for up to 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card.
The Home Office is gradually replacing physical documents like BRPs with online immigration status records (eVisas).
If your permission to stay is longer than your BRP's expiry date, you need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa (this is not set up automatically).
Keep your expired BRP safe, as it may assist with future visa applications.
Update your UKVI account details promptly if your name, gender, or facial appearance changes significantly.
If your BRP is lost or stolen in the UK: You must report it to the Home Office; the card will be automatically cancelled to protect your identity.
If your BRP is lost or stolen overseas: Report it immediately; you may need to apply for a replacement visa to return to the UK.
Crucial Reminder: Biometric Residence Cards (BRP/BRC) that expired after 31 December 2024 cannot be used to enter the UK from 2 June 2025 onwards. You must use your eVisa as your travel permit.
What Are the Benefits of Obtaining ILR?
Serves as a pathway to British citizenship.
Allows you to reside in the UK without restrictions.
Permits you to work and study freely.
Enables access to certain public funds/benefits.
Entitles settled individuals to free NHS healthcare.
Children born in the UK while you are settled usually automatically become British citizens.
Note: ILR is a right of residence in the UK but does not confer the right to vote; this generally requires British citizenship.
Important Considerations Regarding Absences After Gaining ILR
If you leave the UK, Ireland, or the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey) for a single period exceeding 2 years, your ILE or ILR will lapse automatically (the limit is 5 years for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme).
Swiss citizens: Status lapses after 4 consecutive years of absence (same applies to their family members).
If your status lapses, you must apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back to settle in the UK.
Under What Circumstances Can ILR Be Revoked/Cancelled?
Being deported from the UK.
Being liable for deportation but unable to be removed for legal reasons (e.g., protection under the Refugee Convention or European Convention on Human Rights).
Obtaining leave by deception.
Cessation of refugee status.
Exceeding the permitted continuous absence limits.
Reminder: If you leave the UK for a single period exceeding 2 years, your ILR status will lapse automatically. To return, you would need to apply for a Returning Resident visa. Note that there have been historical cases (prior to September 2025) where students successfully retained ILR status despite absences of up to 5 years, but the situation for entries after September 2025 is currently unclear, and the strict 2-year rule is officially enforced.
Main Pathways to ILR (Settlement)
1. Work Route
Individuals holding work visas can generally apply, typically requiring 5 years of continuous residence and work in the UK. Exceptions include:
Some Tier 1 visas: 2 or 3 years.
Innovator Founder or Global Talent visas: 3 years.
Some visas also have specific salary or financial requirements.
Eligibility depends on your visa type, including:
(1) Tier 2, T2, International Sportsperson, or Skilled Worker visa
(2) Scale-up Worker visa
(3) Global Talent, Tier 1 Entrepreneur, or Tier 1 Investor visa
(4) Innovator Founder visa
(5) Representative of an Overseas Business
(6) Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa
(7) Private servant in a diplomatic household or domestic worker with an International Agreement visa
Category | Requirement | Specifics / Exceptions |
Basic Eligibility | Continuous residence for 5 years | 1. Absence limit: No more than 180 days absent in any 12-month period. |
Salary Requirement | Meet minimum threshold & going rate | 1. General threshold: £41,700 per year or the 'going rate' for the occupation, whichever is higher. |
Job Ongoing | Employer certification | Your employer must confirm your job remains necessary and continues to meet salary requirements after you get ILR. |
Language & Life | Pass "Life in the UK" test | Applicants aged 18-64 must pass the test. Usually no need to prove English language again (already met for the visa). |
When to Apply | Apply up to 28 days early | Earliest submission is 28 days before meeting the 5-year residence requirement. Do not wait until current visa expires. |
Application Fee | £3,029 per person | Standard processing is ~6 months. Optional priority services: |
Dependent Applications | Spouse/children can apply together | Spouse: Must have lived continuously with main applicant in the UK as a dependent for 5 years, and pass language & life tests. |
How to Apply (Work Route)
You must apply online:
https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/set-o
You can save the application form and complete it later.
The system will tell you which documents to provide, such as evidence of:
(1) Passing the "Life in the UK Test".
(2) Meeting the salary requirement.
(3) Your job still being required (requires documentation from your employer).
(4) Payment of the relevant fees.
Assisted Digital Help
If you need help with the online application:
https://www.gov.uk/assisted-digital-help-online-applications-evisas
This service is available if you:
(1) Lack confidence using computers or mobile devices.
(2) Do not have internet access.
Important:
(1) This service is only for applications made within the UK.
(2) The service does not provide immigration advice.
After Submitting Your Application
You need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) point to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo). Follow the website prompts after applying online to book this.
You also need to submit supporting documents, either by:
(1) Uploading them yourself via the online service.
(2) Having them scanned by staff at your UKVCAS appointment.
If your application includes children aged 6 and over, they also need to provide biometrics.
Crucial: You must not leave the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man (the Common Travel Area) until you receive a decision, otherwise your application will be treated as withdrawn.
Getting a Decision
You will usually get a decision within 6 months (sometimes weeks, sometimes longer). If you paid for the:
Super Priority service: Decision by the end of the next working day.
Priority service: Decision within 5 working days.
(Working days are Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays).
If your case is complex (e.g., supporting documents need verification, an interview is required, or personal circumstances such as a criminal record), processing may take longer, and the relevant department will contact you.
After Your Application is Approved
You can:
(1) Work or start a business.
(2) Study.
(3) Use public services like healthcare and education.
(4) Claim public funds and pensions.
(5) Apply for British citizenship, usually after holding ILR for 12 months (subject to meeting other requirements).
2. Family Route
You may apply if you have a partner, parent, child, or other relative who is settled in the UK (a British citizen or holds ILR). The specific path depends on your visa type and how your relative is settled. Different rules apply for special circumstances (e.g., death of a partner, relationship breakdown due to domestic violence).
Applicant Category | Eligibility Requirements | Residence Requirement | Financial Requirement | Language & Life Test |
Partner (Family Visa) | Genuine/subsisting relationship; partner settled in UK. | 5-year path: 5 yrs on family visa. | 5-year path: Income ≥£18,600 (if appl. before 11/4/24) or £29,000 (after), + increments for children. | Ages 18-64: Life in UK test & B1 English. |
Partner (Work Visa Dependent) | Genuine/subsisting relationship; partner holds eligible work visa & is settling/applying. | Usually 5 yrs as dependent; absences ≤180 days/12 months. | Adequate maintenance without public funds. | Ages 18-64: Life in UK test & B1 English. |
Parent | Child settled in UK; you have sole parental responsibility. | 5-year path: 5 yrs on parent visa. | 5-year path: Adequate maintenance. | Ages 18-64: Life in UK test & B1 English. |
Child (Family Visa) | Parent settled in UK; financially dependent, not independent. | No specific duration, but must hold valid visa. | Supported by parent(s). | Over 18s require test & English. |
Child (Work Visa Dependent) | Parent holds eligible work visa & is settling/applying. | No specific duration, but must hold valid visa. | Supported by parent(s). | Over 18s require test & English. |
Adult Dependent Relative | Aged 18+; requires long-term care from settled UK relative due to illness/etc. | Must have entered UK with this visa. | Sponsoring relative can support you for ≥5 years. | Not required. |
For all Family Route applications, the process and key requirements are generally similar:
(1) When to Apply: Earliest is 28 days before meeting the residence requirement. Do not wait for current visa to expire.
(2) Application Fee: £3,029 for the applicant and each eligible dependent. Biometric enrolment (fingerprints & photo) is free.
(3) Processing Time: Standard service ~6 months (longer during peaks; can be weeks). Paid priority (5 working days) or super priority (next day) available.
(4) Application Process: Step 1 – Online application via https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/set-o. Step 2 – Book UKVCAS appointment for biometrics and documents. Step 3 – Await decision.
(5) Travel Restriction During Application: Must not leave the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) until decision received, or application is withdrawn.
Reminders for the Family Route:
(1) After obtaining ILR, if you leave the UK for over 2 years, your ILR lapses. A Returning Resident visa is needed to come back.
(2) With ILR, you can work/study/access public services freely, and usually apply for citizenship after 12 months.
(3) Minor children can usually be included in a parent's application. Rules for children over 18 are very strict – must prove they were a dependent before turning 18 and have not lived independently since.
(4) If applying within the UK and you are not confident with computers or lack internet, you can get help with the online form via https://www.gov.uk/assisted-digital-help-online-applications-evisas (this service does not provide immigration advice).
3. 10-Year Long Residence Route
For those with 10 years or more of continuous lawful residence in the UK. (Different paths exist for those with visas based on private life).
Key Points for 10-Year Route:
Requires continuous lawful residence in the UK for 10 years.
Absences must not exceed 180 days in total in any 12-month period.
Lawful residence means holding valid immigration status, with no serious criminal record or major breaches of immigration rules.
The 10-year period is calculated from your date of entry into the UK, not the visa issue date.
Visas that COUNT towards the 10 years: Student visa, Graduate visa, Work visas, time in Isle of Man/Channel Islands.
Visas/periods that DO NOT COUNT: Visitor visa, Short-term Student visa, Seasonal Worker visa, visa-free entry as a visitor, overstaying, immigration bail, temporary admission, or time in prison/detention.
Application Type | Eligibility | Application Fee | Standard Processing | Notes |
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | 10 years continuous lawful residence | £3,029 | 6 months | Permanent settlement, work/study/benefits, can apply for citizenship after ~12 months. |
Limited Leave to Remain (2-year extension) | 10 years continuous lawful residence, but missing other requirements (e.g., language test) | £1,321 | 8 weeks | Get 2 extra years to meet ILR conditions. |
Requirements for 10-Year Route ILR Application:
(1) Must have 10 years continuous lawful residence in the UK without significant breaks.
(2) Must hold a valid permission to stay in the UK at the time of application, and usually have held the current visa for one year.
(3) Must not have been absent for more than 180 days in total in any 12-month period.
(4) Applicants aged 18-65 must: 1) Pass the "Life in the UK" test. 2) Demonstrate English speaking/listening at B1 level.
Note regarding historical absences: For absences before 11 April 2024, the old rules may apply: a single absence of over 184 days or total absences exceeding 548 days could break continuity.
Application Documents & Process (10-Year Route)
Documents
(1) Current passport and all passports used in the last 10 years.
(2) Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – if you have one (note these are phased out, replace with eVisa if possible) – or a share code for your eVisa.
(3) Certified translations for all documents not in English or Welsh. Must be from a translator approved by the visa centre or the visa centre's own translation service.Process
(1) Online Application: Must apply online via the UK government website: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/set-lr
(2) Biometrics Appointment: Attend a UKVCAS service point to provide fingerprints and photo.
(3) Submit Documents: Upload/scan supporting documents online or at your appointment.
(4) Await Result: Do not leave the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, etc.) while application is pending.Priority Service
Pay £1,000 to upgrade to the Super Priority service for a decision by the end of the next working day after biometrics enrolment.
Commonwealth Citizen Route
Commonwealth citizens who have lived in the UK for 5 years holding a UK Ancestry visa can apply. Some Commonwealth citizens have the 'right of abode', allowing them to live and work in the UK without restriction (check eligibility). Some may be eligible to apply directly for citizenship (e.g., via the Windrush Scheme).
Other Potential Routes
You might be eligible to apply for ILR if you are/have:
A refugee, under humanitarian protection, or with discretionary leave.
A returning resident who previously had ILR.
Served in the UK armed forces.
Been granted permission to stay as a stateless person.
Final Reminder: After successfully obtaining ILR, if you leave the UK for a single period exceeding 2 years, your ILR status will lapse automatically. To return to the UK to settle, you will need to apply for a Returning Resident visa. Please be aware that while there were pre-September 2025 cases where students retained ILR despite longer absences (e.g., 5 years), the official and enforced rule is the 2-year limit.
Note: Partners and children cannot be included in your main 10-year long residence application; they must apply separately. They also need to meet the 10-year continuous lawful residence requirement themselves. If your dependants do not qualify under this route, they may apply to stay as the 'dependant of a settled person' after you have successfully obtained ILR.