ILR status in UK

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Publication date: 29.08.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I have been living in the UK for almost 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa and I am now planning to apply for ILR. Could you explain what kind of legal assistance a solicitor can provide during this process to make sure I meet all the requirements and avoid mistakes?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

22.08.2025 12:01:25 Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is a significant step, and it's crucial to ensure that your application is accurate and complete. Engaging a solicitor can provide valuable assistance throughout this process. Here's how a solicitor can help: 1. **Eligibility Assessment**: A solicitor will review your immigration history and current status to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for ILR. This includes checking your continuous residence, absence limits, and compliance with visa conditions over the past five years. 2. **Document Preparation**: Solicitors can guide you on the necessary documents required for your application, ensuring that you have all relevant evidence such as employment records, proof of earnings, and any documentation related to absences from the UK. 3. **Application Form Guidance**: Completing the ILR application form accurately is crucial. A solicitor can help you fill out the form correctly, minimizing errors that could delay processing or lead to refusal. 4. **Legal Advice**: If there are any complex issues in your immigration history (e.g., previous refusals or overstays), a solicitor can provide legal advice on how these might impact your application and suggest ways to address them. 5. **Representation**: Should any issues arise during the processing of your application, a solicitor can act on your behalf in communications with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). 6. **Interview Preparation**: Although not common for ILR applications, if an interview is required, solicitors can help prepare you by discussing potential questions and advising on how to present your case effectively. 7. **Biometric Appointment Assistance**: Solicitors can assist in scheduling and preparing for your biometric appointment, ensuring you understand what is required at this stage. 8. **Updates on Immigration Rules**: Immigration laws frequently change; a solicitor will keep you informed about any changes affecting ILR applications so that you remain compliant with current requirements. 9. **Appeals and Judicial Reviews**: In case of an unfavorable decision, a solicitor can advise on possible appeals or judicial reviews if applicable. While hiring a solicitor involves additional costs, their expertise can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful application by helping avoid common pitfalls and ensuring all aspects of your case are thoroughly addressed.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

22.08.2025 13:38:57 A solicitor can provide comprehensive legal assistance for your ILR application. They will review your continuous residence and ensure all absences from the UK comply with Home Office rules, verify that your employment and salary meet Skilled Worker requirements, and check that your English language and Life in the UK test evidence is correct. The solicitor can also organize, review, and submit your documents, flag potential issues, and provide guidance on addressing gaps or inconsistencies, reducing the risk of refusal and increasing your chances of a successful ILR application.

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Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

22.08.2025 13:42:04 A solicitor can assist you throughout the ILR application process to ensure you meet all Home Office requirements and reduce the risk of refusal. They will first assess your eligibility, checking your residence history, visa status, absences, and employment records. Then, they help gather and prepare all necessary documents, including payslips, bank statements, tenancy agreements, and proof of continuous residence. They will review your application forms and supporting evidence, correcting errors or inconsistencies, and advise on exceptions if you had short absences abroad. The solicitor can also communicate with the Home Office on your behalf and respond to any additional requests. Finally, they identify potential risks and ensure all financial, employment, and English language requirements are fully met, increasing your chances of a successful ILR application.

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