Indefinite Leave to Remain

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Publication date: 28.08.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “"I’ve been living in the UK for over five years — can you help me understand if I’m eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?"”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

21.08.2025 10:16:44 Certainly! Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a type of permanent residency in the UK that allows you to live and work there without any time restrictions. To determine if you're eligible, consider the following general criteria: 1. **Continuous Residence**: You must have lived in the UK continuously for a certain period, typically five years, under a qualifying visa category. Some categories might require longer periods. 2. **Qualifying Visa Categories**: Common visa categories that can lead to ILR include: - Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker - Spouse or Partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK - Ancestry Visa - Certain types of Tier 1 visas 3. **Absences from the UK**: During your qualifying period, you should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. 4. **Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK**: You need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements unless exempted. 5. **Good Character Requirement**: You must not have any serious criminal convictions or immigration offenses. 6. **Financial Requirements**: Depending on your visa category, you may need to meet specific financial criteria. 7. **Application Timing**: You can usually apply for ILR up to 28 days before you reach your qualifying residence period. It's important to verify these requirements against your specific circumstances and current immigration rules as they can change over time. Consulting with an immigration advisor or lawyer could provide personalized guidance based on your situation.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

22.08.2025 11:13:15 If you have been living in the UK for over five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but eligibility depends on your visa type, continuous residence, and compliance with immigration rules. Key points: Continuous lawful residence: usually no more than 180 days outside the UK per year. Short, reasonable absences may be acceptable. Visa type: ILR eligibility varies for Skilled Worker, Spouse Visa, EUSS, and other routes. Knowledge of Life in the UK & English: you must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements, unless exempt. Document preparation: proof of residence, employment, finances, and any dependants’ details. Legal guidance: a solicitor can review your history, ensure all documentation is complete, address any gaps, and help respond to Home Office queries, increasing your chances of success.

BASE (basic) 2.11

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

22.08.2025 13:06:17 If you have been living in the UK for over five years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but it depends on your visa type and circumstances. A solicitor can: Review your residence history to confirm continuous lawful stay and identify any short absences that might affect eligibility. Check visa-specific requirements, such as financial thresholds, English language, and Life in the UK test. Prepare and organise documents, including passports, payslips, bank statements, tenancy agreements, and letters from employers. Guide you through the application and respond to Home Office requests, minimising the risk of refusal.

PREMIUM 3.01

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

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