
Indefinite Leave to Remain, Manchester, Lawyer
Greetings 👋
My name is Alexander, I am your personal manager. Let me help you!

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I am officially working in the UK on a 1 year work visa. I have Israeli citizenship. Should I renew my work visa for 1 year or get an Indefinite Leave to Remain. Which option is better and can I get the ILR already?”
We wanna share the answer from our specialists:
11.08.2025 12:53:46 The decision between renewing your work visa and applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK depends on several factors, including your long-term plans, eligibility, and personal circumstances. ### Eligibility for ILR: 1. **Time in the UK**: Generally, you need to have lived in the UK for at least 5 continuous years on certain types of visas before you can apply for ILR. Since you mentioned that you are on a 1-year work visa, it's unlikely that you meet the residency requirement unless you've been in the UK under another eligible visa category prior. 2. **Visa Category**: Certain visa categories lead to ILR more directly than others. You should check if your current visa type is one that counts towards ILR. 3. **Other Requirements**: You will also need to meet other criteria such as demonstrating knowledge of English language and life in the UK, having no criminal record, and maintaining continuous residence without excessive absences from the UK. ### Renewing Your Work Visa: - If you're not yet eligible for ILR, renewing your work visa might be necessary to maintain your legal status in the UK. - Consider whether your employer is willing to continue sponsoring your visa. - Check if there are any changes or updates needed for your application based on current immigration rules. ### Which Option is Better? - **Long-term Plans**: If you plan to stay in the UK permanently or long-term, working towards ILR would be beneficial once you're eligible. - **Current Eligibility**: Since it seems you're not yet eligible for ILR due to time requirements, renewing your work visa may be necessary until you qualify. - **Cost and Process**: Consider the cost and complexity of each option. Applying for ILR can be more expensive and involved than a simple renewal of a work visa. In conclusion, if you're not currently eligible for ILR due to residency requirements or other criteria, renewing your work visa would likely be your best option until you qualify for ILR. It's advisable to consult with an immigration advisor or solicitor who can provide guidance specific to your situation and ensure compliance with current immigration laws.
18.08.2025 09:55:16 Since you are on a 1-year work visa in the UK with Israeli citizenship, you are not yet eligible for ILR, which generally requires 5 years of lawful residence under most work routes like Skilled Worker. Therefore, your immediate option is to renew or extend your work visa to maintain legal status. Renewing your visa allows you to continue working, ensures your residence counts toward the 5-year qualifying period for ILR, and keeps your immigration history continuous. ILR provides permanent residence and more flexibility, but you must first meet eligibility requirements, including continuous lawful residence, employment, and meeting salary thresholds. Recommendation: Extend your work visa before it expires, maintain accurate records of employment, income, and residence, and plan to apply for ILR after completing the required period. Legal guidance can help ensure your extension is smooth and prepare you for a future ILR application without errors.
18.08.2025 11:38:17 Since you are on a 1-year work visa and hold Israeli citizenship, you are not yet eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To apply for ILR in the UK, you generally need continuous lawful residence for 5 years on a qualifying visa, such as Skilled Worker or certain family visas. Your options: Renew your work visa: If you have not reached 5 years, you must extend or switch your current visa to remain lawfully in the UK. Apply for ILR: Only possible after completing the required 5-year period, meeting continuous residence, absence limits, English language requirements, and Life in the UK Test. A Manchester-based lawyer can: Review your visa history and absences to plan your path to ILR. Ensure all documents are prepared for future ILR applications. Advise on whether any gaps, breaches, or short trips could affect eligibility. In your case, renewing the work visa is necessary until you meet the ILR criteria.

It could be interesting
Similar services and articles

receive a service
In the CONSULTANT mobile app
As a Client, you are freed from all financial risks when collaborating with Contractors, as the payment amount is reserved by our service and is paid to the Contractor only after receiving confirmation from you about the completion of the stage.
If the service is not provided, the funds are returned to you. The service takes on all financial risks and acts as a guarantor and custodian of funds, and in case of disputes between the parties, acts as an independent Arbitrator.
Your money is in safe hands!
