Indefinite Leave to Remain UK

Man celebrates securing UK indefinite leave to remain.

If you have spent five years in the UK, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). In some cases, it’s possible to apply for leave to remain status after three years of residence in Britain. You can switch to ILR status in the UK from several different visa categories including Tier 1 visas, Tier 2 visas, spouse visas, family visas and more.

Securing indefinite leave to remain status in the UK frees you from immigration restrictions and is a pathway to UK naturalisation and citizenship.

How Our UK Indefinite Leave to Remain Lawyers Can Help

Partnering with us gives you access to some of the top ILR immigration lawyers in the UK. Securing settled status in the UK is a complex legal process, but our team gives you the support you need to give your application the best possible chance of success. You will be assigned a dedicated specialist to process your application.

Our personalised, consultative approach ensures that everything is explained to you and your application is processed quickly and professionally. For a free ILR eligibility assessment, contact us.

Indefinite Leave to Remain Eligibility

Your eligibility to make an ILR application will be specific to your circumstances, including the type of UK visa that you hold. You must have been resident in the UK for a minimum of five years in most cases, but it’s possible to apply for ILR after three years.

Other requirements include:

  • No breach of immigration laws or criminal record during your residence in the UK
  • Time spent outside the UK must not exceed 180 days in a 12-month period during the qualifying period
  • Passing the Life in the UK test
  • Proof that you meet English language requirements

ILR exemptions are available to a child dependent of a UK citizen or with someone who has settled status in the UK. Some refugees are also exempt from having to make an ILR application to remain in the UK. For a free eligibility assessment, contact us.

Making an ILR Application After Five Years in the UK

If you have lived in the UK for five years or more on one of the following visas, you can make an ILR application:

  • Spouse Visa
  • Fiancé/Unmarried Partner Visa
  • Family Visa
  • Tier 1 Investor Visa
  • Tier 2 Visa
  • UK Ancestry Visa

Apply for ILR After Three Years in the UK

Under some circumstances, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK after three years. This is typically available to:

  • Tier 1 Investor Visa holders
  • Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa holders
  • Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa holders
  • UK Global Talent Visa holders
  • UK Innovator Visa holders

Talk to Our Specialist London Indefinite Leave to Remain Immigration Lawyers

If you want to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK for business or personal reasons, talk to our specialist immigration lawyers today.

For more than 20 years, we have helped people settle in Britain to operate their business, work without restrictions or be near family. Call +44 (0)207 629 3633 for a personalised immigration service.


Call us on: +44 (0)20 7629 3633


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