Check If You Can Get Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to settle in the UK permanently. Also called settlement, ILR gives you the right to:
✅ Live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions.
✅ Apply for benefits if eligible.
✅ Use ILR as a pathway to British citizenship.
Your eligibility for ILR depends on your visa type and how long you have lived in the UK.
Who Should Check Their ILR Eligibility?
You may be eligible if you are:
🔹 Working in the UK on a valid visa.
🔹 Living with family members who are UK citizens or settled persons.
🔹 A long-term UK resident (10+ years).
🔹 A Commonwealth citizen with ancestry ties.
🔹 A refugee or have humanitarian protection.
ILR Eligibility Based on Work Visas
If you work in the UK, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain. In most cases, you must have lived and worked in the UK for at least 5 years.
ILR Requirements by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Minimum Stay for ILR |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (Tier 2, T2) | 5 years |
| Scale-up Worker | 5 years |
| Global Talent Visa | 3 years |
| Innovator Founder Visa | 3 years |
| Tier 1 Investor/Entrepreneur | 2–3 years |
| International Sportsperson | 5 years |
| Turkish Worker or Businessperson | 5 years |
You may also need to meet salary or financial requirements, depending on your visa type.
How to Apply for ILR on a Work Visa
Read This: Indefinite Leave to Remain for Skilled Worker & T2 Visas
Read This: Indefinite Leave to Remain for Business & Talent Visas
Your application process depends on your visa. Check the official UK government website for the exact steps.
ILR Eligibility Through Family Members
You may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain if you have a family member who is a:
👨👩👧👦 British citizen.
🏠 ILR holder (already settled in the UK).
Who Can Apply?
- Spouses, partners, or children of British citizens or settled persons.
- Individuals whose partner has died.
- Individuals whose relationship ended due to domestic violence.
Your eligibility depends on your current visa and how your family member obtained settlement.
ILR Based on Long Residency (10-Year Rule)
If you have lived in the UK continuously for 10 years, you may apply for ILR under the long residency route.
🔹 You must have valid visas covering your entire stay.
🔹 You must not have left the UK for more than 540 days in total during these 10 years.
💡 If your visa is based on private life, you may need to apply through a different process.
ILR for Commonwealth Citizens
Some Commonwealth citizens can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if they:
✅ Have lived in the UK for 5 years on a UK Ancestry visa.
✅ Have Right of Abode (no immigration restrictions).
Windrush Scheme
If you arrived in the UK before 1 January 1973, you might already have settled status and could apply for British citizenship through the Windrush scheme.
Other Ways to Qualify for ILR
You may also be eligible if you:
🔹 Are a refugee or have humanitarian protection.
🔹 Previously had ILR but left the UK and are now returning.
🔹 Served in the UK Armed Forces.
If you leave the UK for 2 years or more, your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will expire. To return, you’ll need to apply for a Returning Resident visa.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, you can seek immigration advice from Citizens Advice or an immigration lawyer.
Source / Ref.: Gov.uk Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.
