Guide to Obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK

 

Understanding Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is your ticket to settling in the UK permanently. It allows you to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and to access public funds if eligible. ILR can also be a stepping stone to British citizenship.

 

Eligibility Paths

EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizens

Consider applying for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

 

Working in the UK

Eligibility may depend on your work visa type:

  General Rule

Typically requires 5 years of living and working in the UK.

  Special Visas

For Tier 1, Innovator Founder, or Global Talent visas, the requirement may be reduced to 2-3 years, with certain financial criteria.

Family in the UK

If you have a partner, parent, child, or another relative with British citizenship or ILR, you might be eligible. Specific requirements vary based on your visa and the family member's status.

 Special Circumstances

Eligibility may also arise from the death of a partner or separation due to domestic violence.

Long-term Residents

If you've lived in the UK for 10 years or more, you might have a pathway to ILR.

Commonwealth Citizens

Those on a UK Ancestry visa living in the UK for 5 years, or those with ‘right of abode’, may apply. The Windrush scheme offers another route to citizenship.

Additional Categories

Refugees, individuals with humanitarian protection, Discretionary Leave, returning residents, and armed forces members also have routes to ILR.

 

Application Process

The process varies depending on your visa type and circumstances, including whether you:

- Hold a work-related visa (such as Tier 2, T2, International Sportsperson, Skilled Worker, Scale-up Worker, Global Talent, Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Investor, Innovator Founder, represent an overseas business, have a Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa, or are a private servant/domestic worker in a diplomatic household).

- Are applying through family connections.

- Have lived in the UK for an extended period.

- Are applying through other special routes.

 

Next Steps

1. Identify Your Path

Determine which eligibility category fits your situation.

 

2. Gather Documentation

Collect necessary evidence for your application, including proof of relationship, financial stability, and residency duration.

 

3. Apply

We will follow the specific application process for your category.

 

Achieving Your UK Settlement Dreams

Securing ILR is a significant milestone towards making the UK your permanent home. Whether you're working here, have family ties, or have spent many years in the country, understanding the various routes to ILR can help you navigate the process effectively.

 

Contact us

Get in touch with us today to discuss your immigration needs and take the first step towards a new chapter in the UK.