Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications allow individuals to settle in the UK permanently without any time restrictions on their stay. To apply, you must usually have lived in the UK lawfully for a certain number of years (typically 5), meet eligibility requirements including continuous residence, good character, and knowledge of English and life in the UK. Once granted, ILR provides a pathway to British citizenship.
Work Visa to Settlement/ILR
You may be able to settle in the UK permanently if you hold one of the following visas:
- Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, or Tier 2 (General)
- T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
- International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson, or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Indefinite leave to remain is the process of settling in the UK. It’s also referred to as ‘settlement’. It gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, and to apply for benefits if you’re eligible. It can also be used to apply for British citizenship.
‘T2’ visas have replaced ‘Tier 2’ visas. If you have a Tier 2 visa, you may still apply for indefinite leave to remain if you meet the requirements.
Eligibility
You must:
- have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years – there are specific rules on what counts toward your time in the UK
- meet the required salary threshold
- still be required in your job and meet the salary requirements after obtaining indefinite leave to remain – a document from your employer (sponsor) will be needed to confirm this
If you’re not eligible under a T2, Skilled Worker, or Health and Care Worker visa, there may be alternative routes to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Knowledge of language and life in the UK
If you’re aged between 18 and 64, you must book and pass the Life in the UK Test.
You do not need to demonstrate English language skills again when applying for settlement using your Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, T2, or Tier 2 visa, as this was proven during your visa application.
When to apply
The earliest you can apply is 28 days before reaching 5 years in the UK on a qualifying visa. Make sure to check which visas count toward your time in the UK. Applying too early could result in your application being refused.
Do not wait for your current visa to expire. If it expires before you are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to renew it first.
Fees and how long it takes
The application fee is £3,029 per person. You may include your partner and children in the same application form if they’re eligible.
Each applicant will need to submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) – there’s no additional fee for this.
Typically, a decision is made within 6 months if you use the standard service.
You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while waiting for a decision. If you do, your application will be withdrawn.
Get a faster decision on your application
You can pay an additional £500 to use the priority service, which gives you a decision within 5 working days.
You can also pay an additional £1,000 for the super priority service to receive a decision:
- by the end of the next working day after submitting your fingerprints and photo (biometric information), if your appointment is on a weekday
- within 2 working days after submitting biometric information if your appointment is on the weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Work Visa Dependants to Settlement/ILR
Apply as a partner (dependant on a work visa)
You might be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain if both of the following apply:
- you are a dependant on your partner’s work visa
- your partner is either already settled or applying to settle in the UK
If your partner is already settled
You can apply for indefinite leave to remain as a dependant on your partner’s work visa, even if they obtained settlement through a different route—for example, through 10 years of residence in the UK (‘long residence’).
You must have had permission to stay in the UK as a dependant on their work visa at the time they settled.
If your partner is applying to settle
You may apply at the same time as your partner if:
- you’re a dependant on your partner’s work visa
- your partner is applying for settlement in the UK based on their work visa
Other ways to apply
You’ll need to apply using a different process if:
- you hold a family visa as a partner or spouse
- your partner has settled under the EU Settlement Scheme
- your partner holds an innovator founder visa
- your partner has passed away
- your relationship ended due to domestic violence
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by your partner’s visa, your relationship, how long you’ve lived in the UK, and if you meet the financial requirements.
Your partner’s last work visa
Your partner’s most recent work visa must be one of the following:
- Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General)
- Scale-up Worker
- International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
- T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
- Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
- Tier 1 (Investor)
- UK Ancestry
- Global Talent
- Representative of an Overseas Business
- Domestic Worker in a Private Household (if they arrived before 6 April 2012)
Time you’ve spent in the UK
The time required depends on your visa type.
You can only count the time you’ve lived in the UK as a dependant on your partner’s visa toward your continuous residence.
| Your current visa | Time in the UK |
|---|
| A dependant on a UK Ancestry or Representative of an Overseas Business visa | No time requirement |
| A dependant on any other type of work visa | At least 5 years living with your partner |
You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period if you’re applying as a dependant on your partner’s:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Sportsperson visa
- Minister of Religion visa
- Tier 1 visa
- Tier 5 visa
- Global Talent visa
If you were granted entry or leave to remain before 11 January 2018, time spent outside the UK during that period does not count toward the 180-day limit, if you’re applying as a dependant on your partner’s:
- Skilled Worker visa
- T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
- Tier 1 visa
- Global Talent visa
- Start-up visa
- Innovator Founder visa
Example
If your initial UK permission was from 1 June 2017 to 31 May 2020, and you received an extension from 10 November 2019 to 31 May 2022, only absences before 10 November 2019 will be excluded from the 180-day rule.
If you think this applies to you, find out how to calculate your continuous residence.
For other visa types, how many days you’ve spent outside the UK does not matter. You cannot apply if you’re on a visitor visa or a short-term study visa.
Your relationship
You must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your partner.
You’ll need to prove that either:
- you are married or in a civil partnership
- you’ve been in a relationship and living together for at least 2 years
You must also:
- be living together when you apply, if your partner had a Skilled Worker, Scale-up Worker, Sportsperson, Minister of Religion, Tier 1, Tier 5, or Global Talent visa
- intend to live together if your partner had any other work visa
Financial requirements
You and your partner must:
- have sufficient income to support yourselves and any dependants
- not be receiving public funds
How to apply
You’ll be informed which documents to submit during the application process. You may need to prove that:
- you meet the English language and Life in the UK Test requirements
- your relationship is genuine and you’ve spent enough time in the UK for your visa
If your children are eligible, you may include them in your application. If the form does not give this option, they can apply separately and later link their application to yours.
Apply online
Applications must be submitted online.
The earliest you can apply is 28 days before completing the required time in the UK. Applying too early may lead to refusal.
Do not wait until your current visa expires. If your visa runs out before you’re eligible, you’ll need to renew it first.
Once started, you can save your application form and complete it later.
Get help to apply online
Support is available if you:
- are not confident using a computer or mobile
- do not have internet access
This service is only available for applications made within the UK.
It does not provide immigration advice.
Applying for your children
You may include eligible children in your application. If the application form doesn’t allow this, they can apply separately and link their application to yours.
Your child must have a qualifying visa. The type depends on the visa your partner used to settle.
| Partner’s settlement visa | Child’s visa must be |
|---|
| UK Ancestry visa | Any visa, except a visitor visa, short-term study visa, Parent of a Child Student visa, Seasonal Worker visa, or Domestic Worker visa |
| Any other work visa | As a dependant under one of the eligible visa types (not necessarily as a dependant of your partner) |
If your child is over 18, they must have received their eligible visa before turning 18.
All of the following must also be true:
- your child will live with and be supported by you without relying on public funds
- your child is unmarried, not in a civil partnership, and not living independently (e.g., they haven’t moved out or had children)
- your child is not in full-time employment
Extra documents for children over 16
You must show:
- their current address (if not living with you, provide an explanation)
- any rent or maintenance they pay you monthly
- proof of financial support if they do not live with you
Acceptable documents include:
- a bank statement
- a credit card statement
- a driving licence
- an NHS registration letter
- a letter from their school, college, or university on headed paper from an authorised official
These documents must be no older than one month on your application date.
If your child lives away from home, also provide:
- bank statements for both of you for the last 3 months before applying (to prove financial support)
- confirmation from their college or university on headed paper from an authorised official (if studying)
Children 18 and over
They must also:
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- meet the English language requirement
Your child may also apply for indefinite leave to remain separately.
Spouse Visa to Settlement/ILR
Apply as a partner (family visa)
You may qualify for indefinite leave to remain if both of the following apply:
- You currently hold a family visa as a partner or spouse
- Your partner is settled in the UK – either as a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain
You must use a different application method if:
- You are a dependant on your partner’s work visa
- Your partner has settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Your partner has passed away
- Your relationship ended due to domestic violence
Check your route to indefinite leave to remain
Eligibility requirements vary depending on which route you’re on:
- 5 year route
- 2 year route
- 10 year route
If you’re unsure of your route, refer to the letter from the Home Office that came with your most recent ‘leave to remain’ approval.
Your relationship
Your current visa must be based on your relationship with your partner. You must be:
- Married, in a civil partnership, or
- In a relationship similar to marriage or a civil partnership for at least 2 years
You must also:
- Have lived together since your last visa renewal
- Plan to continue your relationship after you apply
If you’re on the 10 year route, you must have had UK permission based on your relationship for at least one year.
Time in the UK for the 5 or 2 year route
You must have continuously lived in the UK on your family visa as a partner for at least:
- 5 years on the 5 year route
- 2 years on the 2 year route
You cannot count time spent in the UK:
- On any other visa
- As a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner
Time in the UK for the 10 year route
You must have lived in the UK for a total of 10 continuous years. You may include time on other visas that lead to indefinite leave to remain.
Time spent as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner does not count.
Financial requirements for the 5 year route
You and your partner must show that your combined income meets the financial threshold.
This depends on:
- Whether your partner receives certain disability or carer’s benefits
- When you first successfully applied for your current family visa
You’ll need to prove your income the same way you did when applying for your visa.
If your partner receives disability or carer’s benefits
You must meet the ‘adequate maintenance requirement’ if your partner receives benefits such as Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or certain other disability benefits.
This means proving you have enough money for housing and living expenses without relying on public funds. Caseworkers will consider your income and housing costs.
Refer to the family visa guide for a full list of qualifying benefits.
If you applied before 11 April 2024
You and your partner generally need a combined income of at least £18,600 per year.
You must also show additional income if you have children who:
- Are included in your application
- Are dependants on your family visa
- Are your partner’s dependants in the UK
You don’t need to show additional income for children who:
- Are British or Irish citizens
- Have pre-settled status
- Are permanently settled in the UK
If required, you must earn an extra:
- £3,800 per year for the first child
- £2,400 per year for each additional child
If the total required income for your children exceeds £29,000, you only need to show you earn £29,000.
If you applied on or after 11 April 2024
You and your partner must demonstrate a combined income of at least £29,000 per year.
Financial requirements for the 2 year route
You must have sufficient funds to house and support yourself and any children without relying on public assistance.
Financial requirements for the 10 year route
There are no financial requirements.
Knowledge of language and life in the UK
If you’re aged 18 to 64, you must:
- Book and pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the English language requirement – either with a recognised English qualification at level B1 (speaking and listening) or a degree taught or researched in English
Adding children to your application on the 5 or 2 year route
You can include eligible children in your application. Different criteria apply for children under and over 18.
Children under 18
You can include your child if:
- They have permission to stay as a dependant on your family visa
- They’ll continue to live with and be supported by you without using public funds
- They are not married, in a civil partnership, or living independently
Your partner must be your child’s other parent unless:
- You have sole responsibility for the child
- The other parent is deceased
- There are strong or exceptional reasons to allow the child to stay in the UK
‘Parent’ refers to a biological, adoptive, or step-parent (if the biological parent has died).
Children 18 and over
They must have been granted permission as a dependant on your family visa before turning 18 and must still not be living independently.
They must also:
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the English language requirement
Including children on the 10 year route
You cannot include children in your application under the 10 year route.
However, your children may apply separately if eligible.
How to apply
You’ll be informed of which documents to submit when applying. You’ll need to:
- Provide proof of income and residence if you’re on the 5 or 2 year route
- Show that you’ve lived with your partner since your last visa was granted
- Demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship
- Prove you meet English language and Life in the UK requirements
Apply online
You must submit your application online. The form depends on whether you’re on the:
- 5 or 2 year route
- 10 year route
You can apply no earlier than 28 days before you meet the required time in the UK. Applying too early may result in refusal.
Don’t wait for your current visa to expire. If it does before you qualify for indefinite leave to remain, you must renew it first.
Once you begin your application, you can save your progress and finish it later.
Get help with applying online
You can get assistance with the online application if you:
- Aren’t confident using a digital device
- Don’t have internet access
This support is only available within the UK and doesn’t include immigration advice.
10-year route (Long Residence) Settlement/ILR
You may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you’ve legally lived in the UK for 10 continuous years (known as ‘long residence’).
Indefinite leave to remain, also known as ‘settlement,’ allows you to make the UK your permanent home. It gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and to access benefits if eligible. It also lets you apply for British citizenship.
You must meet all the eligibility criteria.
Other ways you can stay
There’s a separate route for applying for indefinite leave to remain if your visa is based on your private life (due to the time you’ve spent in the UK).
If you’re not eligible based on your time in the UK, other routes to indefinite leave to remain may be available.
If you don’t qualify for indefinite leave to remain, you might still be able to extend your stay for another 2 years (known as ‘leave to remain’) — provided you’ve already lived in the UK legally for 10 continuous years without gaps (called ‘continuous residence’).
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
If you or a family member began living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you might still be able to apply through the free EU Settlement Scheme. Check whether you’re still eligible to apply.
Fees and processing time
The fee depends on what you’re applying for:
| What you’re applying for | Fee |
|---|
| Indefinite leave to remain | £3,029 |
| Extend your stay | £1,321 |
You’ll also need to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometric information). There’s no extra charge for this.
Applications submitted via the standard service usually receive a decision within 6 months.
Important: Do not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your application is being processed. If you do, your application will be cancelled.
Get a faster decision on your application
If you’re applying for settlement, you can pay an additional £1,000 for the super priority service. With this option, you’ll get a decision:
- By the end of the next working day after giving your biometric details, if your appointment is on a weekday
- Within 2 working days after giving your biometrics, if your appointment is on a weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
If your application is approved
You’ll receive an eVisa — a digital record of your immigration status.
Your approval letter or email will explain how to access your eVisa. You’ll need to set up a UKVI account.
Note: The above information is sourced from: Work Visa to Settlement/ILR – https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-tier-2-t2-skilled-worker-visa, Work Visa Dependants to Settlement/ILR- https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-family/partner-dependant-work-visa, Spouse Visa to Settlement/ILR – https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain-family/partner-family-visa, 10-year route (Long Residence) Settlement/ILR – https://www.gov.uk/long-residence. They are subject to change in line with Home Office updates. Please contact us for updated information.