How to Apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is a major milestone in securing your right to live and work without restrictions. This guide from WEsolutions walks you through everything, from choosing the right route to preparing your documents and understanding costs. Written in plain British English, it’s structured to feel seamless, helpful, and human. Below you’ll also find trusted UK-based sources for further reading.

Types of Indefinite Leave to Remain

ILR isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different visa routes have different paths to ILR:

1. Five-Year Routes: These include Skilled Worker, Spouse visas, Health and Care Worker visas, Scale-Up Worker visas, and more. Typically, if you have lawfully lived in the UK for five years on one of these visas, you become eligible to apply. (gov.uk)
2. Long Residence (Ten-Year Route): If you have maintained lawful status in the UK for ten continuous years, you may apply under the Long Residence route. It includes all lawful time, even under different visas, as long as absences are minimal. (gov.uk, HR Administration Cambridge)
3. Other Routes: These can include the private life category, family members of refugees, some Commonwealth exceptions, or returning residents. Each has its own criteria. (gov.uk, Wikipedia)

What Documents Are Required to Apply for ILR?

Having your paperwork in order is half the battle. Common documents include:

• A current, valid passport or travel document, plus any previous passports used during residence in the UK. (gov.uk, HR Administration Cambridge)
• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), even if expired (usable up to 18 months after expiry), or an eVisa status share code. (gov.uk)
• Your Life in the UK Test certificate or unique reference number. (gov.uk)
• English language proof, a recognised test certificate or a degree taught in English. (HR Administration Cambridge, Moeen & Co. Solicitors)
• Evidence of continuous residence, such as tenancy agreements, pay slips, council tax bills, letters, utility bills, bank statements, etc. (HR Administration Cambridge, Wembley Solicitors, Moeen & Co. Solicitors)
• A clear absence history list showing days spent outside the UK during the qualifying period. (Moeen & Co. Solicitors, Wembley Solicitors)
• Supporting documents specific to your route, e.g., an employer sponsorship letter for Skilled Workers, proof of relationship for partners, or refugee documentation. (Wembley Solicitors)
• Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh. (gov.uk)

What Do You Need Before You Can Apply?

Before starting your application, ensure you have:

1. Eligibility confirmation: You must have met residency and visa-specific requirements.  (gov.uk)
2. Passed the Life in the UK Test and English language requirements, if applicable. (gov.uk, HR Administration Cambridge)
3. All supporting documents were prepared and translated as required.
4. Your immigration status, ready, BRP, eVisa share code, or valid documentation.
5. Funds to cover the ILR fee (currently £3,029 per person), plus optional fees for priority processing and biometric enrolment (~£19.20). (Immigration Advice Service, Richmond Chambers)
6. Proof of absence compliance, ensuring you stayed within legal limits. (gov.uk, gov.uk)

Step-By-Step Process to Apply for ILR

1. Check eligibility, confirm route-specific requirements, residency time, and absence limits.
2. Gather documents, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and certified translations.
3. Start your application online via gov.uk; choose the correct form (e.g., SET(M), SET(O)). Save progress as needed. (Immigration Advice Service, gov.uk)
4. Upload documents as per guidance and make payment electronically.
5. Submit your application once everything is confirmed.
6. Book your biometric appointment to have fingerprints and photos taken if required.
7. Wait for a decision. If approved, you’ll receive your ILR status via eVisa.

How to Send the Supporting Documents?

For most ILR applications, documents are uploaded digitally when you apply online. Ensure each file is:

• Clear, legible, and properly labelled.
• In the required format (PDF, JPG, etc.) and within any size limitations.
• Translated with certification if needed. (gov.uk, Wembley Solicitors)

After application, keep originals organised for safekeeping; you may need them later for citizenship or travel.

ILR Application Processing Time

Home Office standard processing time for ILR is up to six months, though many applicants receive decisions sooner. (gov.uk, UK Immigration Experts)

For faster decisions, you may opt for priority services:

• Priority service: decision within 5 working days, for an additional fee (~£500 extra).
• Super priority service: same or next-day decisions, for ~£1,000 extra. (Immigration Advice Service, Richmond Chambers)

Complex cases, incomplete documents, or special circumstances may extend processing beyond the typical timeframe.

How Long Does the ILR Application Process Take?

From start to finish:

• Weeks to a few months to gather documents and evidence.
• Online form completion: a few hours to days, depending on preparation.
• A biometric appointment is typically within a few days of application.
• Decision waiting time: up to six months, unless priority services are used. (gov.uk, UK Immigration Experts)

How Much Does an ILR Application Cost?

• Standard Application Fee: £3,029 per person.
• Biometric Processing Fee: ~£19.20.
• Priority Processing: +£500 for a 5-day decision.
• Super Priority Processing: +£1,000 for same-day/next-day decision. (Immigration Advice Service, Richmond Chambers)

Note: Each dependent pays the full application fee. Budgeting realistically is crucial to avoid disruption.

Summary

Applying for ILR in the UK is straightforward in structure but requires care and precision. Follow these points to succeed:

• Choose the correct route and confirm eligibility.
• Prepare documents thoroughly and early.
• Apply via the online system and upload materials accurately.
• Budget for fees and optional speed-up services.
• Expect around six months for decisions, or less with priority services.

By taking each step thoughtfully, you can navigate the ILR process confidently and secure a settled future in the UK.