Indefinite Leave to Remain: 2025 Guide

For many migrants, settling permanently in the UK is the ultimate goal after years of living, working, or studying here. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the status that marks this milestone. It provides long-term security and allows people to fully integrate into British society.

In 2025, the immigration system is undergoing significant reforms, including proposed changes to ILR eligibility. Understanding what ILR is, how to apply, and what these changes mean is crucial for anyone hoping to settle in the UK. This comprehensive guide will explain ILR in detail, step-by-step, so you can plan ahead and avoid costly mistakes.

What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a form of permanent residency. It allows a person to live and work in the UK without any time limit. While it is not the same as British citizenship, ILR provides many similar rights, including:

• The ability to work or study without restrictions
• Access to public funds and benefits, such as housing or healthcare
• Freedom to start a business in the UK
• No visa renewal requirements

One of the biggest advantages of ILR is peace of mind. Once you are granted this status, you no longer need to worry about your visa expiring or being refused at renewal, provided you comply with the rules.

Who Can Apply for ILR?

ILR is open to people on a variety of visa routes. The most common categories include:

• Skilled Worker visas: Migrants sponsored by a UK employer who have worked continuously for at least five years in eligible roles.
• Family visas: Spouses, partners, and dependent children of British citizens or settled individuals.
• Private life routes: 20 years’ residence grants limited leave, not ILR. Settlement usually follows after completing 10 years on this route (gov.uk)
• Long residence: Individuals who have been in the UK legally for ten continuous years on any combination of visas.
• Refugees and humanitarian protection cases: Refugees may be eligible after five years of residence.

Each route has slightly different requirements, so it’s important to check which applies to your situation.

Changes to ILR Eligibility in 2025

The UK government is currently reviewing its immigration policies to manage net migration levels. A white paper released earlier this year introduced a proposal to extend the standard qualifying period for ILR from five years to ten years for most visa routes.

The idea behind this change is to ensure that only those who have demonstrated long-term commitment and economic contribution are granted permanent status. However, some exceptions may apply. For instance:

• Certain critical workers, such as those in healthcare or social care, may still qualify after five years.
• A new “earned settlement” system is being considered, where people who make exceptional contributions could qualify earlier.
  

These proposals are still under consultation and not yet law. If you are approaching the five-year mark, it’s advisable to submit your ILR application as soon as you become eligible to avoid being affected by future changes.

ILR Eligibility Requirements in 2025

While the length of residency may change, the core eligibility rules for ILR remain in place. These include:

1. Continuous Residence
   You must have lived in the UK for the required qualifying period without long absences.
   
   • You cannot spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period.
   • If you exceed this limit, your application could be refused unless you have a compelling reason, such as a medical emergency or essential work overseas.
     
2. Knowledge of Life and Language
   Most applicants must pass:
   
   • The Life in the UK Test covers British history, culture, and traditions.
   • An English language test at the required level, unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or have a recognised degree taught in English.
     
3. Good Character Requirement
   You must not have a serious criminal record or history of immigration breaches. Even minor offences, such as failing to declare past visa refusals, can result in refusal.
   
4. Financial Stability
   Some routes, like family visas, require you to meet minimum income thresholds to show you can support yourself and any dependents.

ILR for Dependants

Dependants can apply for ILR alongside the main applicant if they meet the criteria. This typically includes spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18.

It’s important to note:

• The qualifying period for dependants may differ from that of the main applicant, especially for children or partners who joined later.
• Each dependent must independently meet the continuous residence and absence requirements. These are assessed under the relevant Appendix (including Appendix Continuous Residence), which provides limited permitted absences; where applicable, a dependent’s permitted absences may align with those available to the main applicant.(gov.uk)
• Children over 18 may need to switch to a different visa category before applying.

Planning ahead for dependents is crucial to ensure the whole family can settle together.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain

The application process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you have completed the correct residency period and meet all requirements, including absences and financial thresholds.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

This step takes time. Start collecting documents months before you plan to apply. Examples include:

• Passport and travel history showing entry and exit dates
• Payslips, bank statements, or tax documents for employment evidence
• Rental agreements, council tax bills, or utility bills to prove residence
• English language and Life in the UK test certificates

Step 3: Complete the Online Form

The Home Office provides different application forms depending on your visa route. Take your time and ensure all details are correct to avoid delays.

Step 4: Pay Fees and Biometric Enrolment

From 1 July 2025, the ILR application fee is £3,029 per person for the standard service. The Life in the UK Test fee remains at £50. You will also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), which usually costs an additional £19.20. Optional priority and super-priority services are available at higher fees.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary. Standard applications may take up to six months, while priority services can return results in 5 working days. You can also opt for a super priority that gives you a decision on the next working day (or working days after a weekend biometrics)

Documents Needed for ILR Application

A strong application relies on accurate documentation. Typical documents include:

• Current and previous passports
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable
• Continuous residence proof for each year, such as bills or letters
• Employment records, if applying under a work visa
• Marriage or birth certificates for dependants
• English language certificate and Life in the UK test pass notification

Keeping documents organised and in chronological order helps streamline the decision-making process.

What Happens After ILR Is Granted?

Gaining ILR opens up new opportunities and freedoms:

• You can change jobs freely without needing a new visa sponsor.
• You can claim benefits and access NHS healthcare without extra charges.
• You no longer have to worry about visa renewal deadlines.

However, ILR can lapse if you are absent from the UK for more than two consecutive years. For those with EU Settlement Scheme settled status, the limit is five years’ absence (or four years for Swiss citizens). In either case, you may need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to regain your status (gov.uk)

ILR Processing Time

The Home Office publishes estimated timelines, but actual processing depends on demand and case complexity.

• Standard applications: 6 to 9 months
• Priority processing: Usually within a few weeks
• Complex cases: May take longer if additional checks are required

Applying well before your visa expires is essential to avoid gaps in your legal status.

ILR vs. British Citizenship

Many people progress from ILR to British citizenship. The two statuses are similar but not identical.

Usually, you can apply for citizenship 12 months after gaining ILR, provided you meet the additional criteria.

Common ILR Application Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong candidates can face refusals due to avoidable errors. Common mistakes include:

• Miscalculating absences and exceeding the 180-day limit.
• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent evidence.
• Forgetting to include expired passports showing travel history.
• Not taking the Life in the UK test early enough.
• Applying under the wrong visa category form.

Double-check every requirement before submission or consider professional legal advice.

How Long Can You Stay Outside the UK with ILR?

If you leave the UK for more than two consecutive years, your ILR automatically lapses.
Some groups, such as dependants of armed forces members or British Council staff, may be exempt.

If your ILR lapses, you must apply for a Returning Resident visa before re-entering the UK. This process requires evidence of your previous ties to the UK and why you want to return.

Final Thoughts

Indefinite Leave to Remain is more than just an immigration status. It represents stability, belonging, and the freedom to fully participate in life in the UK.

While the rules may change in 2025, the core steps remain the same: plan ahead, document your journey carefully, and stay informed about policy updates. By preparing thoroughly, you can make the transition to permanent residency as smooth as possible.

UK-Based References

• UK Government ILR Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain
• Life in the UK Test Information: https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test
• Migration Observatory – Settlement Changes: https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/commentaries/changes-to-settlement-what-do-they-mean/
• Returning Resident Visa Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/returning-resident-visa
• Home Office Immigration White Paper 2025: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk