Benefits of Choosing Us for Your Indefinite Leave to Remain Application

At WESolutions, we specialise in immigration for healthcare professionals and their families. When you work with us on your UK Indefinite Leave To Remain Visa application, you get:

• A clear eligibility check and personalised route advice.
• A document checklist tailored to your circumstances, so nothing gets missed.
• Help with booking the Life in the UK Test and advice on English language evidence.
• Practical help with completing the correct ILR form and submitting biometrics.
• A final review of your bundle to reduce the risk of refusal and wasted fees.

Our aim is to make the ILR application as straightforward as possible while protecting your immigration rights in the UK.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK?

Indefinite Leave to Remain, or settlement, is permission to live in the UK without time restrictions. Holders of ILR can work, study, and access public funds if eligible. ILR is usually the route that leads to British citizenship, and it is recognised as a durable immigration status that normally lasts unless you lose it through lengthy absence or other specified reasons. For official details on rights and status, see the Home Office ILR guidance. (see References)

New UK ILR Rules for 2025

The immigration system in the UK continues to evolve. In the years 2024 and 2025, the Home Office has published changes and updates that affect the routes to settlement and the expectations related to supporting evidence. Key points to note for 2025:

Policy debates and proposals about extending qualifying periods for some routes have been discussed publicly. Keep an eye on official guidance for any final changes that might affect eligibility. Always check the official pages before applying.

The standard ILR fee has changed. From 1 July 2025, the ILR application fee for standard service is set at £3,029 per person. Plan for this when budgeting. (see References)

The English language and Life in the UK Test requirements remain core parts of most settlement applications, so early preparation is vital.

What are the UK Indefinite Leave to Remain Requirements and Eligibility?

Eligibility depends on the route you used to live in the UK. Common pathways include work routes (such as Skilled Worker), family routes, long residence, and some special categories. General requirements are:

• You must have lawfully lived in the UK for the qualifying period relevant to your route (usually five years for many work and family routes; ten years for long residence).
• You must not have broken continuous residence, meaning absences must not exceed the Home Office thresholds (see the 180-day rule section).
• You must satisfy English language requirements if aged 18 to 65, unless exempt.
• You must pass the Life in the UK Test unless exempt.
• You must be of good character and disclose any relevant criminal or immigration history.

Different forms ask for different evidence. The correct form must be used for your route, for example, SET(O) for many Points Based System applicants and SET(M) for certain family applicants. See official form guidance in References.

When Can I Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Some people are exempt from the English language or Life in the UK Test requirements. Examples include applicants under a certain age, those with long-term physical or mental conditions, or others designated in Home Office guidance. Exemptions are specific and must be supported by evidence, such as medical certificates.

What are the Different Routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Common ILR routes include:

• Work routes such as Skilled Worker lead to ILR after five years in most cases.
• Family and partner routes, including dependants who have met residence and relationship criteria.
• Long residence route, where ten years of lawful residence may lead to settlement.
• Private life and compassionate routes in very specific circumstances.
• Special categories, for example, certain Armed Forces service routes.

When Can I Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

You may normally apply up to 28 days before you reach the date on which you meet the required qualifying period. For instance, if your five-year qualifying period completes on 15 June, you can apply from 18 May. Do not wait until your current leave has already expired; plan your application timing carefully.

What Do I Need to Know About the English Language Test for ILR UK?

Most ILR applicants aged 18 to 65 must show they meet the Home Office English language requirement. This is usually done by:

• Passing an approved Secure English Language Test at CEFR B1 level in speaking and listening; or
• Holding an acceptable academic qualification, taught or researched in English.

Allow time to book an approved test with a recognised provider and to obtain the certificate or digital result to include in your application.

What is the Life in the UK Test for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

The Life in the UK Test assesses knowledge of British history, institutions, and everyday Life. You must book the test online through the official service and keep the certificate to include with your ILR application. The test fee remains £50. Prepare with the official handbook and practice materials to avoid delays.

Periods of Absence from the UK (180-day rule) for ILR

Continuous residence is a vital part of most ILR routes. The Home Office guidance makes clear that absences of more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying period can break continuity and affect eligibility. Keep a clear record of your travel dates and, if you have had unavoidable long absences, gather documentary evidence to explain them. See the Home Office continuous residence guidance for details.

UK Indefinite Leave to Remain Application Advice & Assistance

Applying for ILR is document-heavy and detail-driven. Common pitfalls include missing documents, incorrectly calculated absences, or using the wrong application form. WESolutions can:

• Review your immigration history and advise on whether you qualify now or need more time.
• Create a bespoke documents checklist and help source or prepare translations.
• Check that your English language and Life in the UK evidence is correctly presented.
• Review the completed online form and supporting bundle before submission.

We aim to reduce the chance of an avoidable refusal.

Documents Required for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR UK) Application

Required documents vary by route, but often include:

• Current passport and any previous passports covering the qualifying period.
• Biometric Residence Permit if you have one.
• Evidence of continuous lawful residence and absence records.
• Proof of employment or self-employment, payslips, tax records, or employer letters for work routes.
• Relationship evidence for family routes.
• English language and Life in the UK Test certificates were required.
• Criminal convictions certificate, where required, and any rehabilitation evidence.

Always use the checklist for your route and keep originals ready if requested.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) UK?

The basic steps are:

1. Confirm eligibility and timing.
2. Gather documents and evidence.
3. Complete the correct online ILR form for your route.
4. Pay the ILR fee and book a biometric appointment.
5. Attend biometrics and submit your supporting documents as instructed.
6. Wait for a decision. If successful, you will be granted ILR and advised of any next steps.

The Home Office publishes the forms and route-specific guidance.

How long does it take to process the ILR UK Application?

Standard service processing times vary. The Home Office processing time for settlement decisions can be up to six months in some cases, though many applicants receive a decision sooner. Super priority and priority services may be available for an additional fee, where offered. Check the current Home Office processing times when you apply.

UK Indefinite Leave to Remain Fees

From 1 July 2025, the standard ILR fee is £3,029. There may be additional costs for priority or super priority services, the Life in the UK Test fee of £50, and approved English language tests. Each dependent applying for ILR must normally pay the full fee.

Indefinite Leave to Remain for Dependents

Dependants who meet the qualifying route and residence requirements may apply for ILR. Dependants should ensure their continuous residence and document set mirrors the main applicant, where relevant. Dependants aged 18 or over must meet English language and Life in the UK Test requirements unless exempt.

Indefinite Leave to Remain UK as a Spouse

Spouses of settled persons or of those on qualifying work routes may apply for ILR once they meet the qualifying residence period. The SET(M) form is used for many spouse applications, and relationship evidence is central. Make sure the application shows the genuine and subsisting nature of the relationship.

What are my Rights with UK Indefinite Leave to Remain?

With ILR, you can:

• Live, work, and study in the UK without a time limit.
• Access benefits and public services if eligible.
• Apply for British citizenship when you meet the residency and other criteria.

ILR can be lost if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 continuous years, or for serious criminality or other specified reasons. If your ILR has lapsed because of long absences, you may need to apply for a Returning Resident visa. Note that EU ‘settled status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme can usually be kept with up to 5 years’ absence (4 years for some Swiss citizens). Keep records and seek help if your circumstances change.

What can I do if my Indefinite Leave to Remain Application is refused?

If you receive an ILR refusal, you will be given reasons. Options may include administrative review, judicial review in limited circumstances, or a fresh application. Seek specialist advice promptly, because time limits for remedies can be short and further applications require careful planning.

How can WESolutions help me apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

WESolutions offers:

• Eligibility assessments and tailored checklists.
• Form completion review and document bundling.
• Life in the UK Test booking guidance and English language test signposting.
• Pre-submission review to reduce the risk of refusal.
• Guidance on next steps if a case is refused.

We aim to make your ILR application accurate, complete, and defensible.