ILR / Settlement

ILR & Settlement

Planning to settle permanently in the UK? We provide clear guidance and practical support with Indefinite Leave to Remain applications.


Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows eligible people to settle permanently in the UK without being subject to immigration time limits. Eligibility depends on your immigration route, qualifying residence, absences from the UK and other requirements.

You Have Completed Your Qualifying Residence

You may be approaching the required period of qualifying residence for settlement under your current or previous immigration route.

You Are on a Skilled Worker Route

You may be eligible for settlement after completing the required period under the Skilled Worker route and meeting the relevant requirements.

You Need Your Residence History Reviewed

Your eligibility may depend on your previous visas, qualifying residence and time spent outside the UK.

You Are Applying With Your Family

Eligible dependants may have their own settlement requirements depending on their immigration route and circumstances.

How we help

Setp 1

Assess Your Immigration History

We review your previous and current immigration status, visa history and route towards settlement.

Step 2

Check Your Qualifying Residence

We review your residence history and relevant absences from the UK to help determine when you may qualify for settlement.

Step 3

Review Your Eligibility

We assess the relevant requirements for your settlement route, including any route-specific requirements that apply to you.

Step 4

Review Your Documents

We help you identify and review the supporting documents required for your ILR application.

Step 5

Prepare Your Application

We provide guidance and application support to help you prepare your ILR application and supporting evidence.

Step 6

Support Your Next Steps

We explain the next steps following your application and provide guidance on relevant settlement-related matters.


Key Things to Know

  1. Qualifying Residence: The qualifying residence period depends on the immigration route you are relying on for settlement.
  2. Absences From the UK: Time spent outside the UK can affect your eligibility, so your travel history should be reviewed carefully. 
  3. English Language Requirement: Depending on your route and circumstances, you may need to meet the relevant English language requirement.
  4. Life in the UK Test: Many applicants need to meet the Life in the UK Test requirement before applying for settlement, subject to the relevant exemptions.
ILR Through Different Routes
  • Skilled Worker: Eligible Skilled Worker migrants may qualify for settlement after meeting the relevant residence and route-specific requirements.
  • Family Routes: Some people may qualify for settlement based on their family or partner route, depending on their circumstances and immigration history.
  • Long Residence: Certain applicants may qualify for settlement based on long residence in the UK, subject to the applicable requirements.
  • Other Settlement Routes: There are other routes that can lead to settlement. The requirements vary depending on your immigration history and circumstances.

FAQs

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain, commonly called ILR or settlement, allows a person to remain in the UK without being subject to a time limit on their stay, provided they continue to meet the relevant conditions.

The qualifying period depends on the immigration route you are applying under. You should check the requirements applicable to your particular route rather than assuming that the same period applies to everyone.

In some circumstances, time spent under different immigration routes may count towards a settlement requirement. This depends on the route and the specific Immigration Rules applicable to your circumstances.

Yes. The rules concerning absences can affect settlement eligibility, so your travel history should be reviewed as part of an ILR assessment.

This depends on their immigration route and individual circumstances. Dependants may have separate settlement requirements.

Many applicants do, although exemptions can apply depending on individual circumstances.

You should establish whether you meet the settlement requirements before making an application and ensure that your immigration permission is considered carefully.

Yes. We can review your immigration history, qualifying residence and relevant circumstances and provide professional guidance on your eligibility and application.

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