If you have lived in the UK for several years and you intend to remain here, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). ILR gives you the right to settle in the UK and live here indefinitely.
What are the indefinite leave to remain eligibility?
Eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain depends on the category or route under which the person is applying. For example, one may qualify for ILR based on 10 years lawful residence in the UK. Other applications may eb based on time spent working or residing with family in the UK. Most routes require a minimum residency requirement; for example, to apply for ILR based on a spousal visa, the applicant must have resided for 5 years on their spousal visa, as well as meeting other requirements.
Who can apply for indefinite leave to remain?
The following migrants may be eligible to apply for ILR:
- Current holders of a working visa under the former PBS system
- Current holders of a working visa under the new PBS system
- Current holders of a defendant visa or family visa
- Long term residents of the UK, i.e., those who have been in the country for ten years.
What are the requirements for obtaining indefinite leave to remain?
To apply for ILR, you must meet the following criteria:
Have held your visa continuously for five years, or lawfully resided in the UK for continuous ten years.
- Meet the continuous residency requirements
- Pass the “life in the UK” test
- Show proof of your English language proficiency
What documents do I need to provide when applying for indefinite leave to remain?
Generally, you will need to provide the following documents when applying for ILR
- Your passport
- Evidence of your current leave to remain (i.e., your visa)
- Proof of any absences from the UK
- Payslips from your employer to provide you meet the minimum income requirements, for skilled workers
- Proof you meet the English language requirement and have passed the Life in the UK test.
Applying for British Passport after indefinite leave to remain
Once you have gained ILR status, after 12 months you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. If you are married to a British Citizen, you may even be eligible to apply straight away for naturalisation as a British Citizen.