Indefinite leave to
Remain (ILR)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Overview
An Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holder is a recognised permanent resident of the United Kingdom, entitled to live, work, and access public services and benefits without any time restrictions or visa limitations.
In most cases, applicants must have lived continuously in the UK for 5 years, meeting the following requirements:
No absences exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period;
Pass both the English Language Test (B1 level or above) and the Life in the UK Test;
Have no serious criminal convictions or immigration breaches.
Furthermore, to become a British Citizen,
one must normally first obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status.

Eligibility Criteria

1
  • Applicants must meet one of the following residence routes and all additional requirements:
  • 1️⃣ 5-Year Continuous Residence Route
    Have lawfully lived in the UK for 5 years under one of the following visa categories:
    • Family Visa
    • Skilled Worker Visa
    • BN(O) Visa
    • Tier 1 (Entrepreneur/Investor) Visa, etc.
    Absences must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period.
  • 2️⃣ 10-Year Long Residence Route
    Have legally resided in the UK for 10 continuous years under valid visas (e.g. Student Visa). Absences must not exceed 180 days per year, and no more than 540 days in total across 10 years.
  • 3️⃣ English & Knowledge Requirements
    • English language at B1 level or above (degree holders may qualify for exemption);
    • Pass the Life in the UK Test.
  • 4️⃣ Good Character Requirement
    Must not have any serious or recent criminal convictions, either in the UK or overseas.
2

Dependants Eligibility:

  • Spouse/Partner: May apply individually if meeting ILR criteria.
  • Minor Children: Usually both parents must qualify and apply together.
  • Adult Children: Can apply separately if holding an eligible visa and meeting residence requirements.
3

Visa Duration:

  • 10 years (can be renewed every 10 years with no limit on extensions)
4

Location:

  • Applicants must submit their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application from within the UK.
What is the “5＋1” Route?

Under the UK immigration system, the “5＋1” route refers to residing lawfully in the UK for 5 years to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), followed by an additional 1 year of residence before becoming eligible for British Citizenship.

Requirements for ILR (after 5 years):

  • No absences exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying 5 years;
  • No access to public funds;
  • Pass the IELTS Life Skills B1 English test;
  • Pass the Life in the UK Test.

Requirements for Citizenship (after 1 year with ILR):

  • Total absences not exceeding 450 days in the 5 years before application;
  • No more than 90 days outside the UK in the final 12 months;
  • Hold ILR for at least 12 months;
  • Meet the Good Character Requirement.

Service Procedures

Telephone consultation booking and assessment
Sign an official quotation
Case analysis
Submit and follow-up
Documents checking
Prepare application documents

FAQ

Expand / Collapse
Which visas count towards the ILR route?

Skilled Worker, Family, BN(O), Tier 1 (Investor/Entrepreneur), and similar long-term visas qualify.

Can Student Visa years count towards the 5-year route?

No, but they can count towards the 10-year long residence route instead.

Can I be exempt from the English test with a degree?

Yes, if your degree was taught in English and recognised by UK NARIC.

Do I need to renew ILR once granted?

No, ILR is indefinite, but it may lapse if you stay outside the UK for over 2 years.

What documents are needed for ILR?

Passport, BRP card, proof of residence,
employment/income records, and test certificates.
We will assist you in preparing and verifying all documents.

How long does ILR processing take?

Usually 6 months, or 1–2 weeks under priority service.

Do I need to retake tests when applying for citizenship?

No, previous Life in the UK and English results remain valid.

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