Overview

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also known as Permanent Residence — allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions.
It is typically the final step before applying for British citizenship and demonstrates that the individual has made the UK their long-term home.

Applicants must usually have lived lawfully in the UK for a continuous qualifying period (commonly 5 years) under an eligible visa category, meet strict residence and good-character requirements, and prove sufficient English language and UK-life knowledge.

Visa Duration and Pathways to ILR

Time spent in the UK under certain visa categories counts toward ILR. Common qualifying routes include:

Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker Visa – after 5 years.
Innovator Founder Visa – after 3 years.
Global Talent Visa – after 3 years (for endorsed leaders) or 5 years (for promising leaders).
Scale-up Worker Visa – after 5 years.
Spouse / Partner Visa – after 5 years.
Ancestry Visa – after 5 years.
Long Residence Route – after 10 years of continuous lawful stay under any visa type.

Some other categories (e.g. Global Business Mobility, Youth Mobility, Temporary Worker) do not lead directly to ILR but may allow switching to a settlement-qualifying route.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for ILR, applicants must generally:

Have lawfully resided in the UK for the required qualifying period.
Meet the continuous residence requirement (no more than 180 days spent outside the UK in any 12-month period).
Continue to meet the eligibility criteria of their visa category at the time of applying.
Demonstrate knowledge of English (minimum B1 level on the CEFR scale).
Pass the Life in the UK Test.
Show that they are of good character and have no serious criminal record.
Not have breached immigration laws during their stay.

Documents Required

Applicants must usually provide:

Passport or valid travel document.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if issued).
Evidence of continuous residence in the UK (e.g. tenancy agreements, utility bills, employment records).
Proof of English proficiency (test certificate or degree taught in English).
Life in the UK Test pass certificate.
Financial evidence, if required under the specific visa route.
Employment or business documents, depending on the category (e.g. payslips, tax returns, endorsement letters).
Marriage or partnership documents for dependants (if applicable).

Continuous Residence Rules

Applicants must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying time.
Short business trips, annual leave, and compelling compassionate absences are generally acceptable.
Evidence of travel history may be required (e.g. entry/exit stamps, flight confirmations).

What You Can and Cannot Do with ILR

You can:

Live and work in the UK without restriction.
Study at any level.
Access the NHS and most public benefits.
Sponsor family members to join you in the UK.
Travel freely in and out of the UK.
Apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen).

You cannot:

Spend more than 2 consecutive years outside the UK, or your ILR may lapse.
Work as a diplomat or foreign civil servant representing another state while holding ILR.

Processing Times

Standard processing: usually within 6 months.
Priority service: available for an additional fee, providing a decision within 5 working days.
Super-priority service: 24-hour turnaround, where available.
Processing times can vary if additional documents or checks are required.

Home Office Fees (as of October 2025)

ILR application fee: £2,885 per applicant
Biometric enrolment fee (if applicable): £19.20
Priority service (optional): £500
Super-priority service (optional): £1,000

Dependants must each apply separately and pay the same fee.

There is no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) once ILR is granted.