We start with a free assessment to understand your circumstances and confirm your eligibility before moving forward.
Personal Immigration
INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to settle permanently in the UK without a time limit on your stay. For many people, it is an important milestone after several years of living and building their life in the UK.
There are different routes through which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, and the eligibility requirements will depend on your current immigration status and how long you have lived in the UK.
Our specialist Indefinite Leave to Remain Solicitors provide clear, practical advice on ILR applications. We can assess whether you qualify, identify any potential issues and help you prepare the supporting evidence needed for a strong application.
Whether you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years, through long residence or following another route to settlement, we can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Who Can Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
You may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once you have lived in the UK for the required period under an immigration route that leads to settlement.
There are a number of different routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, and the qualifying period and requirements will depend on your individual circumstances and the immigration permission you currently hold.
You may be eligible to apply for ILR if you are:
the spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person and have completed the required period on your route to settlement;
in the UK on a work route that leads to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker route;
applying on the basis of long residence in the UK;
applying following a qualifying period under another immigration route that leads to settlement; or
eligible for settlement because of your particular family or personal circumstances.
Some applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years, while other routes have different qualifying periods.
Depending on your route, you may also need to meet requirements relating to your continuous residence, periods spent outside the UK, knowledge of English and the Life in the UK Test. Your immigration history and the supporting documents provided with your application may also be important.
Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Solicitors can assess your circumstances, confirm when you are eligible to apply and help you prepare your ILR application and supporting evidence.
5 Steps to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
We will then provide you with a personalised documents checklist, which will then enable you to gather the required supporting documentation, for your application.
Once you have returned the supporting documentation, we will then review them and provide you with some feedback.
Whilst you are working on the feedback we have provided; we will complete a first draft of your Indefinite leave to remain application and our representation letter.
As per our feedback, once you have provided any additional documentation, we will then send you the draft ILR application to review. Once you are happy, your application can be submitted.
ILR / Settlement Help & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
The requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) depend on the immigration route under which you are applying. They can include completing the required period of residence in the UK, meeting continuous residence requirements, passing the Life in the UK Test and satisfying any applicable English language requirement. Your immigration history and individual circumstances may also affect your eligibility.
When can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
This depends on your immigration route. Many applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years, while other routes have shorter or longer qualifying periods. For many routes, an application can be made up to 28 days before completing the required qualifying period. Applying too early can result in refusal, so it is important to establish the correct date before applying.
How much time can I spend outside the UK and still qualify for ILR?
The rules on absences depend upon the route through which you are applying. Some routes have specific continuous residence requirements and limits on time spent outside the UK. We can review your travel and immigration history before you apply and advise whether any absences may affect your application.
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK Test and an English language test?
Many applicants need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet an English language requirement, although the precise requirements and available exemptions depend upon your circumstances and immigration route. On some routes you may already have satisfied the English language requirement through an earlier application.
How long does an ILR application take?
The standard Home Office service for many ILR applications currently aims to provide a decision within 6 months. Faster priority or super priority services are available for some application routes, subject to availability and an additional fee.
What happens after I am granted Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Once you have ILR, you can live and work in the UK without a time limit on your immigration permission. You may also be able to apply for British citizenship later. Many people need to hold ILR for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship, although different rules apply if you are married to a British citizen.
Experienced Legal Team
Qualified solicitors and immigration advisers providing professional, dependable representation.
Fast, Hassle-Free Process
Clear guidance and efficient case handling designed to make the immigration process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fixed, Transparent Fees
Clear and affordable pricing agreed upfront, with no hidden costs or unexpected charges.
Fully Accredited and Regulated
SRA regulated with SQM Competent Plus+ and Cyber Essentials certification.
Over 50,000 Successful Applications
A proven track record of securing positive immigration outcomes for individuals, families, and businesses.
UK-Wide Support
Offices in Middlesbrough and Wakefield, supporting clients across the UK and internationally.
Our Outstanding Indefinite Leave to Remain Service
Indefinite Leave to remain- we were in safe hands!
Would highly recommend Halliday Reeves to anyone without a doubt!We applied for my husbands indefinite leave to remain application and our case was quite complex, naturally it was an extremely stressful and worrying process for us. From the very beginning, Rhiannon Walker handled our case with such professionalism, care and attention to detail.Rhiannon was absolutely amazing at keeping us updated throughout the process, explaining everything clearly and, most importantly, helping to keep us at ease during what was a very stressful time for our family. We always felt that our case was in safe hands.A huge thank you to Rhiannon for all her hard work, patience and support, and to the entire Halliday Reeves team. We genuinely couldn’t have asked for better service.
Success-Indefinite Leave to remain as a Partner
Dear Mrs Riffat Malik,
From the first telephone conversation you were very helpful and honest I found the whole process stress free very pleased with the outcome which was far more than I had hoped for. I would recommend your services to friends and family if they ever have immigration problems in the future. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Successful ILR application
The service was outstanding! I highly recommend Halliday Reeves.
Successful ILR application-highly recommended
I was very impressed with Halliday Reeves, Louisa Pacitto is very professional and responsive, everything was completed online efficiently and with no delay, my wife now has her visa and I will be using Halliday Reeves for our next visa , I highly recommend this firm .
Get In Touch
At Halliday Reeves, we can guide you through the visa or licence application process. If you have been turned down by the authorities, we can discuss your options with you.
Our firm specialises solely in immigration, meaning we have the in-depth knowledge and experience to help our clients with all of their immigration needs.
If you are looking to make an application, we offer a Free Initial Assessment to discuss your requirements.
