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.
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Clear and affordable pricing agreed upfront, with no hidden costs or unexpected charges.
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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
I am absolutely delighted with the outstanding support and professionalism provided by Sabiha Riaz throughout my spouse's visa application process. Her dedication, clear communication, and proactive approach made the entire process less stressful. From the beginning, she ensured that I was well-informed and supported at every stage. Sabiha exceeded all expectations by not only meeting but surpassing all deadlines, resulting in a swift response time for both the application submission and the subsequent response. Her meticulous attention to detail, coupled with her willingness to go above and beyond, truly sets her apart. Thanks to her expertise and commitment, I received my spouse's visa promptly. I cannot recommend Sabiha Riaz highly enough to anyone seeking immigration legal assistance.
Initial Impression – 5
Legal Knowledge – 5
Approachability – 5
Value for money – 5
Communication – 5
Documentation Accuracy – 5
Absolutely brilliant firm, would definitely recommend to my family and friends. I would especially like to mention sabiha , she was very professional and reassuring and was always at the end of a phone call when I needed.
We found the whole procedure Stress free & was kept informed at every stage and had regular discussions & clarified all the queries with patience. Thanks Sabiha Riaz for all your Support & Guidance. We would highly recommend family and friends to use Halliday Reeves.
We dealt with Hannah. I was really pleased with the support and service Hannah gave. I am hoping to use her again when our next visa occurs. After a rather stressful previous application (not through yourselves) Hannah helped put me at ease and answered all of my questions well.
This office was recommended to me by friends. They have been a great help for my application: approachable, friendly, clear answers and always thinking in terms of solutions. Thank you for helping me sorting out my application.
Hannah Wilkinson handled my case and she did an amazing & wonderful job. It was a bit of a journey but Hannah was with me every step of the way, she was very patient, kind, considerate and super informative about all the steps I needed to take. We took the time to prep and submitted my application and I got a quick reply, extra info was needed so we provided it and then my application was successful. So a great thank you to Hannah and Halliday-Reeves !
I would like to thank you for the amazing service we have received over the years.Sabiha always listened to us and understood our situation. She was kind ,professional and very caring. She put us at ease and explained things that we didn’t understand.From the first moment of meeting Sabiha my husband knew that he could trust her and that she would give his case 100 percent but she actually delivered more than 100 percent in-fact there’s no number that could measure it.We are extremely grateful to Sabiha and Halliday Reeves for the outstanding service received . We would not hesitate in recommending you we give you more than 5 stars. We wish you all the best
Very professional and helpful in every way...I thank you
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.
