What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a critical immigration status for people who wish to make the UK their permanent place of residence. Usually, this status is following time spent in the UK using another visa.

ILR signifies that you have been granted permission to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. ILR is often a significant event for immigrants, as it paves the way for permanent residence in the country.

Ascent Immigration, are dedicated to assisting individuals and families navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of UK immigration law. We can support you to make sure that your ILR process is as smooth as possible. We’ll help to support you with whatever you require,  including the application process is needed.

Our team of immigration lawyers is committed to making sure that your ILR application is successful.

Who Can Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

ILR is typically available to individuals who have spent a significant amount of time in the UK on a qualifying visa, such as:

If you’d like to discuss your immigration requirements with one of our lawyers, please get in touch with us using the contact form or by calling us on 051-8485550

Need support with your visa application call us on 051-8485550 or enquire online to book your advice session with one of Ascent Immigration lawyers.

The Application Process

As with all visas and types of immigration, the process of applying for ILR can be complicated and you must submit all of the correct information to give your application the best chance of being successful. 

The process for achieving indefinite leave to remain status involves a thorough examination of your immigration history, financial stability, and adherence to UK immigration laws. 

For your Indefinite Leave to Remain application to be successful, you will need to be able to meet the following requirements: 

If you are worried about any of the requirements listed above, please do not hesitate to give us a call. 

Indefinite Leave to Remain Guidance

At Ascent Immigration, we offer expert support to help you secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Our experienced immigration lawyers guide you through every step of the process, from assessing your eligibility to preparing your application and ensuring all required documents are in order. We make sure your application meets the Home Office’s strict criteria for ILR, increasing your chances of success.

If your ILR application is refused, our team can help you understand the reasons behind the decision and advise on your next steps, including the possibility of an appeal or reapplication. We provide tailored advice to address any issues, ensuring your case is handled effectively.

Once granted ILR, Ascent Immigration can also help you with the process of applying for UK citizenship, providing clear guidance on the requirements and ensuring that your transition to full settlement is smooth. With Ascent Immigration by your side, you can navigate the complexities of ILR applications with confidence and ease.

If You Work in the UK

If you’re working in the UK on a work visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Generally, you need to have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years. However, if you hold a Tier 1 visa, you may be eligible after 2 or 3 years. For those with an Innovator Founder or Global Talent visa, the requirement is typically 3 years.

In some cases, you may also need to meet salary or financial criteria, depending on your specific visa type.

The application process varies based on the type of visa you hold, including:

If You Have Family in the UK

You may be eligible to apply for a visa if you have a partner, parent, child, or other relative who is settled in the UK, either as a British citizen or as a person with indefinite leave to remain.

The application process depends on your visa type and how your family member settled in the UK.

There are also alternative application options if:

If You’ve Lived in the UK For 10 Years

To be eligible for indefinite leave to remain, you must have permission to stay (‘leave to remain’) in the UK and have lived there legally for 10 years without gaps in your residence, known as ‘continuous residence’. This period can include time spent under various immigration categories or a combination of them.

Typically, you must have held your current permission to stay for at least one year. If you hold a family visa and your partner is a British citizen or is settled in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a partner instead.

Knowledge of Language and Life

If you are aged 18 to 65, you must:

If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply to extend your stay.

Continuous Residence

Continuous residence means you’ve lived in the UK without significant gaps. You can leave the UK for up to 180 days within any 12-month period without breaking this continuous residence

Time spent on certain visas, such as a Standard Visitor visa, Short-term study visa, or Seasonal Worker visa, does not count towards continuous residence. Additionally, you cannot count time spent in the UK while overstaying or in prison, a young offender institution, or a secure hospital.

If you’ve spent time abroad, you cannot exceed 548 days in total or 184 days in any 12 months during the 10-year qualifying period to maintain continuous residence.

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Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Ascent Immigration before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers – Your UK Immigration Queries Simplified!

  • What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

    Indefinite Leave to Remain is an immigration status that allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. It is typically granted after spending a significant period in the UK on another visa and is a major step toward permanent residency. Once you have ILR, you can continue living in the UK indefinitely, and it often paves the way for applying for British citizenship.

  • Who is eligible to apply for ILR?

    ILR is available to individuals who have been residing in the UK on a qualifying visa. Common eligibility routes include:

    • Work Visas: Such as the Spouse/Partner Visa, Tier 2 (General) Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Ancestry Visa, Investor or Entrepreneur Visas, among others.
    • Family Visas: Applicants with family ties to a British citizen or someone settled in the UK.
    • Long Residence: Those who have legally lived in the UK for 10 continuous years.

    Eligibility is determined by factors like your immigration history, financial stability, and your ability to meet specific requirements such as the English language proficiency and passing the Life in the UK Test.

  • What are the main requirements and steps in the ILR application process?

    The ILR application involves a detailed review of your time spent in the UK and your compliance with immigration rules. Key requirements include:

    • Residency Requirements: You must have legally lived in the UK for the required period (typically 5 years for many work visas, or 10 years for long residence).
    • Good Character Requirement: A clean immigration and criminal record is essential.
    • English Language and Life in the UK Test: You must demonstrate sufficient English language skills and pass the Life in the UK Test.
    • Financial Requirements: You must be able to support yourself (and your dependents, if applicable) without public funds.
      Your application is reviewed based on your immigration history and supporting documentation, which must be meticulously prepared to meet Home Office criteria.
  • What support is available if my ILR application is refused or if I need further assistance?

    If your ILR application is refused, specialized immigration lawyers can help you understand the reasons behind the decision and advise on your next steps, which may include filing an appeal or submitting a new application. Firms like Ascent Immigration offer comprehensive guidance—from assessing your eligibility and preparing your documents to managing appeals—ensuring that your application process is as smooth and successful as possible. They also provide ongoing advice once ILR is granted, including support with applying for British citizenship.

  • Need More Answers

    Contact us Today at 051-8485550 / visit our FAQ page / or visit our nearest branch 

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