ILR Requirements to Settle in the UK

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a type of settlement status for a non-EEA citizen who has resided in the UK for a specific time. A person with this clearance can live, work, and study in the UK without facing any immigration limitations.

ILR is a requirement when acquiring British citizenship as well.

A non-EEA citizen typically needs to have five years of legal residence in the UK before they are eligible to apply for UK visa-Indefinite Leave to Remain. The requirements for an ILR are as follows:-

ILR Requirements & Eligibility

Even when your continuous period of legal residency in the UK is over, you are not eligible for ILR. You must submit an IR application to UKVI for approval and for this you are expected to submit the following documents that will act as evidence of your eligibility:-

●     Lawful residence in the UK for the required qualifying period

●     Absences from the UK not exceeding 180 days in any 12 months of the required period.

●     Evidence of passing the Life in the UK Test

●      Ability to prove a B1 level of English as set out by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (unless exempt)

●     Evidence that your application satisfies the General Grounds for Refusal, such as information about any criminal records or immigration status breaches.

                            [Read More: Complete Guide for UK Visa Application Process]

What are the Periods of Absence Requirements?

Your continuous stay in the UK will end if you've spent more than 180 days away in a 12-month timeframe. However, there are multiple exceptions to be  aware of in regard to this requirement.

Which Documents do I need to Provide?

A number of documents are required to be submitted with your application for indefinite leave if you're asking for permission to stay in the country permanently. The documents that need to be submitted will vary depending on each case. Remember that the documents need to be submitted in their original form.  

Some of the information and documents you might need to include in your application form are as follows:

●     Passport and any passports which have expired during your UK residency

●     Two identical passport-sized photos

●     Passing certificate of Life in the UK test (if not exempt)

●     Passing certificate of English language test (if not exempt)

●     Birth or adoption certificates

●     Records of any time spent outside the UK during the timeframe of your UK residency

●     A history of your immigration

●     Financial information, including bank statements

What is the ILR Application Fee?

The fee for the application form currently stands approximately at £2,404.

ILR Application Process

​​You may submit an ILR application to the Home Office if you are eligible and meet all the necessary ILR conditions. You need to fill out the required application form and submit the paperwork. After submitting your application form, you can make an appointment at a UKVCAS center to provide your information. If UKVI requires further details about you or your application, you may be asked to come in for an interview.

                                                    [Read More: New Visa Rules For UK Immigration Process]

It is necessary to keep in mind that if you have misled the Home Office in the application process or while residing in the UK, you will not be eligible for the Indefinite Leave to Remain and additionally further disciplinary actions may also be taken if you want to settle in UK. This is why professional assistance is required to avoid any sort of error or mistakes. You can find out more about us and what we exactly do by visiting our website.