Indefinite Leave to Remain
Secure your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK with confidence. Our London immigration lawyers make your ILR application smooth and successful.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Settle permanently in the UK
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as UK settlement or permanent residence, allows you to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom without immigration time limits. Once granted, you can stay in the UK indefinitely and take the next step toward British citizenship.
At Mulgrave Law, our London-based immigration solicitors specialise in helping individuals and families secure ILR especially after the spouse visa route as well as through work, ancestry, and long residence applications.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s version of permanent settlement, allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. Once granted, you no longer need to extend your visa or meet ongoing financial or sponsorship requirements.
ILR is often the final step before becoming a British citizen, as most applicants can apply for naturalisation 12 months after receiving ILR. It confirms your lawful, long-term status in the UK meaning you can access healthcare, employment, and education on the same basis as British citizens.
Which visa routes lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?
There are several UK immigration routes that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The most common routes include:
- Spouse or Partner Visa: Apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK with your British or settled partner, provided you meet all financial and relationship requirements.
- Family Visa: Parents or dependent relatives of British citizens or settled persons can apply for ILR after living lawfully in the UK for 5 years under the family route.
- Skilled Worker or Tier 2 Visa: Skilled professionals can qualify for ILR after 5 years of continuous employment with a licensed sponsor, provided they meet salary and residence requirements.
- Innovator Founder or Global Talent Visa: Entrepreneurs and talented individuals may qualify for ILR in 3 or 5 years, depending on achievements and endorsement criteria.
- UK Ancestry Visa: Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent can settle permanently after 5 years of residence and employment in the UK.
- Long Residence Route (10-Year Rule): Anyone who has lived lawfully and continuously in the UK for 10 years may be eligible for ILR, regardless of visa type.
Each route has specific eligibility criteria, residence periods, and documentation requirements. The immigration team at Mulgrave Law provides clear, step-by-step guidance on when you become eligible, which forms to use, and how to prepare a strong ILR application under your current visa category.
Get your ILR application right the first time. Mulgrave Law ensures your UK ILR application is completed correctly, with all the necessary evidence to meet Home Office requirements. Call, send us your enquiry by our simple form below or send an email to info@mulgravelaw.co.uk.
How to apply for ILR after a spouse visa
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person, you can usually apply for ILR after five years on a spouse visa.
Eligibility includes:
- Completing five continuous years on a spouse or partner visa
- Maintaining a genuine relationship with your British or settled partner
- Meeting the financial requirement — currently £29,000 per year for a couple, with additional amounts for dependent children if applicable
- Having no immigration breaches or overstays
- Spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- Passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the English language requirement (B1 or higher)
If the income requirement cannot be met through salary, applicants can use savings. The Home Office formula is: multiply the minimum income requirement (£29,000) by 2.5, then add £16,000. For example: £29,000 × 2.5 = £72,500; £72,500 + £16,000 = £88,500 in savings required. Funds must have been held for at least six months.
Exemptions may apply if the sponsor receives certain disability or carer’s benefits. In such cases, they must show they can adequately maintain and accommodate the applicant and dependents without public funds.
Common ILR mistakes to avoid
Many ILR applications are delayed or refused due to simple errors, including:
- Exceeding the 180-day absence rule
- Missing or incorrectly formatted documents
- Failing to meet English language or financial requirements
ILR application process
- Check eligibility: Determine when you can apply and under which visa route
- Gather documents: Collect passports, BRPs, proof of residence, financial evidence, and relationship proof
- Submit application online: Complete the Home Office form accurately
- Attend biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photo for processing
- Receive decision: Usually within 6 months; super priority service may deliver a decision within 1 working day
Avoid ILR delays and refusals. Mulgrave Law ensures your UK Indefinite Leave to Remain application is complete, compliant, and ready for submission. Call us, fill in the enquiry form, or email info@mulgravelaw.co.uk to speak with one of our expert immigration solicitors and lawyers.
General ILR eligibility requirements
- Lawful residence in the UK for the required period
- Continuous residence with limited absences (max 180 days/year)
- Good character with no serious convictions or breaches
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the English language requirement
Supporting documents for ILR
- Passports and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Proof of residence (bills, tenancy agreements, official letters)
- Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, P60s, or qualifying savings)
- Proof of relationship (for spouse or partner visa holders)
- Life in the UK Test certificate
- English language test certificate
ILR after refusal or expired visa
If your ILR application was refused, you may still have options:
- Appeal the decision or request an administrative review
- Reapply with corrected documentation
Frequently Asked Questions about Indefinite Leave to Remain
Standard processing takes up to 6 months. Super priority service can provide a decision within 1 working day.
Yes, leaving the UK for more than 2 consecutive years or committing a serious offence can lead to loss. Returning Resident Visa may be required.
No, ILR allows permanent residence but does not confer citizenship. After 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship.
Yes, dependent children can apply for ILR with you if they meet residence and dependency requirements.
You may appeal or request an administrative review. Mulgrave Law can guide you and assist in reapplication.
Free eligibility assessment
Unsure if you qualify for ILR? Contact Mulgrave Law for a free initial assessment and speak to an immigration expert today.
What makes Mulgrave Law different?
At Mulgrave Law, we combine expert immigration knowledge with a personal approach. Our goal is to make your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) journey clear, stress-free, and successful whether you’re applying after a spouse visa, long residence, or another UK immigration route.
Transparent advice and fixed fees
We believe in complete honesty from the start. You’ll receive clear, fixed-fee pricing and straightforward advice on your eligibility, documents, and process.Specialist experience in spouse visa and long residence ILR
Our lawyers and solicitors have extensive experience helping clients secure ILR after five or ten years in the UK, with a high success rate in complex cases.Assistance for clients applying from anywhere in the world
Whether you are already in the UK or applying from abroad, our team provides full remote support to prepare and submit your application.
At Mulgrave Law, every client receives tailored advice, fast communication, and expert representation designed to give you the best chance of success. Contact us today to get your application started!
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