🇬🇧 Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – Requirements and Rights (2025)
🏛️ Overview
ILR grants permanent residence in the UK, allowing you to live, work, and study without time limits, and it’s the main step before applying for British citizenship.
📋 Eligibility Criteria (2025)
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence.
- No absences exceeding 180 days per year.
- Financial independence.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test.
- English language level B1 or higher.
- Clean criminal record.
💼 Eligible Visa Categories
| Visa Type | Minimum Residence |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 5 years |
| Spouse/Partner | 5 years |
| Innovator / Investor | 3 years |
| Global Talent | 3 years |
| Refugee Status | 5 years |
| Long Residence | 10 years |
📄 Documents Required
- Valid passport(s).
- Proof of residence.
- Life in the UK Test certificate.
- English certificate (IELTS UKVI).
- Proof of income.
- Recent photographs.
💰 Fees (2025)
| Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ILR | £2,885 | 6 months |
| Priority ILR | £3,385 | 5–10 days |
| Family ILR | £2,885/person | 6 months |
🎓 Rights after ILR
- Live and work without restrictions.
- Access NHS healthcare.
- Apply for citizenship after 12 months.
- Enter and leave the UK freely.
⚠️ Loss of ILR
False or misleading application.
Absence from the UK for more than 2 years.
Serious criminal offences.