Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Your Path to Permanent UK Residency
Subheading: Let our specialist immigration solicitors handle every step of your ILR application with precision and care. With years of experience and an exceptional track record, we ensure your submission is complete, compliant, and positioned for success — giving you the best chance of securing your permanent residency in the UK.
✦ Gain a clear understanding of the complete settlement process.
✦ Overcome any potential objections from the Home Office.
✦ Have your case professionally managed from start to finish.
Concerned About Getting Your ILR Approved
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain can often feel like a high-stakes lottery. The success or failure of your application frequently depends on navigating the complex and rigid requirements of the UK government. The dream of settling permanently in the UK is becoming increasingly challenging, as an application can be rejected for something as simple as a single day of absence from the UK that exceeds the allowed limit.
For this reason, there can be absolutely no room for error. Ashbridge Immigration Solicitors will handle your application flawlessly at every stage. Our team has a forensic understanding of the ILR requirements, and we will give you the best possible chance of success. Do not risk your future ILR status; move forward with confidence with the assistance of our expert team.
Professional ILR Advice You Can Rely On
At Ashbridge Immigration Solicitors, reuniting families is at the heart of what we do. We have successfully helped hundreds of couples navigate the complexities of the Spouse Visa process. Every application is handled with meticulous attention to detail, managing all paperwork and Home Office communication on your behalf, so you can focus on your future together.
Overturning a Refusal to Achieve Settlement
One of our clients faced delays in their ILR application after submitting outdated financial documents provided by a previous advisor. We reviewed the case in detail, identified the missing and incorrect paperwork, and prepared a fresh, accurate application. Within a few months, the client’s ILR was approved, and their spouse was also granted the right to remain. Today, the family enjoys full stability and security in the UK.
Client Feedback
Our Step-by-Step Guidance On Your ILR Application
Initial Eligibility
Review
We start by carefully assessing your situation to confirm that you meet the requirements for ILR under your specific visa category.
Document
Preparation
Our team helps you gather and arrange all necessary paperwork, including proof of identity, residency records, and financial or employment evidence.
Completing Your
ILR Form
We guide you step-by-step through filling in the correct ILR application form on the official UK government platform.
Final Accuracy Check &
Submission
Before sending your application, we review every detail to make sure there are no errors that could cause delays or refusals.
Biometric Enrolment
Support
– We assist with uploading all your supporting documents in advance and prepare you for a smooth biometric appointment at the UKVCAS centre.
Application in
Progress
Once submitted, UKVI will review your application. The standard processing time is usually within 6 months.
Outcome & BRP
Delivery
You’ll receive an email with the decision. If successful, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will arrive, confirming your ILR status.
Everything You Need to Know About Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
General Questions
ILR allows you and your family to advance your status in the UK. Those with ILR can live, work, and study in the UK, free from most visa restrictions. It is also the crucial step before you can apply for British citizenship.
The main application categories for ILR include:
Work-based routes: (e.g., Skilled Worker, Global Talent).
Family-based routes: (e.g., as a spouse, partner, or parent).
Long Residence in the UK: Based on 10 years of continuous lawful residence.
EU Settlement Scheme: For EU citizens and their family members.
Eligibility and Requirements
To apply for ILR, you must normally meet the following criteria:
Have held your visa continuously for the required qualifying period (usually 5 or 10 years).
Show proof of your English language proficiency.
Pass the “Life in the UK” test.
Meet the continuous residency requirements (rules on absences from the UK).
Meet any minimum income requirements (if applicable to your visa route).
To be eligible for ILR, you usually cannot have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying period. This rule can be particularly challenging for those on work or business visas who travel frequently. It is essential to discuss your absences with a legal expert before applying.
Anyone aged 18-65 must demonstrate English proficiency to at least level B1 of the CEFR framework. This can be proven with an approved English test result or a degree that was taught in English.
If you qualify for ILR before your spouse/partner and/or dependent children, they will need to continue on a dependant visa until they meet the continuous residency requirements themselves. You will need to ensure the maintenance requirements for your dependants are met.
The Application Process
You can apply for ILR directly from the UK government website using an online application form. Before you proceed, double-check to ensure you are filling out the correct application form related to the immigration category you are applying for. It is extremely crucial that all your information is fully accurate without even a tiny error. Then, you must pay the application fee before submitting it.
It is important to pay close attention to the questions on the application form and read every answer twice before submitting it. However, once you submit the online form, it cannot be edited anymore, even by the administration.
Enter accurate details: You have to fill in the form from the official website of the UK government. Always enter correct data in the form, such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information.
Immigration history and current status: Describe your prior immigration history and your current immigration type. Mention any previous UK visas along with the entry and exit dates into the UK.
Required documents: Copies and scans of supporting documents that should be uploaded to the UKVCAS website once the biometric appointment is booked, such as proof of living in the UK, proof of adequate funds, a Life in the UK test pass certificate and a certificate of English proficiency test.
Application fee and submission: You are required to pay the relevant application fee. All the answers and the documents should be carefully checked before the submission of the form because a small mistake will lead to a delay in the processing or even refusal.
Generally speaking, you will need to provide the following documents when applying for ILR (Note: This is not an exhaustive list and it could be different depending on different visa types).
Your passport.
Evidence of your current leave to remain (i.e. your visa).
Proof of any absences from the UK.
Payslips from your employer to prove you meet the minimum income requirements for Skilled Workers.
Proof you meet the English language requirement and have passed the Life in the UK test.
The standard service for ILR applications is up to six months. It costs an additional £800 for super priority processing (24 hours) and £500 for priority processing (five-day processing, where eligible). Normally, a limited number of SET (LR) applicants can use the super priority service daily. If the maximum number of customers has been reached when you are ready to submit and pay, the option for super priority will not be available on your application form.
After the Decision
ILR refusals can be devastating for you and your family. On many occasions, your life is put on hold due to such a negative decision. Our expert team can move swiftly to advise you on your options to challenge the refusal. Depending on the immigration category you choose, the following options are possible solutions and we will advise you on the best one for your circumstances:
Resubmitting your ILR application.
Appealing against the decision.
Lodge an Administrative Review.
Issue Judicial Review proceedings.
ILR status can indeed be revoked. This could happen if a person is found to have acquired ILR status through deception or becomes liable for deportation.
When you apply for ILR, you will need to enrol biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) as part of the application. When your ILR application is approved, you will be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP), which might also be referred to as an ILR card.
