Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Solicitors

If you’re approaching the end of your temporary visa and thinking about your long-term future in the UK, the prospect of applying for settlement can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, is one of the most significant milestones in any immigration journey, and the application process involves strict eligibility requirements, detailed documentation, and important deadlines.

Our specialist ILR solicitors in London and Croydon are here to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible. We’ve helped individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds secure their right to settle permanently in the UK, and we understand how much this outcome matters to you. Whether you’re applying under a skilled worker route, a family visa, or through long residence, our team will guide you through every stage, from assessing your eligibility to submitting a thorough and well-evidenced application.

Contact our Indefinite Leave to Remain solicitors in London and Croydon

For ILR guidance and a free telephone consultation, call our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128 and speak to one of our senior immigration lawyers.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also referred to as settlement, gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK permanently, without any immigration time restrictions. Once you have ILR, you are no longer tied to a specific visa category or employer, and you can access public services in the same way as a settled resident.

ILR is also the stepping stone to British citizenship. After holding ILR for 12 months, many people choose to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, securing full rights and a British passport. For an overview of the different routes available, you can visit the official gov.uk guidance on Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Indefinite Leave to Remain eligibility requirements

To be eligible for ILR, you must generally satisfy the following conditions:

• Qualifying residence period: Most applicants must have lived lawfully in the UK for a continuous period, typically five years. Some routes require a shorter period.
• Continuous residence: You must not have exceeded the permitted number of absences from the UK during your qualifying period.
• Life in the UK test: You must pass the Life in the UK test, a 24-question assessment of British traditions, customs, and culture that must be completed within 45 minutes. Exemptions apply for applicants under 18, those aged 65 or over, and those with certain long-term physical or mental conditions.
• English language: You must demonstrate a sufficient level of English, typically by passing an approved test or holding a degree taught in English.
• Good character: You must not have significant criminal convictions or immigration breaches on your record.

The precise requirements vary depending on the visa route you are applying under. Our indefinite leave to remain solicitors in London will assess your individual circumstances and confirm exactly what you need to provide.

Routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK

There are several pathways to ILR in the UK, each with different qualifying periods and conditions. Below are some of the most common routes we assist with.

Indefinite Leave to Remain for spouse and partner visas

If you entered the UK on a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner visa and have lived with your UK-settled or British partner for five years on this route, you may be eligible to apply for ILR. You’ll need to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, that you meet the continuous residence requirements, and that you satisfy the Life in the UK test and English language requirements.

Our team works sensitively with couples at every stage of this process, helping to gather the right evidence and present your application clearly to the Home Office.

Indefinite Leave to Remain for skilled worker visas

Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR after five continuous years of working lawfully in the UK in an eligible role. You must show that you remained employed throughout the qualifying period, met the relevant salary requirements, and continued to be sponsored by a licensed employer.

We work closely with skilled workers to ensure ILR applications are accurate, complete, and submitted at the right time.

Long residence

If you have lived in the UK continuously and lawfully for 10 years, you may be eligible for ILR under the long residence route, regardless of the visa categories you have held. In some cases, people who have spent periods without lawful status may also be able to apply after 20 years of continuous residence. Our solicitors can advise on whether this route is open to you.

Indefinite Leave to Remain application process

ILR applications are made online through the Home Office portal. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Completing the relevant online application form for your route
• Uploading supporting documents to evidence your eligibility
• Booking a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre
• Awaiting a decision from the Home Office

Our solicitors will help you complete your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain accurately, prepare a thorough document bundle, and ensure all deadlines are met. We review every application carefully before submission to maximise the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Indefinite Leave to Remain fees and processing times

ILR applications involve a substantial Home Office application fee, which applies per applicant. Fees are set by the Home Office and updated periodically, so we recommend checking the current fee on the official gov.uk website before applying.

Processing times vary depending on the service level you choose. A standard application may take several months, while priority and super priority services are available at additional cost for faster decisions. Our team will advise you on the most appropriate option for your individual circumstances and timeline.

Documents required for Indefinite Leave to Remain

The documents you’ll need to support your ILR application will depend on your visa route, but typically include:

• A valid passport and any previous travel documents showing entry and exit dates
• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for your current and previous visas
• Evidence of continuous residence, such as payslips, bank statements, and utility bills
• Your Life in the UK test pass notification
• An English language test certificate, where applicable
• Employer confirmation or payslips, for work-based routes
• Evidence of your relationship, for family-based routes

Our solicitors will provide a tailored checklist based on your route and circumstances, so you can be confident your application is fully supported.

Why instruct Barnes Harrild & Dyer for your Indefinite Leave to Remain application?

At BHD Solicitors, we have over 30 years of experience and have conducted more than 31,000 immigration cases across our London and Croydon offices. Our specialist ILR solicitors combine legal expertise with a genuine understanding of what is at stake for you and your family.

We take a personalised approach to every case. We know that no two ILR applications are the same, and we take the time to understand your full circumstances before advising you on the strongest possible route to settlement. We are ranked by The Legal 500 for immigration work in the South East, and our team includes accredited caseworkers at every level of qualification.

Our immigration lawyers in London and Croydon have been independently recognised for their expertise across all Immigration and Asylum matters through the Law Society Accreditation Scheme. We are also accredited in Immigration Law Advanced, which demonstrates our high level of expertise in handling complex immigration work, including in relation to Indefinite Leave to Remain.

From your initial consultation to the moment your ILR is granted, our team is with you at every step.

Frequently asked questions about Indefinite Leave to Remain

How long does an Indefinite Leave to Remain application take to process?

Processing times depend on the service level selected. Standard applications can take several months, while priority and super priority services are available at additional cost for faster decisions. We recommend checking the latest processing times on the official gov.uk website before applying, as they can change based on Home Office workload.

Can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain early?

In most cases, you cannot apply for ILR before your qualifying period is complete. However, in some circumstances, you may be able to apply up to 28 days before the end of your qualifying period. Our solicitors can confirm the earliest date on which your application can be submitted and help you plan accordingly.

Does Indefinite Leave to Remain expire?

ILR does not expire in the same way as a visa. However, it can be lost if you remain outside the UK for a continuous period of two years or more. If you are planning extended travel abroad, it is important to seek advice before you leave to protect your settled status.

What is the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK test is a requirement for most ILR applicants. It consists of 24 questions about British traditions, customs, and culture, completed within 45 minutes at one of over 30 approved test centres across the UK. The test costs £50 to sit. Exemptions apply for applicants under 18, those aged 65 or over, and those with certain long-term physical or mental conditions. Full details are available on the official gov.uk Life in the UK test page.

Can my Indefinite Leave to Remain application be refused?

Yes, ILR applications can be refused if you do not meet the eligibility requirements, fail to provide sufficient evidence, or have issues such as criminal convictions or immigration breaches on your record. Instructing a specialist solicitor from the outset significantly reduces the risk of refusal by ensuring your application is thorough, accurate, and well-evidenced before submission.

What happens after I get Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Once you have ILR, you can live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation, subject to meeting the relevant requirements at that time.

How much does Indefinite Leave to Remain cost?

The ILR application fee is set by the Home Office, applies per applicant, and is one of the more substantial immigration fees. Fees are updated periodically, so we recommend checking the current figure on the official gov.uk website before making your application. Our solicitors can advise on the total costs involved, including any priority service fees.

Get expert advice from Indefinite Leave to Remain solicitors in London and Croydon

As an established UK immigration law firm in Greater London, we can draw upon our vast resources to provide tailored, practical and affordable solutions to support you while offering a personalised and caring service.

For more information and to arrange a consultation with one of our senior ILR solicitors, contact your local branch in London or Croydon.