Indefinite Leave to Remain is the point at which a person becomes settled in the UK and is no longer subject to a time limit on their stay. For employers, HR teams and families, ILR planning helps protect long-term workforce and family stability before visa expiry dates create risk.
Also known as settlement.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-14.
TL;DR
Indefinite Leave to Remain is settlement in the UK and allows a person to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit. The 2026 Home Office fee is £3,226 per applicant, the stay is unlimited, and the usual decision time is within 6 months after biometrics.
£3,226
ILR application fee
Unlimited
Time limit on stay
6 months
Typical decision
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain, often called ILR or settlement, is immigration permission that allows a person to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like. GOV.UK confirms that a settled person may also apply for benefits if eligible and may use ILR as a basis for British citizenship.
There is no single ILR route. Applicants qualify through different routes, such as Skilled Worker, family, long residence, Global Talent, UK Ancestry or other settlement categories, each with its own residence, absence, financial and evidential requirements.
Many applicants need to pass the Life in the UK Test and, depending on the route, meet English language requirements. The timing is important: some applicants can apply no earlier than 28 days before completing the qualifying period, and travelling outside the Common Travel Area while an ILR application is pending can withdraw the application.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Indefinite Leave to Remain.
📄
Qualifying Route
The applicant must qualify under a specific settlement route, such as work, family, long residence or another eligible category. Each route has its own residence and evidence rules.
💼
Continuous Residence
Most ILR routes require a qualifying period in the UK, often 5 years, although some routes differ. Absences, route changes and gaps in permission should be checked before applying.
£
Knowledge Requirements
Many applicants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the relevant English language requirement. Some work-route applicants may not need to prove English again if they already did so for their visa.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Indefinite Leave to Remain.
✓ You Can
- Live in the UK without a time limit once ILR is granted.
- Work and study without needing a new sponsored visa.
- Access benefits if eligible under the relevant benefit rules.
- Use ILR for citizenship planning after meeting naturalisation requirements.
- Hold digital status through an eVisa where applicable.
✗ You Cannot
- Apply too early where your route has a minimum qualifying period.
- Travel while the application is pending outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
- Ignore absence rules if your route has continuous residence limits.
- Assume every visa leads to ILR because some routes are temporary only.
- Keep ILR automatically after long absences because status may lapse after certain periods abroad.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| ILR application | £3,226 |
| Life in the UK test | £50 |
| Biometrics | No fee |
| Super priority | Additional fee — check current fees |
| eVisa access | No fee |
How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Identify the Settlement Route
Confirm whether the applicant qualifies through work, family, long residence, ancestry, business, talent or another ILR category.
Check Timing and Residence
Review qualifying years, absences, visa history and the earliest lawful application date.
Prepare Tests and Evidence
Complete the Life in the UK Test where required and gather route-specific evidence, such as sponsor letters, family evidence or residence documents.
Submit the Online Application
Apply before current permission expires and do not travel outside the permitted area while the application is pending.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK states that many ILR applications usually receive a decision within 6 months after biometrics, with faster services available for some routes.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Indefinite Leave to Remain from employers and applicants.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain UK?
Indefinite Leave to Remain is settlement in the UK. It allows a person to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit.
How much does ILR cost in 2026?
The 2026 Home Office fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain is £3,226 per applicant. The Life in the UK Test is listed separately at £50.
How long does an ILR decision take?
GOV.UK states that many ILR applications usually receive a decision within 6 months of biometrics. Some applicants may be able to pay for a faster decision.
Can I work after getting ILR?
Yes. ILR allows a person to work in the UK without needing sponsorship or a time-limited work visa.
Does ILR mean British citizenship?
No. ILR is settlement, not citizenship. It can be used as a basis to apply for British citizenship once the naturalisation requirements are met.
When can I apply for ILR?
Timing depends on the route. For example, many Skilled Worker and family routes allow settlement after 5 years, and GOV.UK warns not to apply earlier than permitted.
Do I need the Life in the UK Test for ILR?
Many applicants aged 18 to 64 need to pass the Life in the UK Test. Some applicants also need to meet English language requirements, depending on their route.
Can I travel while my ILR application is pending?
GOV.UK warns that an application may be withdrawn if the applicant travels outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man before a decision.
Can ILR be lost?
Yes. GOV.UK guidance explains that ILR or ILE can be lost after long absences from the UK, with different periods applying to ILR, settled status and Swiss-related settled status.
Which visas lead to ILR?
Several routes can lead to ILR, including some work, family, long residence, ancestry, business and talent routes. Temporary routes such as many visit and short-term worker categories do not normally lead directly to settlement.
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