Table Of Contents:
- When to apply for ILR
- Getting ILR in the UK – How long does it take
- Applying for a faster decision
- Receiving Your Decision
- Summary
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is a UK immigration status. With ILR or permanent residency status, you can live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely. You can apply for it only after you fulfil the qualifying period of continuous residence in the UK and other criteria. As ILR is a landmark step in your immigration journey in the UK, understanding how long it takes, or in other words, the processing times for an ILR, can help you plan accordingly and manage your expectations.
After you have applied for it, provided the required documents, and proved your identity (where required), you should, if you use the standard service, normally receive a decision on your ILR application within 6 months. Processing your ILR application may take longer if you are asked to provide further documentary evidence or information. You can avoid delays in processing times by submitting a complete and accurate application with all required supporting documents.
If you need or want a faster outcome on your ILR application, you may be able to use fast-tracked visa processing options, such as the ILR priority or ILR super priority services. You will have to pay additional fees for these services.
When to apply for ILR?
The earliest you can apply for your ILR or settlement is 28 days before you become eligible. UKVI may refuse your application if you apply earlier. You do not need to wait until your current UK visa expires. If your UK visa expires before you can apply for ILR, you will have to renew your visa first.
Getting ILR in the UK – How long does it take?
You will be informed whether your ILR application has been successful within 6 months.
UKVI will contact you if your application is complex and will take longer, for example, because:
- UKVI needs to verify your documents
- UKVI requests you to attend an interview
- of your personal situations (for example, if you have a criminal conviction)
Applying for a faster decision
You may be able to pay for a faster decision on an Indefinite Leave to Remain application using priority or super priority services. You will be advised about premium processing when you submit your ILR application if you are eligible.
1. ILR Priority Service
This service costs you £500 in addition to the ILR application fees.
Using the ‘priority service’ means you will usually get a decision on your ILR application within 5 working days. The 5 days begin from either the day of your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) service point appointment or the next working day after you have finished uploading all of your supporting documents using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. You will be told whether you can prove your identity in person at a UKVCAS or using the UK Immigration: ID Check app when you apply.
It can take longer than 5 days to get a decision – for example, if UKVI needs to ask you to give more information.
2. ILR Super Priority Service
This service costs you £1,000 in addition to the normal ILR application fees.
By choosing this service, you usually receive a decision by the end of the next working day following your UKVCAS appointment if it takes place on a weekday. If the biometric appointment takes place on a weekend or a bank holiday, you usually receive a decision within two working days.
Alternatively, if you verify your identity and upload documents using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you can normally expect a decision by the end of the next working day when submissions are made on a weekday, or within 2 working days if you finished uploading documents on a weekend or bank holiday.
For the purposes of processing times, working days are classed as Monday to Friday and do not include bank holidays.
Super priority appointments at weekends are considered as having occurred on the next working day, i.e., the following Monday, or in the case of the appointment being on a bank holiday, the Tuesday.
It can take longer – for example, if UKVI needs to ask you to supply more information or check your details with other government departments. You will be informed if this is the case.
Receiving Your Decision
The ILR processing period officially ends once you receive written confirmation—by email or letter—from UKVI confirming that a decision has been made on your application.
Summary
ILR or settlement is a form of permanent residency in the UK. This allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. This is also a key step toward your British citizenship.
Standard ILR applications processing usually takes 6 months. However, Priority services and Super priority services can get you a decision within 5 working days or 24 hours respectively, depending on your eligibility.
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