Indefinite Leave to Remain Application process and things to know

Table Of Content

1. Indefinite Leave to Remain Application Process
2. Eligibility
3. Documents Required
4. Complete And Submit The Application Form
5. Wait And Receive The Decision
6. More Things To Know About Indefinite Leave To remain Application Process

Indefinite leave to remain is a settled status for foreign nationals living in the UK on a valid visa. Indefinite leave to remain allows its holders to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. The indefinite leave to remain application process is complex and requires its applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria before they can apply for it. However, once granted ILR you can enjoy many benefits such as living, working in any business, profession, or employment, studying, and accessing public funds, National Health Service, and other public services just like a British citizen.

Indefinite Leave To Remain Application Process

The ILR application process starts with the applicant meeting the eligibility requirements. So, it is important that you know the conditions that you must meet to be able to apply for ILR.

Eligibility

• You must have lived in the UK for a certain number of years (usually 5 years) continuously depending on your current immigration route.
• You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months of the qualifying period.
• You may also need to meet financial requirements depending on your visa route.
• You must not have breached any UK immigration laws during your stay in the UK.
• You are of a good character.
• You must pass the “Life in the UK” test if you are
• You must pass the English language test.

Documents Required

The indefinite Leave to Remain application process requires you to submit the necessary documents. The list below indicates the documents required for the application process:

• Your current passport or valid travel ID
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Your Biometric Residence Permit, if you have one
• English language test certificate at a level B1 or higher or a degree taught in English
• Documents such as utility bills and tenancy agreements to prove your continuous residence in the UK
• Your certificate that confirms that you have passed the “Life in the UK” test
• Documents to show any absence from the UK during the qualifying period
• Financial documents such as payslips or bank statements
• If you have been employed in the UK then submit employer letters, contract of employment, and your salary slip.
• No criminal record certificate such as a police clearance certificate from any country you have lived in for more than 1 year in the past 10 years
• You may have to submit additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Complete And Submit The Application Form

Fill out the ILR Form Set (O) or (M) online.  

At the time of application, you also need to book an appointment to submit your biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and signature).

At the appointment date, you can also submit digital copies of your documents if you have not uploaded any of them during the online application.  

You also need to pay an ILR application fee for the submission of the ILR form.

Wait And Receive The Decision

After you submit the ILR form you need to wait for a decision (usually 6 months) on your application by the UKVI. You may be called for an interview if the UKVI requires further information on your application. You may also be asked for additional documents by the UKVI.
UKVI will send you a decision letter by post or email after they have made a decision. If you are granted ILR you will be issued a Biometric Residence Permit.

There are different situations in which you can apply for ILR.

More Things To Know About Indefinite Leave To remain Application Process

• If you work in the UK you must have usually lived and worked for 5 years in the UK.
• If you are on a Tier 1 visa, you may be eligible for ILR after 2or 3 years.
• If you are on an Innovator Founder or Global Talent visa, you may be eligible after 3 years.
• You can apply if you are in the UK as a partner of a British citizen or one who has settled status such as ILR in the UK.
• You can also apply as a parent, child, or other relative of a British citizen or one who has settled status in the UK.
• You may apply for ILR on the basis of ‘long residence’ which means that you have lived in the UK for 10 years continuously.
• You may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain if either:
  a). You are on a visa that is based on your private life.
  b). You were born in the UK and have lived here continuously up to the age of at least 7
• You may also be eligible to go through indefinite leave to remain application process if you:
  a). Have a refugee status or you are in the UK on humanitarian protection or discretionary leave.
  b). Are returning to the UK and you had previously held ILR.
  C). Served in the armed forces