Settlement Types
& ILR Permits

How to apply

In order to be eligible for Indefinite Leave To Remain, you must meet the eligibility requirements as set out below:

• You have been living continuously in the UK under the qualifying period. 
• You are a good character. 
• Have passed the life in the UK test. 
• Have passed the English language test (if required).
• Have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK. 

In most cases, you need to show that you have been living in the UK for a period of 5 years in order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain. 

Not all visa routes lead to settlement and there are only a handful of visa routes that will allow a migrant to permanent settle in the UK. 

You can apply for ILR on the basis of how many years you have spent in the UK.  A migrant can settle in 2, 3, 5 and 10 years. 

In certain circumstances, a migrant can apply for ILR sooner and these circumstances are:

• If the migrants British spouse dies. 
• If they were a victim of domestic violence. 

A migrant with ILR, can also lose their status if they spend over a certain period outside the UK.