Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK's permanent residence status. It grants the right to live and work in the UK without any time limit or immigration conditions. For most Skilled Worker visa holders, ILR becomes available after five continuous years of lawful residence in the UK.
In This Article
- What is ILR?
- Who is eligible for ILR?
- The 5-year qualifying period
- Absence rules
- Knowledge of Life in the UK (KOLL) test
- English language requirement
- How to apply for ILR
- ILR vs British citizenship
- What happens if ILR lapses?
- Frequently asked questions
- Related terms
What Is ILR?
ILR — also called "settlement" — is an immigration status that removes time limits and conditions from your permission to be in the UK. Unlike a visa, which has an expiry date and ties you to specific conditions (such as working for a sponsor), ILR lets you:
- Live in the UK permanently
- Work for any employer, in any role, without needing sponsorship
- Access public funds on the same basis as a settled person
- Apply for British citizenship after a further qualifying period
ILR is recorded on a Biometric Residence Permit or, for newer applicants, as a digital eVisa status on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.
Who Is Eligible for ILR?
ILR is available to holders of many visa routes after completing the qualifying period, including:
- Skilled Worker Visa holders (most common route for sponsored workers)
- Health and Care Worker Visa holders
- Global Talent Visa holders
- Innovator Founder Visa holders
- Family visas (spouse/partner of a British citizen or settled person)
Each route has its own rules, but the Skilled Worker path is the primary route for overseas employees working in the UK under sponsorship.
The 5-Year Qualifying Period
Skilled Worker visa holders must complete five continuous years of lawful residence in the UK before applying. "Continuous" means you must not have had gaps in your leave (periods of overstay or unlawful presence reset the clock).
The five years does not need to be entirely on a Skilled Worker visa — time spent on other qualifying routes (such as a Tier 2 visa, its predecessor) counts towards the total.
You must also still be employed by a licensed sponsor in an eligible role at the time of your ILR application — your sponsorship must be ongoing.
Absence Rules
You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the five qualifying years. The Home Office checks each rolling 12-month period within the qualifying five years, not just the final year.
Exceeding the 180-day limit in any single 12-month period will normally make you ineligible for ILR until you have accumulated a fresh five-year qualifying period that stays within the limit.
Exceptions exist for absences related to Covid-19, exceptional circumstances, or Crown service — these must be evidenced at the time of application.
Knowledge of Life in the UK Test
All ILR applicants aged 18–64 must pass the Life in the UK test — a 24-question multiple choice exam based on the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The test covers British history, culture, government, and values.
Key facts:
- The test is taken at an approved test centre (online booking)
- You need at least 18 correct answers (75%) to pass
- A pass certificate is valid indefinitely (no expiry)
- If you have already passed the test for a previous visa application, the same certificate is re-usable
English Language Requirement
Most ILR applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR level B1 or above. This can be evidenced by:
- A Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate from an approved provider
- A degree taught in English (from a UK institution or a Tier 4/Student visa study period)
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
If you met the English language requirement when you were granted your Skilled Worker visa, you do not need to re-sit a test for ILR — the same evidence is accepted.
How to Apply for ILR
ILR applications are made online via the UKVI website using the SET(O) application form (for most work routes). You will need to:
- Complete the online form and pay the application fee (currently £2,885 per person)
- Book a biometric appointment at a UKVI application centre
- Submit supporting documents: passport, payslips, P60s, sponsor confirmation, absence record, Life in the UK pass certificate
Processing times vary but are typically 2–6 months. You can pay for a "Super Priority" service (same or next working day decision) at an additional cost.
ILR vs British Citizenship
ILR is not the same as British citizenship:
| Feature | ILR | British Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Right to live in UK | Permanent (unless lapses) | Permanent |
| Right to vote in general elections | No (only local elections) | Yes |
| British passport | No | Yes |
| Travel without visa to most countries | No (depends on passport) | Yes (strong passport) |
| Can be lost | Yes (if absent 2+ years) | No (once granted) |
| Eligible for | After 5 years in UK | After 1 year of ILR |
Most ILR holders apply for naturalisation as a British citizen after holding ILR for 12 months, at which point they have spent at least six years in the UK.
What Happens if ILR Lapses?
ILR can lapse if you are absent from the UK for a continuous period of two or more years. If ILR lapses, you lose your settled status and must apply for a new visa to re-enter the UK. You may be able to apply for a Returning Resident visa, but approval is not guaranteed.
This is a key difference from British citizenship, which cannot be lost through absence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change jobs after getting ILR?
Yes — one of the main benefits of ILR is that you are no longer tied to a sponsor. You can work for any employer, in any role, or be self-employed.
Does my family get ILR at the same time?
Dependants who have been in the UK on your visa and have not exceeded absence limits can apply for ILR at the same time as you. Each dependant submits a separate application.
Can my ILR be revoked?
Yes, in limited circumstances. ILR can be revoked for deception on the application, serious criminal convictions, or if it was granted in error. It cannot be revoked simply because your circumstances change (e.g., job change).
Does time on a Graduate Route Visa count towards ILR?
No — time spent on the Graduate Route does not count towards the ILR qualifying period for the Skilled Worker route. You would need to switch back to a qualifying route and restart the five-year clock.
Related Terms
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- Graduate Route Visa
- Points-Based Immigration System
Planning your long-term career in the UK? Find roles with licensed sponsors who can support your journey to ILR. Search jobs →