Travel & Citizenship

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK: Who Can Apply and After How Long

5 min read

In this guide
  1. What does ILR give you?
  2. Which routes lead to ILR?
  3. How do you apply?
  4. Do you need to pass the Life in the UK Test?
  5. How should you prepare?
  6. Common mistakes to avoid
  7. FAQ
    1. What is the difference between ILR and citizenship?
    2. How long do I need to live in the UK for ILR?
    3. Is there a faster route for some visas?
    4. Do EU citizens apply for ILR?
    5. Can I get help with my application?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

Quick answer: Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also called settlement, is how you settle in the UK. GOV.UK says it gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like, and you can use it to apply for British citizenship. The time you need depends on your route: usually 5 years for work visas, 10 years or more for long residence, and different rules for family and other routes.

For many migrants, ILR is the point where life in the UK becomes permanent and stable. It is also the step that comes before citizenship. This guide explains the routes that GOV.UK lists, so that you can see which one fits your situation. It does not replace the guidance for your own visa, because the rules differ by route.

What does ILR give you?

According to GOV.UK, ILR gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like. It is different from a time-limited visa that you must extend. You can also use ILR as a step towards applying for British citizenship.

Which routes lead to ILR?

Route What GOV.UK says
Work Usually 5 years living and working in the UK. 2 or 3 years on a tier 1 visa, and 3 years on an Innovator Founder or Global Talent visa. Salary or financial requirements may also apply, depending on your visa.
Family You may be able to apply if you have a partner, parent, child or other relative settled in the UK, as a British citizen or with ILR.
Long residence 10 years or more living in the UK. A separate route applies to visas based on private life.
Commonwealth citizens 5 years on a UK Ancestry visa, or 5 years in the UK with a British National (Overseas) visa. Some people have right of abode, which is a separate check.
Other routes Refugees, people with humanitarian protection or Discretionary Leave, people returning after previously having ILR, armed forces members, and stateless people with permission to stay.
Special circumstances Routes exist if your partner has died or your relationship ended because of domestic violence.
EU, EEA or Swiss citizens You may instead apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

How do you apply?

The GOV.UK overview does not give step-by-step instructions, because the route you use depends on your visa and circumstances. Follow the specific guidance linked for your situation. GOV.UK also points to finding an immigration adviser or getting advice from Citizens Advice. Application fees, processing times and forms are not covered on the overview page, so check the current figures on the official application pages before you plan.

Do you need to pass the Life in the UK Test?

GOV.UK says you may need to pass the Life in the UK Test if you are applying for British citizenship or for settlement, and advises you to check the application guidance. Read our full guide to the Life in the UK Test to see who is exempt, how to book and what ID you need.

How should you prepare?

  1. Identify your route. Check which route in the table above applies to your visa.
  2. Count your time. Keep records of your visas, addresses and employment for the whole period.
  3. Check the extra requirements for your route, such as salary or financial rules.
  4. Plan for the test if it applies to you, and book it early.
  5. Keep your documents in order. See our guide to the documents you need when moving abroad.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming that every route needs the same number of years.
  • Applying without checking the salary or financial requirements for your visa.
  • Paying an unofficial website or agent that promises a guaranteed result. Read how to avoid visa and job offer scams.
  • Booking the Life in the UK Test under a different name from your ID.

FAQ

What is the difference between ILR and citizenship?

ILR lets you live, work and study in the UK as long as you like. British citizenship is a separate application, and GOV.UK says you can use ILR to apply for it.

How long do I need to live in the UK for ILR?

It depends on the route. GOV.UK says it is usually 5 years on a work visa, and 10 years or more on the long residence route.

Is there a faster route for some visas?

Yes. GOV.UK says tier 1 visas need 2 or 3 years, and Innovator Founder and Global Talent visas need 3 years.

Do EU citizens apply for ILR?

GOV.UK says EU, EEA or Swiss citizens may instead apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Can I get help with my application?

GOV.UK points to finding an immigration adviser and to Citizens Advice.

Key takeaways

  • ILR lets you live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like.
  • The time you need depends on your route.
  • Check the extra requirements for your visa, including the Life in the UK Test if it applies.
  • Use official guidance for your own route and avoid unofficial helpers.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often, so confirm the rules for your route on GOV.UK before you apply. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain
  • GOV.UK: Settle in the UK
  • GOV.UK: Life in the UK Test

Keep reading