UK ILR rules & requirements

Navigating the new UK ILR rules & requirements can feel tricky, but securing permanent residency in the United Kingdom is possible with the right steps. In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about eligibility, key requirements, and the process to apply for indefinite leave to remain in 2025.

UK indefinite leave to remain explained

UK indefinite leave to remain (ILR) grants permanent residency in the United Kingdom, allowing an individual to live, work, and study there indefinitely. However, to be eligible for ILR, applicants must meet specific rules and requirements based on their visa type, time spent in the UK, and other factors.

Want to learn more about what is indefinite leave to remain and what you can do with it? Check out our detailed guide!

New UK ILR rules & requirements for 2025

Below is a detailed explanation of the UK IRL rules and requirements to apply it:

1. Length of stay in the UK

One of the key eligibility criteria for ILR is the length of time an individual has lived in the UK. The general rule is that you must have lived in the UK for a continuous period, usually for at least 5 years. However, this requirement can vary depending on the type of visa you hold:

• Work visas: Typically, you must have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years on a work visa (e.g., Tier 2, Skilled Worker Visa, etc.) to qualify for UK ILR. Some visas may have shorter qualifying periods, such as:

  • Tier 1 Investor or Entrepreneur visas: After 2 or 3 years.

  • Global Talent or Innovator Founder visas: After 3 years.

• Family visas: If you’re in the UK on a family visa (e.g., spouse, partner, or child of a British citizen or person with ILR), you may qualify for ILR after 5 years of living together in the UK.

• Private life: If you’ve lived in the UK for 10 years or more, you may be able to apply for ILR on the basis of your private life. This is especially relevant for individuals who were under 18 when they came to the UK and have lived here for 10 continuous years.

2. Continuous residence in the UK

When applying for ILR, the time you’ve spent in the UK must be continuous. Short trips abroad generally won’t affect your eligibility, but the UK Home Office will assess whether you’ve maintained your main residence in the UK.

Typically, you shouldn’t have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying period for ILR.

3. English language requirements

To qualify for UK ILR, you must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the English language. There are different ways to meet this requirement:

• Pass an approved English language test: The test must be at least at the B1 level in speaking and listening.

• Degree taught in English: If you have a degree or higher qualification taught in English, you may not need to take a test.

• Citizenship or permanent resident: If you’re from an English-speaking country, you may be exempt from the English requirement.

4. Life in the UK Test

The Life in the UK Test is another key requirement for ILR applicants aged between 18 and 64. The test assesses your knowledge of British history, culture, and laws. It consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, and you must pass it to apply for ILR. The test can be booked online, and you’ll receive a certificate upon passing, which you will need for your ILR application.

5. Financial requirements

Depending on your UK visa type, you may need to meet certain financial requirements to apply for ILR.

Some visa types may require evidence of a specific salary threshold (for example, for skilled workers) in line with the applicable minimum wage for your occupation.

6. Criminal convictions and immigration history

Your criminal record and immigration history will also be scrutinized when applying for UK ILR. If you have a criminal conviction, particularly for serious offenses, it can impact your application.

Similarly, if you’ve overstayed a visa or breached immigration rules, this may result in refusal. It is important to ensure that your immigration history is clear and in line with the conditions of your visa.

7. Absences from the UK

If you’ve spent extended periods of time outside the UK during your qualifying period for ILR, it can affect your eligibility. Generally, you can’t be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period. If you exceed this, you may have to restart the qualifying period or your application could be rejected.

8. Application fee

The standard application fee for ILR is £2,885, and this fee is subject to change. If you want to use priority or super-priority services for faster processing, additional charges apply.

9. Time outside the UK and returning resident visa

If you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years, your ILR status can be revoked. If this happens and you wish to return to the UK, you will need to apply for a Returning Resident visa.

Documents Required for a UK ILR application

When applying for ILR, you will need to submit various supporting documents, including:

• Current passport or another identity document.

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if you have one.

• Evidence of continuous residence (e.g., bank statements, utility bills, or rental agreements).

• English language proficiency (e.g., test results or evidence of a degree in English).

• Life in the UK Test certificate, if applicable.

• Financial documents, such as pay slips, tax records, or bank statements.