UK Settlement Visa
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Thinking about making the UK your permanent home? The UK Settlement visa application process can be complex—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We will break down everything you need to know about the UK Settlement Visa (ILR), including eligibility, benefits, application requirements, and how to boost your chances of success.
What is a UK Settlement visa (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR)?
The UK settlement visa, formally known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows non-UK citizens to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom without time restrictions. It is a key immigration status that leads to British citizenship, and it’s often the ultimate goal for individuals who want to make the UK their permanent home.
Once granted ILR, you are considered “settled” in the UK. You no longer need a visa extension or sponsor, and you gain access to public services like the NHS, education, and some state benefits (if eligible).
Benefits of ILR: Why apply for a UK Settlement visa?
Holding Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK comes with many rights and freedoms, including:
Permanent residency with no time limits
Unrestricted employment and the ability to start a business
Free access to the NHS and public education
Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months
Freedom to travel in and out of the UK without a visa
Fewer visa requirements for other countries like Ireland, UAE, Canada, and Malaysi
Who can apply for UK ILR?
There are multiple routes to ILR, depending on your visa type and length of stay in the UK. Here are the most common:
Visa route | ILR qualifying period | Notes | |
Work-Based Route | Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Scale-up Visa, Innovator Founder Visa | 5 years (2–3 years for some Global Talent applicants) | Must meet salary, job continuity, and absence requirements |
Family Route | Spouse, partner, child, or parent of a British citizen or settled person | 5 or 10 years | Depends on financial criteria and visa category (5-year route vs 10-year route) |
Long Residence Rule | Any legal visa combination | 10 continuous years | Cannot exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period |
UK Ancestry Visa | Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent | 5 years | Must be working or actively seeking employment in the UK |
Refugee/Humanitarian Protection | Refugee status or humanitarian protection | 5 years | Must not breach any immigration conditions or criminal laws |
Check your eligibility with our tool.
5 UK ILR requirements you have to know (Updated for 2025)
To apply for ILR, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Residency requirement
English language proficiency
Life in the UK Test
Financial requirements
Good character requirement
Here are all the details:
Residency requirement
- Must have lived in the UK for 5 to 10 years, depending on visa route.
- Cannot have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying time.
English language proficiency
You must prove your English skills by:
- Passing a B1-level test in speaking and listening, or
- Having a degree taught in English, or
- Being from an English-speaking country (exemption applies)
Life in the UK Test
- A mandatory test covering UK history, traditions, and laws.
- Costs £50 and includes 24 multiple-choice questions.
- A pass certificate is required to submit your ILR application.
Financial requirements
- For work-based routes, you must meet the salary threshold relevant to your job.
- For family routes, you must prove you can financially support yourself and any dependents.
Good character requirement
- A clean criminal record is essential.
- Past immigration violations (e.g., overstaying a visa) can lead to rejection.
Documents needed for a UK Settlement visa application
Prepare the following UK visa documents to support your UK Settlement visa application:
Valid passport or travel document
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Proof of continuous residence (utility bills, pay slips, tenancy agreements)
English test certificate or degree qualification
Life in the UK Test pass certificate
Financial documents (e.g., payslips, tax returns, bank statements)
ILR application fee and processing time (2025)
Item | Details |
ILR Application Fee | £2,885 per person |
Priority Service | Additional £500+ (optional) |
Super Priority Service | Same-day decision for £1,000+ extra |
Processing Time | Up to 6 months (standard) |
Additional charges may apply.
Visa-free countries for ILR Holders
While ILR does not give you a British passport, it can help with travel. Some countries offer easier visa access or visa-free entry:
Ireland – Visa-free entry
Malaysia – 90-day visa-free stay
UAE – 30 days visa-free
USA – Easier visa approval with ILR
Canada – Eligible for eTA
Schengen Area – Improved chances of visa approval
6 common reasons for UK Settlement visa refusal
Avoid these mistakes to prevent rejection:
Exceeding 180-day absences in any 12-month period
Failing the Life in the UK Test or English test
Incomplete or missing documentation
Unspent criminal convictions
Incorrect visa history or overstaying
How to maximise your chances of UK Settlement visa approval
The UK Settlement visa (ILR) process can be complex. Working with an immigration lawyer or consultant ensures your application is accurate, complete, and compliant with Home Office rules.
At Global Law Immigration Consultancy, we offer:
Detailed eligibility assessments
Guidance on gathering documents
Completion and submission of your ILR application
Ongoing support until a decision is made
Is UK Settlement visa right for you?
If you're planning a future in the United Kingdom, securing a UK Settlement visa is a crucial step toward stability, opportunity, and even citizenship. Whether you’ve come through work, family, or long-term residence, ILR offers the freedom to truly build your life in the UK.
Start your application today, and take the next step toward a secure, permanent future in the UK.
Please call us on +44 207 504 1306 for any additional advice and one of our team would be happy to help.
Your personal details shall be treated as important and confidential and shall not be passed to any third parties for marketing purposes.
Global Law Immigration Consultancy in UK are authorised and regulated by the IAA: F20210027.
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Global Law are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (IAA) Registration No: F20210027 who regulates immigration advisers; ensuring they are fit, competent and act in their clients’ best interests. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Global Law is not a government agency and is not affiliated with any governmental visa-issuing authority. Our services are independent, and we do not guarantee the approval of any immigration or visa applications. We encourage all users to consult with the appropriate governmental agencies or legal professionals for definitive advice related to immigration matters. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
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Trusted reviews from our customers
We got indefinite leave to remain with Global Law. I was satisfied with them.. I decided to apply for British with my own Global law.. Ms. Özlem uploaded all my documents to the system within 1 day.. British citezen was approved in just 3 weeks.. Ms. Özlem is excellent
I cannot recommend the services of this firm enough, I worked with Tom who I found to be extremely helpful and approachable. He went above and beyond and is highly experienced in what he does. I now have my sponsorship licence which is what I requested their services for.
Found global law by friends recommendation. Throughout my application, they have been very supportive and helpful especially Tomas and Özlem. I strongly recommend should you soliciting visa application etc. Many thanks again GlobalLaw
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