Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (also known as settlement) allows you to reside in the UK permanently, without any restrictions on your ability to work or study. Once you have been granted ILR, you may freely access the NHS and public funds and you do not need to make any further immigration applications, unless you wish to apply for UK citizenship. If you have children born after your grant of ILR, they will automatically be British citizens. 

Holders of ILR may apply for British citizenship after 12 months, or straight away, if married to a British citizen. 

Obtaining ILR is a key consideration for many of our clients. 

The length of time you must spend residing in the UK before you can apply for ILR will differ depending upon the requirements of your particular visa route. However, key ILR requirements running throughout most immigration routes include the need to have resided in the UK continuously (this imposes a limit on the number of absences you can have), demonstrating sufficient knowledge of the English language and passing a Life in the UK Test.

If your visa route does not provide a route to obtaining ILR, you may instead be eligible to apply for ILR once you have lived in the UK continuously and lawfully for 10 years. This is known as a ‘long residence’ application. 

We can advise you on the requirements to meet to make an application for ILR and assist you in preparing your application. 

British Citizenship Applications

Once you meet certain criteria, including a minimum period of residence and a good character requirement, you may be eligible to apply to naturalise or register as a British citizen. 

We can advise you on the requirements to meet to make an application for British citizenship and assist you in preparing your application.