Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is how you settle in the UK. It is also called ‘settlement’. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you are eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.

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There are different ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain based on your circumstances.

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If you or your family member are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you may be able to apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme instead.

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If you work in the UK

You may be able to apply if you have a work visa.

You must usually have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years. If you have a tier 1 visa, it can be 2 or 3 years. If you have an Innovator or Global Talent visa, it can be 3 years.

You may also need to meet the salary or financial requirements - this depends on your visa.

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What is the standard set of documents?

- Applicant’s current passport;

- A legal basis for your stay in the UK, ie a long-term visa;

- Documents on all your departures from the United Kingdom;

- Evidence that the applicant is fluent in English and has successfully passed the Life in the UK test;

- Payment information from the employer, which indicates that the applicant receives a salary not less than the statutory minimum, if applying for a British permanent residence permit from a Skilled Worker visa.

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How you apply depends on whether you:

1. have a tier 2, T2, International Sportsperson or Skilled Worker visa;

2. have a Global Talent, Tier 1 Entrepreneur or Investor visa;

3. have an Innovator visa;

4. represent an overseas business;

5. have a Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa;

6. are a private servant in a diplomatic household with an International Agreement visa, or a domestic worker.

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If you have family in the UK

You may be able to apply if you have a partner, parent or child or other relative settled in the UK - either as a British citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain.

How you apply depends on which visa you have and how your family member settled.

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There are other ways to apply if:

1. your partner has died;
2. your relationship ended because of domestic violence;
3. You may be able to apply if you have been living here for 10 years or more.

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There is a different way to apply if you have a visa that is on the basis of your private life. 

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If you are a Commonwealth citizen

You can apply if you have been living in the UK for 5 years on a UK Ancestry visa.

Some Commonwealth citizens have the right of abode in the UK. This means you can live or work in the UK without immigration restrictions. Check if you can apply to prove you have the right of abode in the UK. 

You may be eligible for citizenship instead, for example by applying under the Windrush scheme.

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Other ways to apply

You may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you:

• are a refugee or have humanitarian protection or Discretionary Leave
• are returning to the UK having previously had indefinite leave to remain
• served in the armed forces

Otherwise, you can get advice about staying in the UK on the Citizens Advice website.

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How long does it take to make a decision on the leave?

You will usually receive a decision within 6 months.

You should not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you have a decision. If you do, your application will be withdrawn.

You will be contacted if your application is complex and time consuming, for example:

● if your supporting documents need to be checked;

● if you need to be interviewed;

● due to your personal circumstances, for example, if you have a criminal record.

The naturalization and registration of the British passport is the final stage for those foreigners who are going to choose the United Kingdom as their home. It usually takes several years of serious effort and planning before an immigrant is eligible to apply for English citizenship.

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To apply for citizenship, you need a residence permit in the UK until you obtain citizenship. Your permit must be valid until you pass the citizenship ceremony.

If you have an indefinite residence permit (ILR) or settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, this is considered a residence permit.

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List of basic documents for applying for citizenship:

1. National passport of the country of citizenship and its photocopy;

2. Valid international passport and all past international passports;

3. Certificate of no criminal record at home;

4. Document certifying the legality of stay in the UK;

5. Documentary proof of a legal source of income sufficient for the applicant and his/her family to live without social subsidies from the state;

6. Certificate from the tax service of the country on the absence of debt;

7. Medical opinion of a British medical institution on the state of health;

8. Certificate from the British police on the absence of problems with the country laws;

9. Recommendations;

10. Four photos.

Before you plan to move to the UK, there are a few important things to keep in mind: 

1. Finding accommodation. You should have a clear plan when it comes to your place of residence. If possible, try to find an apartment or house before you move to the UK so that you don't waste time looking for a property upon arrival. Also, if you plan to open a bank account after you move, you will need a home address. 

2. Open a bank account. You will need a bank account and debit cards to make most payments in the UK. To open a bank account, you must have a valid address. But if you don't have one, you can use the services of moving companies that provide this service. Some people use the addresses of their friends or family members. In any case, you should prepare yourself to overcome this obstacle during your move. Contact one of the major banks such as NatWest, Barclay's or HSBC to find out which account might be best for you.

3. Get ready to apply for a national insurance number. Your National Insurance Number (NIN) is the account number that tracks your insurance premiums and the taxes you pay. If you have a BRP, this number may already be stamped on the card. But if you don't have one, you need to apply for one. Keep in mind that you can only apply for a NINO once you are in the UK.

4. The cost of living in the UK varies, but in general it is more expensive in the south and cheaper in the north. Use an online cost of living comparison tool to find out how much your costs may increase after you move.

5. Many new immigrants to the UK end up in the capital, London, where there are generally more job opportunities. However, London is also home to many of the most expensive places to live in the country. To make a good investment in a rental property in London, consider these favorable neighborhoods:

• Barking and Dagenham
• Hillingdon
• Croydon
• Waltham Forest
• Havering
• Bexley

6. Buy an Oyster card. The Oyster card is a prepaid public transport pass that gives you access to trains and buses in London without having to buy a separate ticket. You can buy an Oyster card at most newsagents and at every train station in London.

7. Familiarize yourself with cultural differences. Despite the cultural diversity, especially in major cities like London and Manchester, the culture in the UK can be very different from your country of origin.

• Do your best to familiarize yourself with UK culture by asking questions about phrases or gestures that may confuse you.
• Buy a book about UK culture or about emigrating to the UK.

After the consultation, you can ask us additional questions. We are interested in the complete resolution of your case.  Get a full range of legal services conveniently and quickly - order a consultation right now!