UK Indefinite Leave to Remain

This is one of the most common terms in UK immigration. Normally referenced as ‘Permanent Residence’ the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is when a foreign national is granted Indefinite Leave to Remain being permission to live and work in the UK without restriction.

The Visa categories which normally lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain include:

• Spouse visa / Unmarried partner visa (after 2 years for visas issued prior to 9 July 2012)
• Fiancee visa
• Tier 1 visa / UK work permit (after 5 years)
• UK ancestry visa (after 5 years)
• EU nationals and dependents (after 5 years)
• Long residence (after 10 years legal residency in the UK)

Note that there are requirements for the “Permanent Resident” status in the UK. The requirements if not listed above are as follows – generally speaking:

• You have completed 5 years of continuous residence in the UK;
• You have met certain income requirements;
• You need to keep a detailed record of any absences from the UK over the last 5 years
• You will be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the English language and life in the UK

Note also that you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship 1 year after being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. This would be the standard path to British citizenship.

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