Indefinite Leave to Remain
(ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (also called settlement) is immigration status that gives a person the right to live and work in the UK permanently, without time limit or conditions. Most migrants can apply for ILR after five years of lawful residence. ILR can be lost if the holder is absent from the UK for more than two continuous years.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called settlement, gives the holder the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely without immigration conditions. Most routes require 5 continuous years of lawful residence, during which the applicant must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period (the continuous residence rule). The application is made on form SET(O) or the relevant route-specific form, submitted online. The fee is £2,885 per applicant (2025/26). ILR is lost if the holder is absent from the UK for 2 or more continuous years. After holding ILR for 12 months (or 3 years for spouses/partners of British citizens), you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. The Life in the UK test and English language requirement must be met. ILR holders can access most public funds on the same basis as British citizens.
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Settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also called settlement — gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK for an indefinite period without immigration restrictions. ILR is a significant step on the pathway to British citizenship and provides much greater security than any time-limited visa. However, ILR can be lost if you spend extended periods outside the UK.
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British Citizenship Basics
British citizenship can be obtained in several ways — by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation. The most common route for immigrants is naturalisation, which is available to most people who have lived lawfully in the UK for at least five years (or three years if married to a British citizen). Becoming a British citizen gives you the right to a British passport, the right to vote in all UK elections, and the ability to pass citizenship to your children.
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