UK Permanent Residency – Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (Updated 2025-2026)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as UK permanent residency or settled status, allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

ILR Application Fee (2025-2026)

• Standard ILR application: GBP 2,885 per person
• Life in the UK Test: GBP 50
• English language test: Varies by provider (approximately GBP 150-200)

Qualifying Period by Visa Category

• Skilled Worker visa: 5 years continuous residence
• Health and Care Worker visa: 5 years continuous residence
• Innovator Founder visa: 3 years continuous residence
• Global Talent visa: 3 years (exceptional talent) or 5 years (exceptional promise)
• Senior or Specialist Worker: 5 years continuous residence
• UK Ancestry visa: 5 years continuous residence
• Family visa (spouse/partner): 5 years (or 10 years on the 10-year route)

Key Requirements for ILR

• Continuous residence: You must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period
• Life in the UK Test: Pass the official test on British traditions, customs, and history
• English language requirement: CEFR Level B1 or above in speaking and listening (IELTS 4.0+)
• No criminal convictions: Must meet good character requirements
• Salary requirements: Must have been earning at least the minimum salary threshold for your visa category
• Valid visa: Your current visa must still be valid when you apply

After ILR – British Citizenship

After holding ILR for at least 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship (naturalisation). The fee is GBP 1,580 for adults. You must pass the Life in the UK Test (if not already done), meet English language requirements, and have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the last 5 years.