Getting Started on Your ILR Visa Process
If you have become eligible to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain, it’s important that your application satisfies the basic requirements for doing so, as stated by Home Office.
First, there are several visa categories, each with its own qualifying period, so you’ll need to be sure that you have the timeline right.
For a spouse or a partner of a British citizen or a valid entry person who is settled in the UK, you can apply after two years if your visa was issued prior to 9th July 2012. If not, you can apply after 5–10 years. Other categories and their qualifying periods are as follows:
| Current Category | Qualifying Period |
| Unmarried partner | 5 years |
| EEA family permit | 5 years |
| UK ancestry visa | 5 years |
| Tier 1 (investor) visa | 2,3 or 5 years (depending on type of investment) |
| Tier 1 (entrepreneur) visa | 3 – 5 years, depending on business activity |
| Tier 1 (exceptional talent) visa | 3 years |
| Tier 2 visa | 5 years (in limited circumstances) |
| Retired person visa | 5 years |
| PBS visa dependants | 5 years |
| Discretionary leave to remain | 6 years |
| Long residence | 10 years (continuous legal residency required) |
| Returning resident | If settled in the UK prior to leave and returns within 3 years of said leave, they may apply |
| Turkish businessperson or worker | 5 years |
ILR Application Requirements
If you qualify for an ILR, you will need to gather evidence of eligibility to show that you are a legal, law-abiding citizen in the UK. Evidence includes:
- Documents showing continued legal residence in UK for the duration of stay period
- Documents showing movement out of UK. Any absence from the country should not exceed more than 180 days in a 12-month period
- Documents showing that you have passed the Life in the UK test
- Documents showing your ability to speak English that meets the required standard
Get Started!
Need help with your Life in the UK test? What if you have a criminal conviction?
We can address all your problems. Contact Wembley Solicitors to find out more about permanent residency in the UK. We offer assistance with student visas as well as other tier visas. Call now at 020 3417 3700.
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About The Author
Muhammad Khalid Khokhar
Muhammad Khalid Khokhar is an experienced UK solicitor, admitted on 1 September 2009, with over 16 years' experience, specialising in UK immigration law, family law, divorce, and commercial leases. As Director at Wembley Solicitors Limited, Khalid has represented hundreds of clients across the UK, achieving consistently successful outcomes, and is trusted by clients, as reflected in his 4.9-star Google reviews.