Applying for ILR: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been living in the UK for five full years on the same visa, you do become eligible for an ILR or an Indefinite Leave to Remain. However, like all matters of UK immigration, applying for a UK ILR and having it approved is not as easy as it sounds.

For starters, in order to be eligible for an ILR, you will first have to prove the basics, which include:

• Showing that you’re of good character
• You have enough knowledge of living in the UK
• You have sufficient knowledge of the English language
• You have not spent more than 180 days, a total of 900 days in this five year term outside of the UK
• You have not spent time prior to applying for an ILR outside of the UK

In other terms, these basics would include complete documentation of your time in the UK (lawful residence) during the qualifying period. You’ll also need to pass the Life in the UK test, offer evidence of your English speaking ability and just make your case as strong as possible.

Keep in mind that an ILR is just one step away from a British citizenship. It stands to reason that the Home Office will need sufficient evidence to grant you a pass for an indefinite stay.

When Should You Apply for an ILR

There is a misconception that you’re supposed to apply for your ILR 28 days prior to your date of entry in the UK. However, this detail is not set in stone. Let’s say that you came to the UK within the first three months of when your visa was issued, you can choose to apply for an ILR early, instead of 28 days prior to the issue date.

Nevertheless, because the UK visa site itself states that you should not apply 28 days before your qualifying period is complete, we recommend that you book the appointment in the five days prior to submitting the ILR application.

Cost of an ILR

As of 8^th October 2018, the cost of applying for an Indefinite Leave to Remain is £2,389. However, this total sum may increase if you apply for a service. Also, keep in mind that this cost is per person, so while it is a hefty amount, you could say that being granted an ILR makes up for the sum. For payment, you could choose to pay via credit or debit card.

Need Help with the Application Process?

Contact Wembley Solicitors today!

As a leading law firm in Middlesex, we can help you complete your application properly. To book an appointment with an immigration solicitor, call us today at 020 3417 3700.