You can apply online for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you have lived & worked in the UK for 5 years as a Skilled worker and meet all the requirements.

In order to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Skilled Worker, the applicant has to show that he has been working throughout the period of his work permit / Tier 2 General for the employer who sponsored his stay in the UK.

The ILR applicant should also get a letter from the employer who sponsored his stay in the UK confirming that the applicant has been working for him/her and further that the applicant is still needed for the job for which he was sponsored to stay in the UK.

To get legal advice and help with your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application based on a Skilled Worker visa, get in touch with our highly experienced UK immigration solicitor today.

Page Contents

  1. ILR as a Skilled Worker Visa (5-Year Route)
  2. What is an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
  3. How to apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker?
  4. What are the requirements for ILR?
  5. ILR application processing time 2024
  6. How much does ILR based on a Skilled Worker visa cost?
  7. Solicitors for ILR applications
  8. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
  9. Need Legal Advice & Assistance?

What is an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a common way to settle in the UK. It's also known as 'settlement'.

ILR allows you to live, work or study in the UK without any immigration restrictions. You may be able to apply for the benefits if eligible.

How to apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker?

You must apply online for an ILR as a Skilled Worker visa holder after the completion of 5 years.

You must meet all the eligibility requirements and if you need expert legal advice or guidance then you can contact our highly experienced immigration solicitors based in London.

The steps for an ILR application are as follows:

Assess your eligibility for an ILR application (if not sure, our immigration solicitors can help);

  • Complete and submit the ILR application form online
  • Pay the relevant ILR application fee
  • Upload documents in support of your ILR application
  • Book and attend a biometric appointment.
  • Wait for the outcome (you should get a decision within 6 months)

What are the requirements for ILR?

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

  • You must have lived in the UK for 5 years as a Skilled worker
  • You must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months
  • You must meet the financial requirements
  • you need to meet the English language requirements
  • you need to pass the Life in the UK Test
  • Letter from your employer (sponsor) confirming that you're still needed for your job

Please contact our UK immigration lawyer to fully assess your eligibility for ILR by considering all the relevant information so that we can advise you on the chances of success in your application in particular if you have any exceptional circumstances or any adverse personal or immigration history.

ILR application processing time 2024

In 2024, ILR applications based on Skilled Worker visas take 3-6 months. You might be able to use "super priority service" or "priority service" to get a faster decision.

You must not travel outside of the UK while your ILR application is pending with the Home Office.

ILR application using super priority service

You may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) using the "Super Priority Service" to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay the "Super Priority Service" fee in addition to the ILR application fee.

ILR application using priority service

You can choose the "Priority Service" when you apply for ILR to get a faster decision within 5 working days. You'll need to pay the "Priority Service" fee in addition to the ILR application fee.

How much does ILR based on a Skilled Worker visa cost?

The cost of an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application varies depending on the type of service such as 'standard service', or 'priority service'.

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and you should always check the most up-to-date information on the UK government's official website before applying for a visa.

Solicitors for ILR applications

Our expert team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers will be able to assist you with any type of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application.

Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

  • Provide detailed immigration advice.
  • Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK visa application.
  • Explain the entire UK visa application process.
  • Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
  • Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
  • Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letter for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
  • Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
  • Upload all the supporting documents.
  • Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
  • Keep you updated with every stage of your visa or immigration application.

Contact our immigration solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application as a Skilled Worker 28 days before you've been in the UK for 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa.

You do not need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) fee if you apply for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship.

We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish. 

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.

You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.

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