ILR as a Refugee (5-Year Route)

You may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Refugee if you have lived in the UK for 5 years as a refugee and meet all the requirements. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a common way to settle in the UK. It is 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.

UK immigration rules and requirements are subject to change, so it is always best to consult with a qualified immigration solicitor for the most up-to-date information.

To successfully apply for ILR as a refugee under the 5-year route, contact our immigration solicitors at 020 3417 3700 for legal advice and assistance with your ILR application.

Table of Contents

What Is ILR as a Refugee in the UK?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a refugee allows you to settle permanently in the UK after completing five years of continuous residence with refugee status or humanitarian protection. Once ILR is granted, you can live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions and may later apply for British citizenship.

What Are the Requirements to Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

To be eligible for ILR as a refugee under the 5-year route, you must have been granted refugee status and have lived continuously in the UK for at least five years under that status.

You may be eligible to apply for ILR as a refugee in the UK if:

• You have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
• You have lived in the UK continuously for at least 5 years under that status.
• You have maintained lawful residence and not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during those 5 years.
• You meet the Home Office’s suitability requirements and have not obtained leave by deception.

Note: The five-year route is standard for refugees and those with humanitarian protection. Continuous residence means there should be no significant breaks in lawful stay.

Continuous Residence & Absence Rules

To qualify for ILR as a refugee after 5 years, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying period. Exceeding the absence limit may result in refusal.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK as a refugee, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) - This is proof of your legal right to stay in the UK as a refugee and will be issued to you when you are granted refugee status.
• Passport or travel document - You will need to provide a valid passport or travel document to prove your identity.
• Home Office letter - The Home Office will send you a letter confirming your refugee status. You will need to include a copy of this letter with your ILR application.
• Evidence of residence - You will need to provide evidence that you have been living in the UK since being granted refugee status. This can include things like utility bills, bank statements, and rental agreements.

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents. This could include things like medical certificates or criminal record checks.

When Can You Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

You can apply for ILR as a refugee in the UK during the final 28 days of your current refugee or humanitarian protection leave, as long as you have completed five full years in the UK under that status. Applying too early may lead to refusal, so timing is important.

How to Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

You must apply online for an ILR as a refugee after the completion of 5 years if you meet all the eligibility requirements. 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)

The application process for ILR can be complex, and it is recommended that you seek professional legal advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

If you are applying for ILR as a refugee or hold humanitarian protection or section 67 leave, there is no application fee for you, your partner, or your child. For those with discretionary leave, the fee is £3,029 per person, while biometric appointments (fingerprints and photo) are always free.

How Long Does It Take to Process an ILR as a Refugee Application?

ILR as refugee applications typically take 3-6 months, with Priority decisions in 5 working days and Super Priority by the next working day, at an additional cost.

The time it takes for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application to be processed depends on the service you choose:

ILR Application Using Standard Service

Most ILR refugee applications are processed within 3 to 6 months. This is the most commonly used option and is included in the standard 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.

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.

Do I Need a Solicitor to Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

While you can apply for ILR as a refugee online, it’s highly recommended to use a solicitor. Refugee applications are complex, have strict deadlines, and mistakes can be costly.

An experienced ILR refugee solicitor can check eligibility, address any risk factors, and ensure your application is properly prepared and submitted. A solicitor helps ensure you meet Home Office requirements and navigate the process smoothly.

Immigration Solicitors for Refugee ILR Applications

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a refugee can be complex, and even small mistakes can lead to delays or refusals. Our experienced immigration solicitors can guide you through every step of the process, from checking your eligibility and preparing documents to submitting your application correctly.

How Much Do Solicitors Charge for ILR as a Refugee?

For UK ILR applications as a refugee, our specialist immigration solicitors in London charge a fixed fee between £1,000 and £1,200 plus VAT.

At Wembley Solicitors, our UK immigration lawyers charge a fixed fee rather than hourly rates, which makes the cost more predictable and transparent for clients.

Need Help with Your ILR as a Refugee Application?

Need help with your ILR application as a refugee? Contact our specialist immigration solicitors in London at 020 3417 3700 to improve your chances of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions: ILR as a Refugee (5-Year Route)