Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Refugee

You can apply for ILR as a refugee after completing five years of continuous residence in the UK with refugee status, humanitarian protection or qualifying discretionary leave. You must meet the settlement requirements and continue to require protection in the UK.

The rules depend on when you claimed asylum. If your asylum claim or further submissions were made on or before 1 March 2026, you can generally remain on the existing 5-year protection route. For claims made on or after 2 March 2026, most adults granted refugee status receive 30 months' permission initially, and different rules apply.

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.

Can I Apply for ILR as a Refugee After 5 Years?

If you have refugee status and have completed 5 continuous years in the UK on the protection route, you may be eligible to apply for ILR. Your refugee status must not have been revoked or renounced, and the Home Office will carry out a safe return review when considering your settlement application.

If you claimed asylum on or before 1 March 2026, the existing 5-year route generally applies. If you claimed asylum on or after 2 March 2026, you should check which protection and settlement rules apply to your case before assuming that you can apply for ILR after 5 years.

Requirements for ILR as a Refugee

To qualify for ILR as a refugee, you generally need to:

• Have completed the required qualifying period in the UK with refugee status.
• Have maintained refugee status throughout the qualifying period.
• Meet the applicable continuous residence requirements.
• Continue to require protection in the UK.
• Pass the Home Office safe return review.
• Meet the relevant settlement requirements under the Immigration Rules.

For the existing 5-year protection route, the Immigration Rules require at least 5 continuous years in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection.

Important: When Did You Claim Asylum?

The date of your asylum claim is particularly important under the current rules.

If you claimed asylum or made further submissions on or before 1 March 2026, refugee status or humanitarian protection is generally granted with a minimum of 5 years' permission, and those granted protection remain eligible for settlement after 5 years under the existing protection settlement route.

For asylum claims made on or after 2 March 2026, most adults granted refugee status receive 30 months' permission to stay rather than the previous 5 years. The settlement position for these applicants is therefore different and should be assessed under the rules applicable to their claim.

What Is the Safe Return Review for Refugee ILR?

The Home Office carries out a safe return review when considering an ILR application from a person with refugee status or humanitarian protection. The review considers whether there have been changes in the applicant's personal circumstances or conditions in their country of origin that could affect their continuing need for international protection.

This means that having completed the qualifying period does not automatically guarantee ILR. Your continuing protection needs can be considered as part of the settlement application.

Do Refugees Need to Pass the Life in the UK Test for ILR?

Applicants with refugee status or humanitarian protection do not normally need to meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement when applying for settlement on the protection route. This is an important difference from many other ILR routes.

You should nevertheless check the rules applicable to your specific immigration status before applying.

Do Refugees Need to Meet the English Language Requirement for ILR?

There is no general English language requirement for settlement on the refugee protection route in the same way that applies to many work or family routes. GOV.UK's refugee settlement guidance does not list an English language or Life in the UK requirement as a condition for settlement on this protection route.

This is another important difference between refugee ILR and routes such as Skilled Worker or spouse ILR.

Continuous Residence Requirement for ILR as a Refugee

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a refugee in the UK, you must normally complete 5 years of continuous residence with refugee status, meet the settlement requirements and comply with the applicable absence rules.

Under the current continuous residence rules, you generally must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

Read the full Continuous Residence & 180-Day Rule Guide →

What Documents Do I Need for ILR as a Refugee?

When applying for ILR as a refugee, you will generally need documents confirming your identity, immigration status and protection status.

Depending on your circumstances, documents may include:

• Current passport or travel document, if you have one
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa details
• Evidence of your refugee status
• Previous immigration documents
• Evidence relating to your continuous residence
• Details of your travel and absences from the UK
• Documents relating to any dependants included in your application
• Any additional evidence requested by the Home Office

The Home Office may also need to verify information relating to your refugee status and protection claim as part of the settlement and safe return assessment.

How to Apply for ILR as a Refugee

You must apply online for settlement as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection using the relevant Home Office application form. The Immigration Rules specify the form “Apply to settle in the UK – refugee or humanitarian protection” or, where available, the Settlement Protection form.

Step-by-Step Refugee ILR Application

1. Check your qualifying period and confirm that you are eligible to apply.
2. Check your refugee status and whether the current rules apply to your case.
3. Review your travel history and continuous residence.
4. Gather your supporting documents.
5. Complete the online settlement application.
6. Submit your application and supporting evidence.
7. Provide your biometric information if you are asked to attend a UKVCAS appointment.
8. Wait for the Home Office decision.
9. Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your application is pending, as your application can be withdrawn.

How Much Does ILR as a Refugee Cost?

There is currently no application fee for ILR if you have refugee status or humanitarian protection. The fee-free settlement provision also applies to eligible partners and children applying under the protection route.

There is also no separate fee for providing your fingerprints and photograph.

This is an important difference from many other ILR routes, where the standard settlement application fee currently applies.

How Long Does Refugee ILR Take?

A refugee ILR application is usually decided within 6 months. The six-month period starts from submission if you are told to use the UK Immigration ID Check app, or from the date you provide your fingerprints and photograph if you are required to attend a UKVCAS service point.

The Home Office may take longer where a case is complex, for example, if supporting documents need to be verified or an interview is required.

Super priority service is not available for applicants with refugee status or humanitarian protection.

What Happens After Refugee ILR?

Once your ILR is granted, you can live, work and study in the UK without a time limit and may be able to apply for British citizenship once you meet the separate nationality requirements.

You should also be aware that ILR can be lost if you remain outside the UK for more than 2 years.

If you have refugee status, travelling back to the country from which you sought asylum can also have serious implications for your protection status and immigration position. GOV.UK specifically warns that you can lose ILR if you travel back to the country you sought asylum from.

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.

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.

Why Choose Wembley Solicitors?

Applying for ILR as a refugee can involve issues that are different from other settlement routes, particularly the safe return review, refugee status and your immigration history.

Wembley Solicitors is an SRA-regulated law firm (SRA No. 806549) with 17+ years of experience in UK immigration law.

Clients choose Wembley Solicitors for:

• Specialist immigration experience – advice on refugee status, humanitarian protection and settlement.
• ILR application support – help assessing your eligibility and preparing your settlement application.
• Document checking – assistance reviewing your supporting evidence.
• Clear, practical advice – guidance through the settlement process and relevant requirements.
• Transparent pricing – clear information about legal fees before you proceed.
• Local and UK-wide service – based in Wembley and assisting clients across London and the UK.

If you're approaching the end of your protection leave and are unsure whether you qualify for settlement, our immigration solicitors can review your circumstances and advise you on the appropriate route.

Need Help with Your Refugee ILR Application?

If you're considering ILR as a refugee, the rules can be particularly important because your claim date, protection status and continuing need for protection can affect the route available to you.

Our immigration solicitors can review your circumstances, check your settlement position and guide you through the ILR application process.

Contact Wembley Solicitors today on 020 3417 3700 or enquire online for professional advice on your refugee ILR application.