Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Processing Time

UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) processing time is generally 3 to 6 months for a standard application. This is an expected timeframe, not a guarantee, and UKVI may take longer if additional information, verification or checks are required. Priority and super priority processing may be available for eligible applications.

This guide explains ILR processing times in 2026, standard and faster services, when processing starts, what can cause delays and what you can do if your application is taking longer than expected.

Table of Contents

How Long Does an ILR Take in 2026?

A standard UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application usually takes up to 6 months to receive a decision. If you use an eligible faster service, priority processing usually takes 5 working days, while super priority usually provides a decision by the end of the next working day.

ILR applications are generally expected to be decided within 3 to 6 months, but this is not guaranteed. UKVI may take longer if additional checks or information are required.

How Long Does a Standard ILR Application Take?

A standard ILR application is usually decided within 6 months. This is the standard timeframe stated in current GOV.UK guidance for several ILR routes, including Skilled Worker, long residence and other settlement applications.

You should therefore allow sufficient time when planning your application and avoid making important arrangements based on receiving a decision by a particular date.

Some straightforward applications may be decided much sooner, but there is no guarantee that an application will be processed before the 6-month timeframe.

How Long Does ILR Priority Service Take?

The ILR priority service usually provides a decision within 5 working days. It is available only for eligible applications and costs an additional fee.

The priority service is designed for applicants who need a faster decision but do not require the fastest available service.

For example, if you are applying for ILR and the priority option is offered to you, you can normally expect a decision within 5 working days.

The timeframe can be longer if UKVI needs additional information, verification or checks.

How Long Does ILR Super Priority Take?

The ILR super priority service usually provides a decision by the end of the next working day. If you provide your biometric information at a weekend or bank holiday, the decision is normally expected within 2 working days.

For eligible applicants, this is the fastest standard Home Office processing option for settlement applications.

The current additional fee for super priority is £1,000, on top of the ILR application fee.

Super priority is not available for every ILR route or every applicant, so you should check whether the option is offered when you apply.

When Does ILR Processing Time Start?

The point at which your ILR processing time starts can depend on how you prove your identity and provide your biometric information.

For applications requiring a UKVCAS appointment, the relevant processing period generally starts after you provide your fingerprints and photograph.

If you use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, the processing period can start from the point specified in the relevant application process. GOV.UK gives route-specific guidance on when the decision period begins.

This is important because the date you complete the online form is not necessarily the only date that matters when calculating the expected processing period.

How Long Does ILR Take After Biometrics?

For a standard ILR application, you will usually receive a decision within 6 months after completing the required identity and biometric process.

If you use an eligible faster service:

• Priority: usually within 5 working days
• Super priority: usually by the end of the next working day

The timeframe can change if UKVI needs further information or additional checks.

Can ILR Take Longer Than 6 Months?

Yes. An ILR application can take longer than 6 months if UKVI considers the case complex or needs additional information or checks.

For example, delays may occur if:

• Supporting documents need to be verified
• UKVI needs additional information
• You are asked to attend an interview
• Further checks are required with other government departments
• Your personal circumstances require additional consideration
• There are concerns about your immigration history or suitability

If UKVI expects your application to take longer, you may be contacted and told that additional time is required.

What Can Cause an ILR Application to Be Delayed?

An ILR application can take longer if UKVI needs to verify information, request additional evidence or investigate circumstances that are not straightforward.

Common reasons for delays can include:

• Missing or unclear supporting documents
• Information that needs verification
• Complex immigration history
• Questions about continuous residence or absences
• Previous immigration problems
• Criminal convictions or suitability issues
• An interview being required
• Additional checks with government departments

Providing complete and consistent information can help avoid unnecessary delays.

However, even a well-prepared application can take longer than expected if UKVI needs to carry out additional checks.

Does Using an Immigration Solicitor Make ILR Faster?

Using an immigration solicitor does not guarantee a faster ILR decision. UKVI controls the processing of applications.

However, professional advice can help reduce the risk of avoidable problems, such as missing evidence, incorrect information or applying under the wrong settlement route.

A solicitor can review your:

• Immigration history
• Qualifying residence
• Absences from the UK
• Current visa
• Supporting documents
• English language evidence
• Life in the UK Test
• Financial or employment evidence
• Suitability circumstances

For a complex case, identifying a potential issue before submitting the application can be more valuable than simply trying to obtain a faster decision.

Can I Pay for Faster ILR Processing?

Yes, eligible ILR applicants may be able to pay for the priority or super priority service. The availability of these services depends on your application and the options offered when you apply.

Current faster processing options are:

• Priority: additional £500, usually a decision within 5 working days
• Super priority: additional £1,000, usually a decision by the end of the next working day

The faster service does not guarantee that your application will be successful. It only provides faster processing where the service is available.

What If My ILR Application Takes Longer Than the Standard Processing Time?

If your ILR application has taken longer than the published processing time, UKVI may contact you if it needs more information or expects the case to take longer.

Before contacting UKVI, check:

• Your email and spam folders
• Your UKVI account or application updates
• Whether UKVI has requested additional evidence
• Whether you have received any appointment or document requests

If your application has become significantly delayed or you are concerned about the reason for the delay, professional immigration advice may be appropriate.

Can I Contact UKVI About My ILR Application?

You should generally allow the published processing period to pass before requesting an update unless UKVI has specifically asked you to contact them.

UKVI states that there is normally no need to ask for progress on a straightforward application within the standard service timeframe.

If your circumstances are urgent or your application has gone significantly beyond the expected timeframe, you may need to consider the appropriate way to raise the issue.

Can I Travel While Waiting for an ILR Decision?

You should not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your ILR application is pending. If you travel outside these areas, your application can be treated as withdrawn.

This is particularly important if you are planning holidays, business travel or other overseas trips after submitting your ILR application.

If you need to travel urgently, obtain immigration advice before leaving the UK.

When Should I Apply for ILR?

You can generally apply for ILR once you meet the qualifying requirements for your immigration route, and some routes allow you to apply up to 28 days before completing the required qualifying period. The exact rule depends on your settlement route.

You should not submit your application too early because an application can be refused if you do not yet meet the relevant qualifying period.

You also should not simply wait until your current visa expires. If you are not yet eligible for ILR when your visa expires, you may need to extend your current immigration permission first.

Should I Use Priority or Super Priority for ILR?

Priority or super priority may be worthwhile if you need a faster decision and the service is available for your application.

It may be particularly useful if you:

• Need certainty about your immigration status quickly
• Have an upcoming employment or travel requirement
• Need ILR before making another immigration application
• Are planning a British citizenship application
• Have an important personal or professional deadline

However, paying for faster processing does not improve your eligibility or guarantee approval.

If there are concerns about your application, it is generally more important to make sure the application is correct than simply to make it faster.

What Happens After My ILR Application Is Approved?

Once your ILR application is approved, you will receive confirmation of your settlement status and an eVisa showing your immigration status.

You can then live, work and study in the UK without a time limit, subject to the rules governing ILR.

ILR can also provide a route towards British citizenship for people who subsequently meet the naturalisation requirements.

ILR Processing Time 2026: Quick Summary

The usual ILR processing times in 2026 are:

• Standard ILR: usually within 6 months
• Priority ILR: usually within 5 working days
• Super priority ILR: usually by the end of the next working day
• Weekend super priority: usually within 2 working days

These are expected processing times, not guarantees. Complex cases or applications requiring additional checks can take longer.