Settlement in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Achieve permanent residency in the UK. Understand continuous residence, absence limits, Life in the UK testing, and route-specific settlement criteria.
Checked against official Immigration Rules & GOV.UK guidance on 2026-10-30
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), often termed permanent residency, grants an individual the right to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom without any immigration time restrictions. It is the final stepping stone prior to applying for British citizenship.
Qualifying for ILR requires satisfying strict continuous residence requirements (typically not spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period), passing the Life in the UK Test, proving English language ability at CEFR B1, and demonstrating an absence of criminality or bad character.
Settlement Categories
10-Year Long Residence
Settlement based on 10 years of continuous lawful residence in any combination of visas.
Read 10-year guide →Work-Related Settlement
5-year settlement for Skilled Worker, T2, and Scale-up route holders.
Read work settlement →Partner Settlement
5-year ILR pathway for spouses and civil partners under Appendix FM.
Read partner settlement →Returning Resident Visa
For former ILR holders returning to the UK after absences exceeding 2 years.
Read guide →Bereaved Partner ILR
Settlement for spouses whose British or settled partner has passed away.
Read guide →Key Requirements & Highlights
- Continuous residence rule: Maximum 180 days abroad in any rolling 12-month period.
- Life in the UK Test and English B1 requirement mandatory for applicants aged 18 to 64.
- Route-specific salary thresholds: Skilled Workers must meet current going rates at settlement stage.
- Absence calculations: Under updated 2024 rules, 10-year long residence requires continuous lawful permission without gaps.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
- Calculate AbsencesAudit all international travel stamps and travel history across the qualifying period.
- Pass Life in the UKBook and pass the test at an official PSI centre.
- Submit 28 Days EarlyYou can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before completing your qualifying 3, 5, or 10-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can time on a Student visa count towards the 5-year work settlement?
No. Time spent on a Student visa or Graduate visa does not count towards the 5-year work route ILR. However, all lawful visa categories—including Student and Graduate leave—count towards the 10-Year Long Residence ILR route.
Can ILR be lost if I leave the UK?
Yes. As a general rule, if you remain outside the UK for more than two consecutive years (or 5 years for EUSS settled status), your Indefinite Leave to Remain will lapse automatically by operation of law. You would need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to regain it.
Need Guidance on Your Application?
Priyanshu Decodes provides clear route explanations, document planning, and consultation calls. For regulated legal advice or formal Home Office representation, always consult an IAA-registered adviser or an immigration solicitor.