This post aims to provide an overview of the various acceptable forms of documentary evidence that can be used to demonstrate continuous residence in the UK. Meeting the residency requirement is essential for individuals seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain or British...
Indefinite Leave to Remain Guides and Insights
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) removes the time limit on a person's stay in the UK and confirms settled status. These guides cover who qualifies, the continuous residence and absence rules, the Life in the UK Test, the SET application forms and documents, refusals and timelines. Start with the guides, or browse the full list of insights below.
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Complete guide
Indefinite Leave to Remain: UK settlement guide
Who qualifies, the routes and the requirements.
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Most read
Proving cohabitation for ILR
The relationship and address evidence for partner ILR.
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Documents
ILR supporting documents checklist
What to gather before you apply for settlement.
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All Indefinite Leave to Remain guides
UK Ancestry Visa ILR
In this post, we discuss the process of applying for settlement in the UK based on the Ancestry visa route. With an Ancestry Visa, you have the freedom to work in any job or profession in the UK. Unlike some other visa categories that have restrictions on...
UK Ancestry Visa Employment RequirementÂ
The UK Ancestry Visa is a visa category that allows individuals with a British grandparent to work, study or settle in the UK for up to five years. This visa can be extended and even lead to indefinite leave to remain in the UK. However, to be eligible for the UK...
Returning Resident Visa Settlement Application
If you are a non-UK citizen who has previously been granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, you may be able to return for settlement with a returning resident visa. However, if you have been out of the UK for over two years, you may lose your permanent...
SET M Application Documents
Individuals in a relationship with a British citizen or a settled person who intend to settle in the UK may consider applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a partner. The ILR status enables individuals to stay indefinitely in the UK without any time...
UK Ancestry Visa FAQs: The Questions Applicants Ask Most
Updated 05 June 2026 The UK Ancestry Visa is a five-year work route for Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, and it leads to settlement after five years of continuous residence. The questions...
Hong Kong BN(O) Visa Application FAQs
The BN(O) Visa route gives applicants the right to work and study in the UK and access public services such as healthcare and schools. Eventually, BN(O) visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK and British Citizenship by Naturalisation. The Hong...
SET (O) Supporting Documents: The ILR Evidence Checklist for 2026
Updated 05 June 2026 Form SET (O) is the application for Indefinite Leave to Remain used by work and other non-family routes, including the Skilled Worker, UK Ancestry, business, investor, and Global Talent categories. The application is decided on the documents...
Self-Employment Income for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa
Last reviewed: 20 May 2026 UK Spouse and Partner Visa applicants can use income from self-employment to meet the minimum income requirement. Categories F and G are the routes under Appendix FM-SE for meeting the financial requirement from self-employment or...
Continuous Residence For UK Settlement (ILR)
To be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), otherwise known as permanent settlement, you must complete the qualifying residence period in the UK. The qualifying period will depend on the route you are applying for. Usually, the qualifying period for...
Common questions about Indefinite Leave to Remain
How long must you live in the UK before applying for ILR?
Most routes require a continuous qualifying period of five years in the UK, including the family and main work routes. Some routes carry a different period, such as the ten-year long residence route. The qualifying period is counted to the date the application is made.
How many days can you spend outside the UK and still qualify for ILR?
On most routes the applicant must not have more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period across the qualifying period. Absences are assessed for the whole period, not a single year, and the way they are counted differs between routes.
Is the Life in the UK Test required for ILR?
Yes. Most ILR applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test before settlement can be granted, unless an exemption applies for reasons such as age. The English language requirement also applies on most routes, and both are met before the application is submitted.
How Whytecroft Ford can help
The Whytecroft Ford immigration team prepares ILR applications across the family and work routes, from checking the absence record against the rules to assembling the residence evidence and confirming the Life in the UK and language requirements are met. To discuss an ILR application with our team, call 0208 757 5751 or use the contact form.
The material in this article is provided for guidance and general information only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice upon which you should rely. In particular, the information should not be used as a substitute for a full and proper consultation with a suitably qualified professional. UK Immigration Rules are subject to change. Please do contact the Whytecroft Ford team if you require further advice.