Updated 01 February 2026 To meet the English language requirement for British Citizenship, you must prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the English language; this means that you can read, write, speak and understand English at a specific level. Unless exempt,...
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
No Time Limit (NTL) Application
A No Time Limit (NTL) application allows those who have old-style immigration documents or those who have lost them to upgrade to a biometric residence permit (BRP card) which can be used to confirm their existing UK immigration status. The Home Office has issued a...
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) UK: Top 10 Questions Answered
Updated 05 June 2026 Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the permanent settlement status that follows the qualifying residence period on the relevant UK visa route, and it carries the right to live, work and study in the UK without time limits. ILR can, however, lapse...
Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Spouse (Spouse ILR) 2026
You must prove that you meet all of the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a spouse requirements otherwise your application will be refused.
British Citizenship – Life in the UK Test Guide 2026
You need to take the Life in the UK test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK.
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.