Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
If an individual has been in the UK for a qualifying period in an immigration category that leads to settlement, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
With ILR status, they no longer have any conditions on their stay in the UK and can work, study or engage in business indefinitely. ILR is also a prerequisite to applying for British citizenship.
To be eligible for ILR, you must first be in the UK on a category that specifically leads to settlement for a time period stipulated under the relevant category.
You do not automatically qualify for ILR on completion of the continuous period of lawful residence in the UK. Individuals need to submit an application for ILR to the UKVI to consider. Individuals would also need to submit evidence of their eligibility for ILR including, but not limited to:
- Continuous lawful residence in the UK for the required qualify period
- Absences from the UK not exceeding 180 days in any 12 months of the qualifying period
- Evidence you have passed a Life in the UK test
- Evidence of ability to speak English to the required standard
- Meeting suitability requirements which apply to all routes and which must be met in addition to validity and eligibility requirements. This refers to the UK Government’s General Grounds for Refusal – for example, criminal convictions or breaches of immigration status.
More information on ILR in the UK can be found here.
The University provides financial support for the costs of ILR, please click here for more details.