Regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority · Ref No. F201700062
Settlement
Indefinite Leave to Remain is the point at which most people's immigration position in the UK becomes settled.
The requirements depend on the route you have followed, and the issues that arise most often relate to absences and continuity rather than to the route itself.
Most routes require a continuous qualifying period of lawful residence, commonly five years, in the same or a combination of permitted categories. Some routes qualify sooner, and some do not lead to settlement at all.
Continuity is broken by gaps in permission, and can be affected by time spent outside the UK. The rules on absences differ between routes, which is why the calculation should be done against the correct route rather than a general rule of thumb.
You must still meet the requirements of your route at the time of applying, which for sponsored workers includes the salary requirement and continuing sponsorship, and for partners includes the relationship and financial requirements.
You will also need to satisfy the knowledge of language and life requirement, unless exempt, and the suitability requirements. Criminal convictions, immigration breaches and unpaid Home Office debts can all affect the outcome.
Indefinite leave lapses after a continuous period of absence from the UK, so long-term travel plans should be checked before they are made. Settled status is also the usual foundation for a later naturalisation application.
What is actually needed depends on your circumstances. We confirm the list with you before anything is prepared.
We start with your history, your relationships, your work and your time in the UK. The right route follows from the facts.
We explain which route fits, what it requires and what the realistic alternatives are if it does not.
We work out what the Home Office will expect, what you already have and what needs to be obtained.
We prepare the application, explain anything that needs explaining and advise on what happens after submission.
This page is general information about UK immigration and is not advice on your individual circumstances. Requirements, guidance and procedures change. Please obtain advice before relying on anything published here.
We will tell you how UKU can assist, and what the realistic options are.
