Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After being in the UK for a certain amount of time you are able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, also know as permanent residency. The exact length of time depends on what type of visa you are on.

For work permit holder, highly skilled migrant, business person and most other categories of work related visas you are able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK after five years in the UK. Your dependents can also get Indefinite Leave to Remain at the same time as long as you include them on your application.

For most other types of visa, such as student, you need to live in the UK for ten years before you can obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Please note that of you leave the UK for more than 90 days in one year then this could affect your chances of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain, if you do not stay within the terms of you visa, such as taking a permanent full time job while you are here as a student, then this may also affect your chances.

Once you have Indefinite Leave to Remain you can stay in the UK freely without making further applications for as long as you wish. You can also work freely for any employer in any position you choose.

However if you leave the UK for more than two years or commit a serious crime then Indefinite Leave to Remain can be lost.