Indefinite Leave Remain – 2025 Rules, Routes & Requirements

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the status that allows a non-UK national to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom without any time restrictions. It is often the final step before applying for British citizenship. For most applicants, the standard path requires five years of continuous lawful residence, but significant policy changes announced in late 2025 are set to reshape the landscape, potentially extending that wait to ten years for many routes.

The rules governing ILR are complex and have been subject to frequent updates. Understanding the specific requirements for your visa category, the strict limits on absences from the UK, and the documentation needed is critical for a successful application. This guide provides a detailed overview of the current process and the upcoming changes.

Whether you are a skilled worker, a spouse of a British citizen, or a refugee, the path to settlement is defined by specific eligibility criteria. The following sections break down the key routes, requirements, and recent developments you need to know.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain After 5 Years

What Is ILR?

Indefinite Leave to Remain gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK without time restrictions. It is the first step to British citizenship.

Main Routes

Apply after 5 years of continuous residence (most common), 10 years long residence, as a spouse, refugee, or via the EU Settlement Scheme.

Key Requirements

Pass the Life in the UK test, meet English language requirements, have no serious criminal record, and prove continuous residence with limited absences.

Absences Limit

You cannot normally be outside the UK for more than 180 days per year (5-year route) or 540 days in total (10-year route). Longer absences may lead to lapse.

Key Insights for the 5-Year Route

ILR applications are processed digitally; biometrics are submitted at UKVCAS centres.
The 5-year route is the most used; skilled workers, tier 2, and family visa holders typically apply this way.
Spouse visa holders must complete a 5-year probationary period before ILR; they must also meet financial and accommodation requirements.
The 10-year long residence route is an alternative for those who cannot meet the 5-year rule due to absences or switching visas.
Since 2024, ILR grants produce an eVisa linked to a UKVI account, replacing the physical BRP card.
Absences over 180 days in any 12-month rolling period can break continuous residence, with exceptions for compelling circumstances.

Snapshot Facts: ILR at a Glance

Fact	Value
Processing time (5-year route)	Up to 6 months (standard service)
Fee (2025)	£2,885 (standard) plus biometric enrolment £19.20
Absence allowance (5-year route)	No more than 180 days in any 12 months
Absence allowance (10-year route)	No more than 540 days total across 10 years
Required test	Life in the UK test (pass mark 75%)
English language evidence	B1 CEFR level or above (or degree taught in English)

For a detailed breakdown of the documents you will need, see our guide on ILR Application Checklist & Document Requirements.

How Long Can I Stay Outside the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Once you hold ILR, your right to reside in the UK is not unlimited if you travel abroad. The most critical rule is that you cannot be absent from the UK for more than two consecutive years. If you are, your ILR will automatically lapse.

During the qualifying period before you apply for ILR, the rules are stricter. For the standard 5-year route, you must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. For the 10-year long residence route, the total absence allowance is 540 days across the entire decade.

Important: Proving Your Absences

You must provide reasons and evidence for all absences exceeding standard limits. Acceptable evidence includes an employer letter or work contract, official documents for family events or emergencies, and medical records or workshop invitations.

How Many Absences Are Allowed for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

The number of absences is not counted individually, but by total days. The key limits are:

5-year route: No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
10-year route: No more than 540 days outside the UK in total.
After ILR is granted: No single absence of more than 2 consecutive years.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain After 10 Years (Long Residence)

The 10-year long residence route is an alternative for those who have lived in the UK continuously for a decade on any combination of valid visas (excluding visitor visas). This route is particularly useful for individuals who may have exceeded the absence limits on the 5-year route.

To apply, you must prove continuous residence for the full 10 years. This requires submitting all previous passports, payslips, P60s or P45s, bank statements, tenancy agreements or mortgage statements, and letters from official sources such as the NHS, DWP, or Local Council.

Proposed Abolition

Under the new 2025 changes, the 10-year long residence route is set to be abolished. Applicants who may qualify under this route should consider applying as soon as possible, as the rules may change.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Spouse

Spouses of British citizens or individuals with settled status can apply for ILR after completing a 5-year probationary period on a family visa. The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, and you must meet a minimum income requirement (set at £29,000 from April 2024).

Dependant spouses of Skilled Worker visa holders can also apply for ILR after 5 years as a dependant, provided the relationship continues. The application is typically made using the SET(M) form.

What Are the Recent Settlement Changes for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

In November 2025, the UK government announced a series of significant changes to the settlement system. These proposals, if fully implemented, will fundamentally alter the path to ILR for most applicants.

Key Changes Announced in November 2025

Waiting period doubled: The standard qualifying period is proposed to increase from 5 to 10 years for most routes.
Language requirement raised: The English language requirement is proposed to increase from B1 (intermediate) to B2 (upper-intermediate/fluency).
National Insurance mandate: A new requirement mandates 3 years of National Insurance contributions (effectively employment with earnings of at least £12,570/year) for all migrants seeking settlement.
Abolition of the 10-year long residence rule: This route is set to be removed.
Refugee wait extended: The baseline wait for refugees is proposed to be extended to 20 years, though shorter waits may apply if they switch to a separate “work and study protection route” (details pending).

For a full overview of these changes, see our article on 2025/2026 ILR Rules, Eligibility & Residence Periods.

Can Indefinite Leave to Remain Be Cancelled?

Yes, ILR can be revoked. The Home Office may cancel your ILR if you commit a serious crime, provide false information on your application, or are absent from the UK for more than 2 consecutive years. It can also be revoked on grounds of national security.

What Is the Indefinite Leave to Remain Processing Time?

Standard processing for ILR applications typically takes up to 6 months. Priority services may reduce this to 6-8 weeks after biometrics, but these are subject to availability and an additional fee. Applicants should always check the latest UK government website for current timelines.

Key Milestones in the ILR Journey

Month 0-30: First entry to UK on visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Spouse, Student).
Month 30-60 (5-year route) / Month 60-120 (10-year route): Accumulate continuous residence, avoid excessive absences, pass Life in the UK test, obtain English language qualification.
28 days before reaching 5 or 10 years: Earliest date to submit ILR application online (SET(O) or SET(M) form).
Application submission: Pay fee, book biometric appointment, upload documents via UKVCAS.
6-8 weeks after biometrics (priority) / 6 months (standard): Receive decision letter and eVisa details.
After ILR granted: Live without time restrictions; work, study, access benefits; option to apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear

Established Information	Information That Remains Unclear
You lose ILR if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years (5 years for EU Settled Status holders).	Exact definition of ‘compelling circumstances’ for exceeding absence limits (case-by-case discretion).
ILR allows unrestricted work, study, and access to public funds (subject to eligibility).	Future changes to minimum salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker route (2025 policy reviews continue).
You must have held your visa for at least 5 years (or 10 years) before applying.	How digital eVisa systems will handle errors or proof of travel without physical documents.

Analysis and Context: ILR in the UK Immigration System

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a critical step for non-UK nationals who wish to settle permanently. Recent changes include the transition to digital eVisas, updated salary thresholds for work-based routes, and stricter documentation requirements. The number of ILR grants has fluctuated due to post-Brexit immigration rules and the Ukraine scheme. Understanding the nuances of continuous residence, especially regarding absences, remains the most common area of confusion. For spouse applicants, the financial requirement (minimum income of £29,000 from April 2024) adds complexity. Refugees face a different application process (usually after 5 years) with additional protections. Applicants should always consult official guidance or a regulated immigration adviser for personalised timelines.

Sources and Official Guidance

“Check if you can get indefinite leave to remain.”

— UK Government, GOV.UK – Check if you can get ILR

“Your rights and status with ILR.”

— UK Government, GOV.UK – ILR rights and status

“What is ILR?”

— Seraphus, Seraphus – What is ILR?

Next Steps After ILR

After obtaining ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months (unless married to a British citizen, in which case no wait is required). Monitor absences carefully: any single absence over 2 years will cause ILR to lapse. Link your ILR to an eVisa account and keep your UKVI details up to date. Consider obtaining a Certificate of Entitlement to Return if travelling soon after the 2-year absence limit. For more on this, see our guide on British Citizenship Requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a refugee?

Refugees can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK. They must prove their refugee status and comply with the same continuous residence and absence rules, though some exceptions may apply. The application is usually made using form SET(O) or SET(P) depending on pre-existing permission.

What is the indefinite leave to remain code?

The ‘code’ often refers to the Home Office caseworker guidance or the SOC code used in skilled worker applications. For ILR applications, the relevant code may appear on the BRP or eVisa. There is no single ‘ILR code’ — it is a status, not a code.

Can indefinite leave to remain be cancelled?

Yes, ILR can be cancelled (revoked) if you commit a serious crime, provide false information, or are absent from the UK for more than 2 consecutive years. The Home Office may also revoke ILR on grounds of national security.

What are the labour requirements for indefinite leave to remain?

For most routes, you do not need to be employed. However, Skilled Worker and spouse routes require meeting a minimum income threshold at the visa stage. For ILR itself, you must show you can maintain and accommodate yourself without recourse to public funds (unless a specific exemption applies).

What is the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK test is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of British traditions, customs, and laws. You must pass it (with a score of 75% or higher) as part of your ILR application, unless you are exempt due to age or medical reasons.

How much does an ILR application cost?

The standard application fee for ILR is £2,885 as of 2025. You will also need to pay a biometric enrolment fee of £19.20. Priority services cost extra.

Can I work while my ILR application is being processed?

Yes, if you submit your application before your current visa expires, you can continue to work under the terms of your existing visa while the Home Office processes your ILR application.

What happens if my ILR application is refused?

If your ILR application is refused, you may have the right to an administrative review or appeal, depending on the reason for refusal. You should seek legal advice immediately to understand your options.

Do I need a sponsor for ILR?

No, you do not need a sponsor for the ILR application itself. However, if you are applying via the Skilled Worker route, you will need a sponsor’s confirmation letter from your employer as part of your evidence.

Can I travel outside the UK while my ILR application is pending?

It is generally not recommended to travel while your application is pending, as it may be considered a withdrawal of your application. If you must travel, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration advisor.

Additional sources

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