How long does it take to get ILR in the UK?

Most visa routes require 5 years of continuous residence in the UK to qualify for ILR. The Global Talent Visa offers an accelerated pathway of just 3 years. During this period, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

What is the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK test is a mandatory requirement for ILR applications. It consists of 24 multiple-choice questions about British history, culture, values, and government. You need to score at least 75% (18 out of 24) to pass. The test costs £50 and can be booked online at approved test centres.

Can I get British citizenship after ILR?

Yes. After holding ILR for at least 12 months, you become eligible to apply for British citizenship (naturalisation). You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, not been absent for more than 450 days in those 5 years, and meet the good character requirement.

UK Permanent Residency

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — Your Path to Settling in the UK

ILR is the UK's permanent residency status. Once granted, you can live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions, access public funds, and apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

Check My ILR Eligibility

Qualifying Routes to ILR

ILR is not a standalone visa — you qualify through time spent on an eligible visa route.

5 years

Skilled Worker Visa

✓ 5 years continuous residence on a Skilled Worker visa
✓ Still employed by a licensed sponsor at time of application
✓ Meet the current salary threshold for your occupation
✓ No excessive absences from the UK (max 180 days per year)

5 years

Health & Care Worker Visa

✓ 5 years continuous residence in an eligible health or care role
✓ Employed by an NHS trust or registered care provider
✓ Lower salary threshold applies (NHS pay bands)
✓ No Immigration Health Surcharge required during qualifying period

3 years

Global Talent Visa

✓ Only 3 years required (accelerated pathway)
✓ Must hold endorsement from a recognised body (e.g., Tech Nation, UKRI)
✓ Can be self-employed or work for multiple employers
✓ No sponsor requirement — greatest flexibility of any route

5 years

Spouse / Partner Visa

✓ 5 years on a spouse or partner visa (or 2 years if married before entry)
✓ Relationship must be genuine and subsisting
✓ Meet the minimum income requirement (£29,000 rising to £38,700)
✓ Both partners must intend to continue living together in the UK

Key Requirements

Continuous Residence

You must have lived in the UK continuously for the qualifying period (usually 5 years). You cannot have been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

Life in the UK Test

Pass the official "Life in the UK" test — 24 multiple choice questions about British history, culture, traditions, and government. Score 75% or above to pass.

English Language (B1)

Prove English language ability at CEFR B1 level through an approved SELT test (e.g., IELTS Life Skills, Trinity GESE). Exempt if you hold a degree taught in English.

Good Character Requirement

No serious criminal convictions, no outstanding immigration breaches, and no deception in previous applications. The Home Office checks your full immigration and criminal history.

Benefits of ILR

Unrestricted Work Rights

Work for any employer in any sector — no sponsorship or visa restrictions.

No Visa Renewals

ILR is permanent. No more visa applications, renewal fees, or expiry dates.

Education at Home Rates

Access UK universities and courses at domestic (home) fee rates.

British Citizenship Pathway

After 12 months of ILR, you can apply for British citizenship and a UK passport.

Access to Public Funds

Full access to NHS, benefits, and public services without the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Travel Freedom

Enter and leave the UK freely. No re-entry visas required (absences under 2 years).

ILR → British Citizenship Timeline

After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation. This gives you one of the world's most powerful passports with visa-free access to 190+ countries.

Year 1–5: Qualifying Visa→Year 5: Apply for ILR→Year 6: British Citizenship