UK immigration terminology can be quite confusing sometimes and a classic example of this is when discussing Indefinite Leave to Remain, Permanent Residence, Indefinite Leave to Enter and also Settlement which all essentially mean the same thing, i.e. when an individual has an unlimited time limit to stay in the UK.
Indefinite Leave to Remain is the first step to British Citizenship and if you gain indefinite Leave to Remain Status in the UK, you are free to live and work normally, either for a business or yourself. Moreover, you are allowed to study in the UK in the same way that a British passport holder can study in the UK and apart from a few exceptions, you are generally allowed to use the NHS (National Healthcare Service).
How can I get Indefinite Leave to Remain status in the UK?
It is possible to transfer from a number of UK immigration routes to gain indefinite leave to remain status. See all of the possible routes our immigration lawyers London can help you with below.
- ILR – 10 Years Residence (See Below)
- ILR – 20 Years Residence (See Below)
- ILR – 7 Years Residence (Children, see below)
- ILR – Tier 1 Investor Visa
- ILR – Tier 1 Entrepreneur
- ILR – Work Permit Holder
- ILR – Spouse Visa
- ILR – Same-Sex Partner
- ILR – Civil Partner
- ILR – Unmarried Partner Visa
- ILR – As a Victim Of Domestic Violence
- ILR – Bereaved Partner
- ILR Adult Dependant Relative
- ILR – Tier 5 International Agreement
- ILR – As A Refugee – SET Protection Route
- Permanent residence as a Family Member of an EEA National
- Permanent residence as an EEA National
How is Indefinite Leave to Remain portrayed on your ID Document?
If you hold indefinite to remain status your residence permit will state this. However, it could say it in a number of different ways including indefinite leave to remain literally, indefinite leave to enter, no time limit or even settlement.
How long ILR is valid for?
How long does it take to receive Indefinite Leave to Remain
In order to obtain indefinite leave to remain you have to be a resident in the UK for five years (however not everyone qualifies for this). Please see our section on indefinite leave to remain for more information on other ways and timeframes. There are a number of strict rules surrounding this particular immigration route so it is also advisable to consult our team of top immigration solicitors on any questions you may have regarding, absence, nationality, eligibility or any other general questions you may have.
Applying for citizenship
If you would like to apply for British citizenship you generally will have to be in the UK for one year after receiving your indefinite leave to remain status however if you are a migrant married to a British citizen you will be able to apply for citizenship generally after obtaining your status of indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
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