If you are an overseas citizen, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will give you the right to live and work in the UK for as long as you want, provided you comply with certain restrictions. How To Apply For Indefinite Leave To Remain.
Once you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, you will be able to leave and re-enter the UK without the need for a visa, provided you are not absent for more than two years.
You may be able to bring your family to the UK to live with you and, if you are eligible, apply for benefits. After you have held ILR for a year, you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.
At Halliday Reeves, we put together requests for Indefinite Leave to Remain, ensuring that the right evidence is included and that you have the strongest possible application. We know how important it is that an application is correct the first time and we will check every detail to make sure that all of the necessary information is provided to UK Visas and Immigration.
We specialise in immigration, meaning we have an exceptional level of expertise and understanding of the UK immigration system and how to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain. We also provide a high level of service to our clients. We will make sure you have the advice and guidance you need and that you can speak to us as necessary to discuss any issues and ask us questions as they arise.
If you believe you are eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and you would like to make an application, please call us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
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How To Get Indefinite Leave To Remain In The UK
There are a range of different routes to securing ILR, including:
- You have held a valid work visa for five years (or less with certain visas)
- You have a partner, child or parent who is settled in the UK or who is a British citizen
- You have been living in the UK for ten years
You will need to provide proof that you satisfy the following criteria:
A Qualifying Period In The UK
You will need to spend a minimum qualifying period in the UK before applying for ILR. This varies, depending on your immigration route.
If you are a skilled worker or hold a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa or Ancestry visa, you can usually apply after five years in the UK. For individuals who have held a long residency in the UK, an application can be made after ten years. In some cases, the spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person may be able to apply after two years, but more commonly, this is five years.
During the qualifying period, you cannot be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any twelve months.
Your Employer Still Needs You And You Meet The Minimum Salary Requirements
If you hold a skilled worker visa, you need written confirmation from your employer that they still require you to fill your job.
You also need to show that you meet the minimum salary requirements. The amount required depends on your immigration route.
You Have The Necessary Standard Of English
UK Visas and Immigration will need evidence that you have the required standard of English. If you have already passed a Secure English Language Test, this is sufficient and you will not need to take another one.
You will also have to pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test.
Other Criteria
You will need to be of good character and not have a criminal record or be in breach of the UK immigration rules.
How to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
Your application needs to be made online. You can save the application as you work on it and we can advise you where necessary, to include ensuring you include all of the documents needed to show that you are eligible.
You must apply before your visa expires, and no earlier than 28 days before the end of your qualifying period.
You will need to supply your photograph and fingerprints to a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services service point or Service and Support Centre.
The ILR application includes a standard fee, and in most cases, your application should be processed within six months—provided UKVI doesn’t need any additional information or invite you for an interview. You may also have the option to pay for an expedited service if faster processing is available.
Contact Our Indefinite Leave To Remain Solicitors
If you would like to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, we can put together the strongest possible application on your behalf.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“Can we also take this opportunity to thank you for how you handled our enquiry. We were both feeling anxious about making contact with a solicitor to discuss our circumstances. You were so warm, friendly and understanding when we spoke.”
