Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) gives the holder the right to live, work and study in the UK without any time limits, provided they do not leave the country for an extended period. There is also a right to apply for benefits if you are eligible.

You will usually be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years in the UK on a work visa, provided that you meet the other requirements. You may also have the opportunity to apply if you have relatives in the UK or if you have lived in the UK for ten years.

At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration specialists. We have helped countless individuals through the process of acquiring Indefinite Leave to Remain and if you ask us to assist you, we will ensure that your application is as strong as possible and that you have the best available evidence in support.

We are accredited by the Law Society  at senior caseworker and supervising senior caseworker level and we have held a Legal Aid contract for thirty years. Our most recent independent peer review, carried out to check the quality of our legal services, awarded us the grade of ‘competence plus, which is a high standard and only rarely given.

As well as legal excellence, we also offer an outstanding level of service. If you would like us to prepare your ILR application, we will ensure that you have the advice and support you need and that we are available to discuss matters as necessary.

If you wish to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and you would like advice and assistance, we would be happy to hear from you. Please call us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

Apply For Indefinite Leave To Remain After 5 Years

There are several routes to ILR. For most visa holders, if you have lived in the UK for 5 years, you will be able to apply. This includes if you hold a skilled worker visa or another long-term work visa. We can advise you of the eligibility criteria, check that you meet them and put together the paperwork that proves this.

The five-year period should not include more than 180 days outside of the UK in any twelve-month period.

You may need to meet a minimum salary requirement. For Skilled Worker visa holders, this typically means earning at least the standard rate for your role or above a set threshold—whichever is higher. Exceptions may apply if your job is on the shortage occupation list. We’re happy to advise you on the expected salary for your role and help ensure you meet the necessary criteria.

You will need to demonstrate that you are still needed for your job when you apply and that you will continue to meet the minimum salary requirements. This is done by providing written confirmation from your employer or sponsor. Before applying for ILR, you are also required to sit and pass a Life in the UK test. Our team can ensure that you have the right paperwork and the strongest available evidence of your eligibility.

“Karim was an excellent lawyer, very pleasant to work with and very knowledgeable of the law. I feel the success I’ve had in my application was due to the clear guidance that he provided. There was also a refreshing pace to which he was able to get things done. For any future applications I will happily seek his guidance again.”

Apply For Indefinite Leave To Remain After 5 Years Spouse Application

If you have a visa allowing you to be in the UK as a spouse or relative of a British citizen or an individual with ILR, you may be able to apply for ILR yourself.

You will need to be married or in a civil partnership and have held a family visa continuously for 5 years, if you are on the 5-year route. You can tell whether you are on the 5-year route or a 2-year or 1-year route from the letter you have confirming your leave to remain in the UK.

Only time spent on a family visa as a partner will count towards the required time period. You and your spouse or partner will need to prove that you meet the minimum income requirements.

If you applied for your family visa before 11 April 2024 and are on the five-year route, you will need to meet a combined income requirement. If you have children, the required income will be higher to reflect the number of dependants. We can help you understand exactly what applies to your situation and ensure you meet the relevant financial criteria.

Additional requirements include passing the Life in the UK test and having a qualification to prove your ability to speak English to an acceptable standard.

Help To Apply For Indefinite Leave To Remain

It is not always straightforward to put together a comprehensive application for Leave to Remain. UK Visas and Immigration will need to see a wide range of paperwork showing that you are eligible and there are different requirements depending on your situation and the route you are on. If you want to apply for ILR, our experienced solicitors will ensure that your application is as good as it can be, giving you the best possible chance of success.

To speak to one of our expert indefinite leave to remain lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“The service was outstanding! I highly recommend Halliday Reeves.”