Life in the UK Prep What is ILR? Indefinite Leave to Remain explained
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ILR, or Indefinite Leave to Remain, is permission to live in the UK permanently, with no time limit on your stay. It's often called settlement, and it's usually the step before applying for British citizenship.
ILR stands for Indefinite Leave to Remain. It’s the immigration status that lets you live in the UK permanently. Once you have it, there’s no visa to renew and no date by which you must leave.
You’ll also see ILR called settlement, settled status or permanent residence. They all describe the same idea: you’re free to stay in the UK for as long as you like.
What ILR lets you do
With Indefinite Leave to Remain you can:
- live in the UK with no time limit
- work in any job, or be self-employed, without a sponsor
- study without needing a student visa
- usually access public funds, such as benefits, if you’re eligible
- use the NHS on the same basis as other residents
- leave and re-enter the UK, as long as you don’t stay away too long
- apply for British citizenship, usually after holding ILR for 12 months
ILR is not citizenship
ILR is not the same as being a British citizen. You keep your existing nationality and passport, you can’t hold a British passport, and you can’t vote in general elections unless you’re a qualifying Commonwealth or Irish citizen. Read our guide to ILR vs British citizenship for the full comparison.
Who can apply for ILR?
People usually qualify for ILR after living in the UK lawfully for a set number of years on an eligible route. Common routes include:
- Work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa
- Family visas, as the partner or parent of someone settled in the UK
- Long residence, after 10 years of continuous lawful residence
- Other routes, such as certain Global Talent, Innovator Founder and humanitarian routes
The qualifying period depends on your route. The government has proposed lengthening it for many people through an “earned settlement” model, so check the rules that apply to you on GOV.UK. Our ILR requirements guide has a full checklist.
Tests you need for ILR
Most applicants aged 18 to 65 need to:
- Pass the Life in the UK test. This is the “ILR test”: 24 multiple-choice questions on British history, culture, traditions and government. See our ILR test guide.
- Meet the English language requirement, usually by passing an approved English test at the required level or holding an English-taught degree. See the English requirement for ILR.
You pass the Life in the UK test once. The same pass counts later when you apply for citizenship.
How to apply for ILR
You apply to the Home Office online, usually from inside the UK, and pay an application fee. You’ll typically need to:
- complete the online application for your route
- pay the fee (several thousand pounds per person)
- give your fingerprints and photo, or use the identity app if offered
- provide evidence such as your Life in the UK test reference number, English test result, and proof of residence and absences
Decisions normally take up to 6 months, with faster priority services available on some routes for an extra fee.
How to lose ILR
ILR is permanent, but it can lapse. If you live outside the UK for more than 2 years in a row, your ILR usually ends, although you may be able to apply to return as a returning resident. It can also be revoked in some circumstances, such as serious crime or deception.
The first step: the Life in the UK test
Most people start their ILR preparation with the Life in the UK test, because you need the pass before you apply. Try a sample Life in the UK mock test to see where you stand.
Frequently asked questions
What does ILR stand for?
ILR stands for Indefinite Leave to Remain. It's the UK immigration status that lets you live, work and study in the UK permanently without a time limit.
Is ILR the same as settlement?
Yes. The Home Office uses 'settlement' and 'settled status' for the same idea: permission to stay in the UK indefinitely. EU citizens may hold 'settled status' under the EU Settlement Scheme, which is a separate route.
Is ILR the same as permanent residence?
In everyday use, yes. ILR is the UK's form of permanent residence. Under EU law there used to be a separate 'permanent residence document', but for most people today ILR or EU settled status is what gives permanent residence.
Can you lose ILR?
Yes. ILR usually lapses if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK, and it can be revoked in some circumstances, such as serious criminality or deception.
Do I need the Life in the UK test for ILR?
Most applicants aged 18 to 65 must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement before applying for ILR.
This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. For advice about your own situation, speak to a regulated immigration adviser. Immigration rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.