Indefinite Leave to Remain Requirements 2026

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) gives you the right to live and work in the UK without a time limit. Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme is a form of ILR with some different absence rules. ILR can also be a route to British citizenship. Here's what to check when qualifying in 2026.

Because the requirements vary by immigration route, check the official GOV.UK ILR guidance against your own route before applying.

What is ILR?

ILR means you can:

• Live in the UK permanently without a visa
• Work for any employer without restrictions
• Access public funds (benefits, NHS, etc.)
• Apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months

Most ILR can lapse after 2 continuous years outside the UK. Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme normally lapses after 5 years outside the UK, or 4 years for Swiss citizens and their family members.

Who can apply for ILR?

You can apply for ILR if you hold a qualifying visa and have lived in the UK for the required period. The most common routes:

EU citizens: If you have EU settled status, you already have the equivalent of ILR. You do not need to apply separately. The Life in the UK Test is only required if you go on to apply for British citizenship.

Core requirements

The exact requirements depend on your immigration route. The sections below cover common rules, but your route's GOV.UK guidance is decisive.

1. Continuous residency

You must have lived in the UK continuously for the qualifying period. Many work routes allow no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, while other routes and older absences can use different calculations. Check the continuous-residence rules for every route and period you plan to rely on.

2. Life in the UK Test

You must pass the Life in the UK Test - a 24-question, computer-based exam covering British history, government, culture, and society.

You can take the test at any point before submitting your ILR application. Many people take it a few months early so their successful result and unique reference number (URN) are ready.

For a complete overview, read our Life in the UK Test 2026 guide. Most candidates need three to four weeks to prepare. To start now, try our 15 free practice questions.

3. English language requirement

Whether you need fresh English-language evidence depends on your route. Routes that require it commonly accept an approved qualification at B1 level or above or a qualifying degree. However, Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker applicants do not normally prove English again when settling because they proved it for their visa.

Where your route requires evidence, you may be able to use:

• Passing an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS Life Skills at B1)
• Having a degree that was taught or researched in English
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

The Life in the UK Test and the English language test are separate requirements. Passing the Life in the UK Test does not satisfy the English language requirement.

4. Suitability requirements

Criminal convictions, immigration breaches, deception and other suitability issues can affect a settlement application. The rules and disclosure requirements depend on your route.

5. Salary threshold (for work visas)

If you're on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa, you must meet the salary rule that applies to your route, occupation code and first sponsorship date. Healthcare, education and some earlier Skilled Worker cases use different thresholds, so check the current route-specific salary table before applying.

Application process

1. Check your eligibility

Make sure you've completed the required residency period and have your Life in the UK Test unique reference number (URN) and English language evidence.

2. Gather documents

You'll need:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Life in the UK Test URN, or a paper pass letter only if you passed before 17 December 2019
• English language evidence
• Proof of employment / salary (if on a work visa)
• Bank statements and payslips
• Council tax bills or utility bills (proof of address)

3. Apply online

Applications are submitted via the GOV.UK website. The form is thorough - expect to spend 1–2 hours completing it.

4. Pay the fee

The standard ILR application fee is £3,226 per person in 2026. An ILR application does not carry the immigration health surcharge. Some protected routes are free or have separate rules, so confirm the fee for your route before paying.

5. Attend a biometrics appointment

You will be told whether to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

6. Wait for a decision

Standard processing usually takes up to 6 months. If offered for your route, priority service normally targets 5 working days and super priority targets the end of the next working day, or 2 working days after a weekend appointment.

Costs summary

ILR vs British citizenship

Many people apply for citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR. For details, see our British citizenship requirements guide.

Start preparing for the Life in the UK Test

The test is one of the most straightforward parts of the ILR process - but it still requires preparation. With the right study plan, most people pass first time.

• Read our complete 2026 test guide for format, topics, and tips
• Try 15 free practice questions to gauge your level
• Get Pass Britain for the full question bank, mock exams, and AI tutor - £9.99, one-time payment, no subscription