How long do you have to live in the UK to get ILR?

Most visa routes require 5 years of continuous residence. Some routes, like the Innovator Founder visa, qualify after 3 years. You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any single 12-month period during the qualifying period.

How much does ILR cost in 2026?

The ILR application fee is £2,885 per person, plus the immigration health surcharge. Adding the Life in the UK Test (£50) and English language test if needed (£150-200), the total cost is significant. Priority processing is available at extra cost.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test for ILR?

Yes. The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement for ILR. You can take it at any point before submitting your application. Many people take it a few months early to have the pass certificate ready.

What happens to my ILR if I leave the UK?

ILR can lapse if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK. Unlike British citizenship, ILR is not permanent if you leave the country for extended periods. Plan your travel accordingly.

Can I apply for ILR on a Graduate visa?

No. The UK Graduate visa does not lead to ILR directly. You would need to switch to a qualifying visa route, such as a Skilled Worker visa, and complete the required residency period on that route.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Requirements for 2026

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also known as settled status or permanent residency — gives you the right to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. It's also the gateway to British citizenship. Here's everything you need to know about qualifying for ILR in 2026.

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

ILR doesn't expire in the traditional sense, but it can lapse if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK.

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:

Visa route	Residency required
Skilled Worker visa	5 years
Health and Care visa	5 years
Spouse/Partner visa	5 years
Ancestry visa	5 years
Innovator Founder visa	3 years
Global Talent visa	3 or 5 years
UK Graduate visa	Does not lead to ILR directly

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

Regardless of your visa route, you'll need to meet these requirements:

1. Continuous residency

You must have lived in the UK continuously for the qualifying period (usually 5 years). "Continuous" means:

No single absence longer than 180 days in any 12-month period
Total absences of no more than 540 days over the 5-year period

Exceptions may apply if your absence was due to serious illness, military service, or other compelling reasons.

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.

Detail	What to know
Questions	24 multiple-choice
Pass mark	18 correct (75%)
Time	45 minutes
Cost	£50 per attempt
Valid for	Indefinitely

You can take the test at any point before submitting your ILR application. Many people take it a few months early so they have the pass certificate ready.

For a complete overview, read our Life in the UK Test 2026 guide. To start preparing, try our 15 free practice questions.

3. English language requirement

You must prove your knowledge of English at B1 level or above on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). You can satisfy this by:

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. No serious criminal convictions

Your application will be assessed against the "good character" requirement. Serious or recent criminal convictions can result in refusal.

5. Salary threshold (for work visas)

If you're on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa, you must also meet the minimum salary requirement for ILR. As of 2026, this is generally £38,700 per year, though there are exemptions for certain occupations and for health and care workers.

Application process

1. Check your eligibility

Make sure you've completed the required residency period and have your Life in the UK Test pass certificate and English language evidence.

2. Gather documents

You'll need:

Valid passport or travel document
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Life in the UK Test pass certificate
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 ILR application fee is £2,885 per person (as of 2026). There is also a healthcare surcharge. The total cost can be significant — use our cost calculator to budget.

5. Attend a biometrics appointment

You'll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a designated centre.

6. Wait for a decision

Standard processing takes around 6 months. You can pay extra for priority processing (usually 4-6 weeks) or super priority (next working day).

Costs summary

Item	Cost
ILR application fee	£2,885
Immigration health surcharge	Varies
Life in the UK Test	£50
English language test (if needed)	£150–£200
Study materials (Pass Britain)	£9.99

ILR vs British citizenship

Feature	ILR	British citizenship
Right to live in UK	Yes	Yes
Right to work	Yes	Yes
Access to public funds	Yes	Yes
British passport	No	Yes
Right to vote	Limited	Full
Can be lost by 2+ years abroad	Yes	No
Additional cost	—	£1,580

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