Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and Settlement in the UK

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called settlement, gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. It is the step before British citizenship. Current standard requirements (subject to Earned Settlement changes from April 2026): - 5 years continuous lawful residence on an eligible visa route - Current salary meeting the threshold for your visa category - Pass the Life in the UK Test (£50, 24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% pass mark) - Meet the English language requirement (currently B1, expected to rise to B2) - Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period - No unspent criminal convictions - Application fee: £2,885 plus £1,035 IHS surcharge Eligible routes to ILR include: Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, UK Ancestry, Family (spouse), and others. After receiving ILR, you can: - Live and work in the UK without visa restrictions - Access public funds and benefits - Apply for British citizenship after 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen) - Travel freely in and out of the UK (but extended absences may affect your status) Important: ILR can be lost if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK. Apply for a Returning Resident visa if you need to return after a long absence.