Indefinite Leave to Remain – 5 Years

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) offers migrants stability in the right to permanently reside in the UK. There are multiple routes towards obtaining ILR although a popular option is the 5 years path, wherein migrants residing in the UK on certain visas can apply for permanent UK residence and potentially work towards British Citizenship (as it is a necessary prerequisite). 

ILR, also referred to as permanent residence or settlement allows migrants to reside in the UK without having to extend their visas. It presents opportunities such as a path to citizenship and provides security for foreign workers. 5-year routes are popular as they are open to a wider range of visa categories including Work Visas, Business Visas and can be applicable for dependants. 

There are Work and Business Visas that allow migrants to pursue a 5-year path towards Indefinite Leave to Remain, professional business people such as investors and innovators who are bringing money into the UK’s economy can gain ILR on the 5-year route. An investor must invest £2 million into the UK economy and innovators must meet all of the requirements stipulated in their visa agreement which can depend from case to case.

Workers can also apply for a 5-year path towards ILR with application options available for Skilled Worker Visas and those at the top of their respective fields residing in the UK through a Global Talent Visa.

Additionally, there are 5-year ILR options for others who are residing in the UK on their respective visas for different kinds of work like sportspeople and ministers of religion.

Another visa category that is applicable for a 5-year path to ILR is the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business, this allows representatives of businesses in the UK to work here and support their business in contributing to the UK economy through trade. 

The 5-year route is a popular route for migrant families and dependants with applications available for those who are the spouse, civil partner, fiancé, proposed civil partner and unmarried partner of a permanent UK resident.

There are also 5-year paths for both the parents and children of UK residents, including those who are of British ancestry (i.e. grandchildren, great-grandchildren etc.).

Asylum seekers who have resided in the UK for 5 years and are here as a result of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, and political opinion as well as 

anything else that puts them at risk because of the social, cultural, religious or political situation in their country can also apply and work towards a 5-year route to ILR.

You must meet certain requirements for your 5-year route ILR application to be granted. The foremost requirement is 5 years of lawful residence in the UK on a qualifying visa. Once you have almost completed your five years and while planning to apply for your ILR consider the following additional requirements which must be met:

Without passing the Life in the UK test (LUK) which proves your Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KOLL) is of an acceptable standard, you will not be able to achieve ILR. 

Additionally, there are further language requirements that must be met, you must achieve an English test certificate or qualification above the CEFR Level B1.

Please note that there are some exceptions for which people would be exempt to meet these requirements.

Once passing these tests you will not have to retake them for an application towards British Citizenship. 

Once you are close to the end of your 5-year residence on your visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Typically applicants would put forth their 5-year ILR application before the expiry of their visa or 28 days before the completion of your residential period depending on their current residence plan.

As a team of knowledgeable professionals with ample experience in the immigration law field, we can help put forth a timely and well-presented application that will get you a higher chance of success in your pursuit of ILR. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss your application.

To obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of residence, it is key to have a strong application on top of the tests and visa stipulations that you must pass. The team at QC Immigration will provide you with assistance and guidance in creating a strong case that will help the Home Office make a decision. We offer friendly and thorough assistance that will ensure that your application is as strong as it can be with all of the relevant and important documentation submitted in a timely and professional manner. Please send us an email or book a consultation if you’d like to speak to a member of the team.

You may also want to read the following information:

If your application has been rejected you may challenge the Home Office’s decision through the right of appeal or another feasible remedy. However, in order to change their mind, you will need a strong and persuasive case. For this reason, it’s extremely advisable to work alongside legal professionals such as QC Immigration to highlight why the Home Office should reconsider.

Unfortunately, yes. If you have spent more than 180 days outside the UK over a 12-month period, you must provide documentation that it was for compelling reasons, otherwise, you will be less likely to be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. We have successfully achieved this for clients in the past and can advise if you have a strong case in this instance.

QC Immigration specialises in this 5 Years’ Long Residence Indefinite Leave to Remain application. We have maintained an exceptional success rate including complicated cases. Contact us to discuss your unique case.