Gain Permanent Residence in the UKYour Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain
Expert permanent residence guidance with 98%+ success rate. From 5-year qualifying residence to permanent settlement - complete support for your application.
"Permanent Residence" and "Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)" are the SAME thing - official term is ILR. Requirements: 5 years continuous residence (3 years for Innovator/Global Talent), max 180 days absence per year, Life in UK test (£50), English B1 level. Application: £3,029. 6 months processing. Live permanently in UK!
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. Home Office makes final decisions on all applications.
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What is Permanent Residence UK?
Permanent Residence UK (officially called Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR) is the penultimate UK immigration goal - permanent residence status allowing you to live and work in the UK without time restrictions. It's the crucial step before British citizenship, achieved after 5 years continuous residence on eligible visas.
Permanent Residence = Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Important clarification: "Permanent Residence" and "Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)" are the SAME thing. The official UK immigration term is "ILR," but people commonly call it "permanent residence" because that's what it provides - permission to live permanently in the UK. There is NO difference in rights, benefits, costs, or application process. Whether you call it permanent residence or ILR, you're applying for the same immigration status with identical requirements.
Note for EU nationals: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use "Settled Status" under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), which is similar but not identical to ILR. If you're from EU/EEA/Switzerland, you likely need Settled Status instead of permanent residence/ILR.
On this page, when we say "permanent residence," we mean ILR - the official immigration status for non-EU nationals who want to live permanently in the UK after 5 years continuous residence on eligible visas.
No Time Limit
Live in UK permanently with no expiry date on residence. No more visa renewals or extensions ever!
Work Unrestricted
Work for any employer, change jobs freely, start businesses - no sponsorship needed. Complete work freedom.
Travel Freely
Enter and exit UK without restrictions. Travel for work, holidays, family visits without visa concerns.
Study Unrestricted
Access education at any level, any institution. No student visa needed, home fee status for university.
Path to Citizenship
After 12 months with permanent residence, apply for British citizenship. Full voting rights and British passport await!
Bring Family
Spouse and children can join you with their own permanent residence applications. Settle permanently together in UK.
The Penultimate UK Immigration Goal
Permanent Residence UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is the crucial milestone in your UK immigration journey - permanent residence that ends visa renewals forever. After 5 years continuous residence on Skilled Worker, Spouse, or other qualifying visas (or 3 years for Innovator Founder and Global Talent), permanent residence gives you permanent settlement status. You can live, work, study, and travel without time limits or restrictions. No more visa fees, no more Home Office applications (except citizenship!), and complete freedom to change employers or start businesses. Permanent residence requires passing Life in UK test (£50), proving English at B1 level, staying within absence limits (max 180 days per year, 540 days in 5 years), and meeting good character requirements. The application costs £3,029 and takes 6 months to process. After holding permanent residence for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship - the final step to full UK rights, British passport, and voting. Permanent residence lapses only if absent from UK for 2+ continuous years, so plan long trips carefully. For most visa holders, permanent residence represents security, freedom, and the end of immigration uncertainty.
Who Can Apply for Permanent Residence?
Skilled Worker visa holders after 5 years continuous residence
Spouse/Partner visa holders after 5 years continuous residence
Innovator Founder visa holders after just 3 years (faster route!)
Global Talent visa holders after just 3 years (faster route!)
UK Ancestry visa holders after 5 years working in UK
Long residence route: 10 years continuous lawful residence (any visa types)
Permanent Residence Requirements Overview
5 years continuous residence on eligible visa (3 years for Innovator/Global Talent)
Absence limits: Max 180 days per year, max 540 days in 5 years total
Pass Life in UK test (£50) - covers British history, values, and customs
English language at B1 level (IELTS 4.0 equivalent or degree in English)
Good character: No serious criminal convictions or immigration violations
Application fee: £3,029 (no NHS surcharge for permanent residence!)
Permanent Residence Requirements for Loading...
Meeting these requirements ensures your permanent residence (ILR) application success. We guide you through each requirement and verify you're ready to apply for permanent residence.
Continuous Residence
You must complete continuous residence period on eligible visa before applying for permanent residence. Duration varies by visa type.
Residence periods required:
- Skilled Worker visa: 5 years continuous residence
- Spouse/Partner visa: 5 years continuous residence
- Innovator Founder visa: Only 3 years (faster route!)
- Global Talent visa: Only 3 years (faster route!)
- Long residence route: 10 years (any visa types allowed)
Continuous Means Valid Leave
Continuous residence means you maintained valid immigration leave throughout - no gaps, no overstaying. You CAN switch between visa types (e.g., 2 years Skilled Worker + 3 years Spouse = 5 years total) as long as you had valid leave when switching. We calculate your qualifying period carefully.
Absence Limits
Critical Requirement
Strict absence limits apply. Exceeding them causes automatic permanent residence refusal. Count ALL days outside UK including holidays, business trips, and family visits.
5-Year Routes (Skilled Worker, Spouse, etc.):
- Maximum 180 days absence in ANY 12-month rolling period
- Maximum 540 days total absence in 5-year qualifying period
- BOTH limits must be met (exceeding either = refusal)
10-Year Long Residence:
- Maximum 548 days total absence in 10-year period
- No more than 180 days absence in any single year
Count Every Day Carefully!
Day of departure and day of return count as days IN UK. Full days abroad count as absences. Discretion available for compelling circumstances (serious illness, family emergency, work assignments) but NOT guaranteed. We help calculate absences accurately and advise if you're at risk.
Life in UK Test
Life in UK test is MANDATORY for permanent residence. Computer-based test covering British history, values, traditions, and everyday life. Must pass before applying.
Test details:
- £50 per attempt (can retake unlimited times)
- Pass mark: 75% (18 out of 24 questions correct)
- 45-minute test, multiple choice, computer-based
- Book online at gov.uk, attend approved test center
- Study from official handbook (£13, 2-3 weeks typical)
Pass Certificate Valid Forever
Once you pass, certificate never expires. Can take test months before permanent residence application. Pass now and you won't need to retake for citizenship later! Exemption: Over 65 or medical condition preventing test (evidence required).
English at B1 Level
You must prove English at B1 level (CEFR) - equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
Ways to prove English:
- Approved English test: IELTS SELT, Trinity ISE, PTE Academic at B1+
- UK degree taught in English (automatic proof!)
- Already proved English for current visa at B1+ (use same evidence)
- National of English-speaking country (USA, Canada, etc. - use passport)
- Over 65 years old (exempt from English requirement)
Most Applicants Already Met This
Skilled Worker and most work visa holders already proved English at B1+ when applying for visa - use same evidence! Spouse visa holders proved A1 then A2 - need new B1 test (£150-200). Graduate visa holders with UK degree - automatic proof! Life in UK test demonstrates English but separate B1 proof still required.
Good Character
Home Office assesses your character based on criminal record, immigration compliance, financial conduct, and honesty over past 10 years.
Assessed areas:
- Criminal convictions (especially recent, serious, or multiple offenses)
- Immigration violations (overstaying, working illegally, false information)
- Financial conduct (bankruptcy, unpaid taxes, benefit fraud)
- Honesty (false info on ANY application causes automatic refusal)
- Antisocial behavior or terrorism connections
Minor Issues Usually OK
Minor traffic offenses (parking, speeding fines), one-off minor offenses over 3 years ago, resolved financial issues generally acceptable. Disclose EVERYTHING honestly - concealment is worse than the issue itself. We assess character risk and address potential problems upfront.
Application Costs
Total: £3,229 - £3,329
All fees paid upfront. No refund if refused. No NHS surcharge for permanent residence (big savings!)
Fee breakdown:
- Permanent residence application fee: £3,029 (non-refundable)
- Life in UK test: £50 (paid to test center)
- English language test: £150-200 (if new test needed)
- NHS surcharge: £0 (NOT required for permanent residence - save £3,000+!)
- Biometric appointment: Included in application fee
No Priority Service Available
Priority and Super Priority services NOT available for permanent residence. Only standard 6-month processing. Each family member applying pays separate £3,029 fee. Legal assistance optional for complex cases.
Permanent Residence Application Process
Follow these 7 steps to successfully apply for Permanent Residence UK (ILR). We guide you through each stage from preparation to permanent residence approval.
Verify Qualifying Period and Absences
First, confirm you've completed required residence period: 5 years for Skilled Worker/Spouse visas, 3 years for Innovator Founder/Global Talent, or 10 years for long residence route. Calculate ALL absences from UK - must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period AND 540 days total in 5 years (or 548 days in 10 years for long residence). Count departure and return days carefully. Include holidays, business trips, family visits - everything! Discretion possible for compelling circumstances but not guaranteed. We help verify your qualifying period and calculate absences accurately to confirm eligibility before applying for permanent residence.
Pass Life in UK Test
Book and pass Life in UK Test (£50) BEFORE applying for permanent residence. Study using official handbook covering British history, values, traditions, customs, and everyday life. Computer-based test: 24 multiple choice questions, 45 minutes, need 75% to pass (18 correct). Book online at gov.uk official site, attend approved test center. Can retake unlimited times if you fail (£50 each attempt). Most applicants study 2-3 weeks using handbook and online practice tests. Pass certificate valid forever - won't need to retake for citizenship later! Exemption: Over 65 or medical condition preventing test (evidence required).
Verify English Language at B1 Level
Prove English at B1 level (IELTS 4.0 equivalent). Good news: Most applicants already met this for current visa! Skilled Worker holders proved B1 when applying - use same certificate. Graduate visa holders with UK degree - automatic proof! From English-speaking country (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.)? Just use passport. Spouse visa holders who proved A1 then A2 need new B1 test (£150-200, book IELTS SELT, Trinity ISE, or PTE Academic). Test valid for 2 years from test date. Over 65? Exempt from English requirement. Keep your English test certificate or degree - you'll upload it with permanent residence application.
Gather Supporting Documents
Collect all required documents for permanent residence application: Current passport and all old passports covering qualifying period (showing all absences), current BRP card, Life in UK test pass certificate, English language proof (test certificate or degree), employment evidence for qualifying period (payslips, P60s, employment letters, tax documents), proof of UK residence (council tax bills, utility bills, bank statements), National Insurance number, proof of relationship if spouse visa holder (marriage certificate, joint finances, cohabitation evidence). Check criminal record certificate if you have any convictions. Organize documents chronologically. We provide detailed checklist for your specific visa route.
Complete Online Application and Pay Fee
Apply online through gov.uk using SET(LR) form for your visa route (SET(O) for Skilled Worker, SET(M) for spouse, etc.). Provide detailed information: Personal details, current visa, residence history for qualifying period, ALL absences with exact dates, employment history, criminal convictions if any, immigration history, English and Life in UK test details. Application takes 2-3 hours - can save and return. Pay £3,029 application fee by card (non-refundable). No NHS surcharge for permanent residence! Book biometric appointment at UKVCAS center (fingerprints and photo). Upload supporting documents or send by post. Double-check ALL information - errors cause delays or refusals.
Wait for Decision (6 Months Standard Processing)
Processing time: 6 MONTHS average for standard processing. No Priority or Super Priority services available for permanent residence - only standard processing. Home Office conducts thorough checks including criminal records (UK and overseas), immigration history, employer verification, tax records, benefit claims, and absence verification. May request additional documents - respond within 10 days of request. Can track application online. Most straightforward cases: 5-6 months. Complex cases or background issues: 6-9 months, some up to 12 months. You can continue working and traveling on current visa while waiting (most visas remain valid during processing). No interview required for most permanent residence cases.
Receive Permanent Residence and Settle in UK!
Once approved, you'll receive decision email and letter confirming Permanent Residence (ILR) granted! Digital immigration status created (no physical BRP after Loading...) - access online via UKVI account. You now have PERMANENT RESIDENCE in UK - no time limit, no more visa renewals! Work for any employer without sponsorship, change jobs freely, start businesses, study anywhere, travel in and out of UK without restrictions. Access full NHS healthcare. After 12 MONTHS with permanent residence, you can apply for British citizenship (£1,500 + £80 ceremony, 6-12 months processing). Exception: If married to British citizen for 3+ years, apply for citizenship immediately after permanent residence! Remember: Don't be absent from UK for 2+ continuous years (permanent residence lapses). Congratulations on permanent residence!
Complete Timeline from Arrival to Citizenship via Permanent Residence
Year 0-5: Qualifying residence on Skilled Worker, Spouse, or eligible visa
Year 5: Apply for permanent residence (meet absence limits, pass Life in UK test, English B1)
Year 5-5.5: Permanent residence processing (6 months standard)
Year 5.5: Permanent residence granted! Work and travel freely
Year 6.5: Wait 12 months with permanent residence, then apply for British citizenship
Year 7-7.5: Citizenship processing (6-12 months)
Year 7.5: Citizenship ceremony → British passport → Full rights!
Total: 5.5-6 years to permanent residence, 7-8 years to British citizenship. Permanent residence is the crucial milestone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about permanent residence requirements, absence limits, Life in UK test, costs, and the pathway from permanent residence to British citizenship.
Speak to Permanent Residence Specialist
Get expert advice about your permanent residence eligibility, qualifying period, absence calculations, Life in UK test, and application process from our immigration specialists.
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Take our detailed permanent residence assessment to check your eligibility, calculate your qualifying period and absences, and get a personalized roadmap to permanent residence.
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98%+ Success Rate for Permanent Residence Applications
Our specialist knowledge of permanent residence (ILR) requirements and settlement routes has helped over 16,500 applicants from Skilled Worker, Spouse, Innovator Founder, Global Talent, and long residence pathways successfully obtain permanent residence in UK with Loading... requirements. We guide you from qualifying residence verification to absence calculations to Life in UK test preparation to final application submission, ensuring every requirement is met perfectly. From 5-year standard routes to 3-year Innovator/Global Talent fast tracks to 10-year long residence, we ensure your permanent residence application succeeds first time. Permanent residence is within reach - let us help you achieve it. Remember: Permanent Residence and ILR are the same thing - we'll guide you through the entire process!
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