UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Decides visa, settlement and citizenship applications and manages eVisas for people coming to or living in the UK.
Home » Visas and immigration » Indefinite leave to remain (settlement)
Indefinite leave to remain (settlement)
After a qualifying period on certain visas you can apply to settle permanently. Most routes require the Life in the UK test.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: indefinite leave to remain www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain | Whole UK |
| GOV.UK: Life in the UK test www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test | Whole UK |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Find your route on GOV.UK: work visas usually need 5 years in the UK (less for some, such as Global Talent), and family routes have their own rules.
- Check any salary, financial or English requirements for your route.
- Book and pass the Life in the UK test if your route requires it, at least 3 days in advance.
- Apply using the form for your route, with your test reference number and supporting documents.
What you need
- Your passport and current immigration status details.
- The unique reference number you get when you pass the Life in the UK test.
- The evidence your route asks for, such as proof of time in the UK, salary or family relationship.
Common mistakes
- Going to the Life in the UK test without the same original ID you used to book: you will not be let in or refunded.
- Applying for ILR if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen or their family member when the EU Settlement Scheme may be the right route.
More in Visas and immigration
- Check if you need a UK visa
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test for visa applicants
- Immigration health surcharge (IHS)
- eVisa: view and prove your immigration status
- Update your UKVI account details
- Graduate visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- Global Talent visa
- Claim asylum in the UK
- EU Settlement Scheme
- Become a British citizen