Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as UK settlement, gives individuals the right to live, work and study in the UK without any time limit or immigration restrictions.
While ILR provides near-permanent status, it does not grant British citizenship, voting rights, or a UK passport. However, it is usually the final step before applying for naturalisation.
ILR is granted without a time limit but can be lost if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 continuous years. In such cases, a Returning Resident visa may be needed to re-enter the UK.
To qualify for ILR, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period.
• Before 11 January 2018: Absences were calculated on fixed 12-month periods.
• After 11 January 2018: A rolling 12-month calculation applies to each part of your qualifying stay.
Excessive absences may break continuous residence and make you ineligible for ILR.
• Continuous lawful residence in an eligible visa category (usually 5 years)
• No immigration breaches or criminal record
• English language proficiency at B1 level (unless exempt)
• Pass the “Life in the UK” test
• Meet the salary threshold (for certain routes like Skilled Worker)
• Good character and financial compliance (e.g., no unpaid NHS debts)
Naturalisation is the legal process by which a person with ILR or Settled Status becomes a British citizen. It requires an application to the Home Office and attending a citizenship ceremony after approval.
• You must hold ILR or Settled Status
• You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen)
• You must not have been absent from the UK for more than:
– 450 days in the last 5 years
– 90 days in the last 12 months
• You must have passed the Life in the UK test
• You must meet the English language requirement (B1 or above)
• You must be of good character (no serious criminal record, immigration breaches, etc.)
• If not married to a British citizen: you must have had ILR for at least 12 months
• If married to a British citizen: you can apply as soon as you receive ILR (no 12-month wait)
Once naturalised, you will be issued a Certificate of Naturalisation and can apply for a British passport. You will also gain full UK citizenship rights, including voting in elections.
StrandLegal AI Assistant
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