Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as ‘settlement’, grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, free from immigration control. It also serves as a pathway to British citizenship.
Eligibility for ILR with a Skilled Worker Visa
To be eligible for ILR under a Skilled Worker Visa, you must have resided in the UK for five years, adhering to the following conditions:
- Time Spent Outside the UK: You should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during these five years.
- Multiple Visas: Time spent in the UK on certain other visas can count towards the five-year requirement. These visas include:
– Any Tier 1 visa (excluding Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur)
– Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General)
– Scale-up Worker
– T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
– International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson, or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
– Innovator
– Global Talent
– Representative of an Overseas Business
Additionally, you must meet the required salary thresholds and demonstrate that your employment is still needed. A confirmation letter from your employer can substantiate this.
Applicants aged 18 to 64 must also pass the Life in the UK test and satisfy English language requirements.
Cost and Application Timeline
The application fee for ILR is £2,404 per person. Eligible dependents, such as your partner and children, can be included in the same application. Each applicant will need to provide biometric information at no extra cost.
Decisions are typically made within six months. However, expedited services are available:
– Priority Service: For an additional £500, a decision is made within five working days.
– Super-Priority Service: For an extra £800, a decision is provided by the end of the next working day after biometric information submission.
Note: Immigration policies are subject to change. It’s advisable to consult the official UK government website or seek professional advice for the most current information.
