Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a type of immigration status in the United Kingdom that grants an individual the right to live and work in the country without any time restrictions or immigration control. It is also sometimes referred to as settlement or permanent residency.

Obtaining ILR signifies that a person has been granted the right to reside in the UK on a long term basis and they can generally enjoy the same benefits and rights as British citizens such as access to healthcare and social benefits. However, there might be some exceptions and limitations on certain benefits.

To qualify for ILR individuals usually need to meet specific eligibility criteria such as having resided in the UK for a certain period of time meeting the necessary English language and knowledge of life requirements and demonstrating good character. The eligibility requirements can vary depending on the immigration category under which the individual is applying.

ILR is a significant milestone for individuals who wish to settle in the UK permanently. It provides greater stability and security compared to temporary immigration statuses, as it removes the need for further visa renewals and allows individuals to live in the UK indefinitely.

How to apply for indefinite leave to remain?

The process of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK can vary depending on your specific circumstances and immigration category. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the application process. It's important to note that immigration rules and requirements can change, so it's always advisable to consult the official UK government website or seek professional legal advice for the most up-to-date information.

Here are the general steps involved in applying for ILR:

Determine your eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for ILR based on your immigration category. The requirements can differ depending on factors such as the visa you hold, the length of your stay in the UK, and your circumstances.

Prepare supporting documents: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These may include your passport, current visa, proof of residence in the UK, evidence of meeting the English language requirement, proof of passing the Life in the UK test (if applicable), and any other supporting documents specific to your immigration category.

Complete the application form: Fill out the appropriate application form for ILR. The specific form will depend on your circumstances. You can find the relevant forms on the UK government website or through the official application channels.

Pay the application fee: Calculate and pay the required application fee. The fee can vary depending on your circumstances and the application channel you choose. Check the UK government website for the current fee information.

Submit the application: Submit your completed application form, supporting documents, and payment to the appropriate application center. You may be required to book an appointment to submit your application in person or use an online application system.

Biometrics and enrollment: Attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. This is typically done at a designated application center.

Attend an interview (if applicable): Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview to further assess your eligibility for ILR. This is more common in certain visa categories, such as the spouse/partner visa.

Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time can vary, but you can check the UK government website for estimated processing times. During this period, you may be allowed to remain in the UK on your current visa.

It's crucial to carefully follow the application guidelines, provide accurate information, and submit all required documents to avoid delays or potential complications. Consulting an immigration lawyer or solicitor can be beneficial to ensure that your application is complete and meets the requirements specific to your circumstances.

What are the UK Indefinite Leave to Remain requirements and eligibility?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of permanent residency in the United Kingdom that allows non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions. The requirements and eligibility criteria for ILR may vary depending on the specific visa category under which an individual is applying. However, I can provide you with some general information.

Length of residence: Generally, you must have lived in the UK continuously and lawfully for a specified period. The qualifying period is typically five years, but it can be shorter in some cases, such as certain work visa categories.

Visa category: You must be in an eligible visa category that leads to ILR. Common visa categories include Tier 2 (General) work visas, Tier 1 (Investor) visas, Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas, and family visas.

Lawful residence: You must have maintained a continuous lawful residence in the UK throughout the qualifying period. This means you must have abided by the immigration rules and not breached any immigration laws.

Absences from the UK: There are limitations on the amount of time you can spend outside the UK during the qualifying period. Generally, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the five-year qualifying period.

Knowledge of language and life: You may be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the English language and understanding of life in the UK by passing the Life in the UK test and meeting English language requirements.

Financial requirements: Some visa categories, such as the spouse or partner visa, have financial requirements that must be met to be eligible for ILR. These requirements vary based on factors like income, savings, and sponsorship.

It is critical to understand that immigration regulations may change over time. For the latest and most reliable information relevant to your particular case, you should contact TMC Solicitors as soon as possible.

What are the different routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain?

There are several routes or visa categories that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Here are some of the common routes:

Work-related routes: a. Tier 2 (General) visa: This visa is for skilled workers who have a job offer in the UK from a licensed employer. b. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa: This visa is for individuals who want to establish or take over a business in the UK. c. Tier 1 (Investor) visa: This visa is for individuals who want to invest a significant amount of money in the UK economy. d. Global Talent visa: This visa is for highly skilled individuals in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, arts, and culture. e. Representative of an Overseas Business visa: This visa is for individuals who are being employed by an overseas company and are establishing a UK branch or subsidiary.

Family-related routes: a. Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner visa: This visa is for individuals who are married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a long-term relationship with a British citizen or a settled person. b. Parent of a British child visa: This visa is for parents of British children who are living in the UK and can demonstrate their relationship and involvement in their child's life.

Long residence route: This route is for individuals who have lived continuously in the UK for at least 10 years and can demonstrate their good character and integration into the UK society.

Refugee or humanitarian protection route: Individuals who have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection may be eligible for ILR after a specific period.

UK Ancestry visa: This visa is for Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent who was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man, and who wish to work and settle in the UK.

Why choose TMC Solicitors for indefinite leave to remain?

TMC Solicitors is a UK immigration law firm with over 25 years of experience. We are experts in the field of immigration and can assist with applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as well as all other types of visas and immigration applications. Our team of solicitors is highly experienced and will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your application is successful. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you obtain indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

What makes TMC Solicitors stand out from other law firms is our specialist immigration department which handles all types of immigration cases, from initial applications to appeals and Judicial Review.