Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an immigration status in the UK that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country without any time restrictions. It is often seen as a significant milestone for individuals who have been living in the UK under various immigration categories.
Whether you are seeking ILR as a spouse, student, worker, or any other category, our team of immigration solicitors will tailor our services to your specific needs. We offer personalised consultations to assess your eligibility, review your documents, and provide thorough guidance on the ILR application process.
If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
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Types of ILR applications
There are various types of ILR applications based on the visa category you hold or your specific circumstances.
Below is a list of some common types of ILR applications:
- Skilled Worker visa to ILR
- Health and Care Worker visa to ILR
- UK Spouse visa (5-year route) to ILR
- Unmarried Partner visa to ILR
- ILR based on 10 years long residence
- ILR as a refugee
- ILR as a parent of a British child
- ILR for a child born and lived in the UK for 7 years
Requirements for indefinite leave to remain
When it comes to obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, there are various eligibility criteria and requirements that applicants must meet.
To be eligible for indefinite leave to remain, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must have lived in the UK for a certain period of time, usually five years, under a qualifying visa category, such as a work visa, family visa, or a combination of different visas.
- Good Character: You must be able to demonstrate that you are of good character, which generally means you have not committed any serious criminal offences.
- Knowledge of English: In most cases, you need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by passing an approved English language test.
- Passing the Life in the UK Test: You need to pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of British culture, history, and society.
Depending on the type of your appication and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
What is the process to apply for indefinite leave to remain?
Applying for an indefinite leave to remain involves several steps, here is a general outline of the application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for ILR, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for indefinite leave to remain.
- Preparing Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including a passport, biometric residence permit, proof of residence, evidence of English language proficiency, and any other supporting documents.
- Completing the Application Form: Fill out the application form carefully, providing accurate information about your immigration history, personal details, and reasons for applying for ILR.
- Booking Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) taken at a designated visa application centre.
- Submitting the Application: Submit your application online or by post, along with the required fee and supporting documents.
- Attending the Biometric Appointment: Attend your biometric appointment as scheduled, where your biometric data will be collected.
- Waiting for a Decision: Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. The Home Office will then process your application, which may take 3-6 months.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your ILR application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
Indefinite leave to remain application processing time
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications generally take around 3-6 months if applying using the standard service. However, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service" to get a faster decision.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.
How can immigration solicitors help with ILR applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their ILR applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances and eligibility. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the ILR application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in the ILR application form(s) accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions in the application form, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your ILR application package and submit your ILR application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the ILR application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
How to contact us?
If you require expert legal advice or assistance, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our highly experienced team of solicitors & lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with a solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
FAQs: Indefinite Leave to Remain
Yes, individuals with ILR can travel freely in and out of the UK. However, prolonged absences from the UK may affect eligibility for ILR renewal or citizenship applications, and applicants should ensure they meet the residency requirements.
You should be aware that to keep your indefinite leave to remain valid, you must return to the United Kingdom within 2 years.
Yes, applicants for ILR are generally required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language and pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses knowledge of British customs, laws, and society.
In certain circumstances, individuals may lose their ILR status, such as prolonged absences from the UK, criminal convictions, or breaches of immigration laws. It's essential to comply with immigration requirements to retain ILR.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.