ILR as a Refugee (5-Year Route)

You can apply for ILR as a refugee after completing 5 years of continuous residence in the UK with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or Section 67 leave. Applications are usually made using the SET(P) form. Unlike the other routes, there is no income, English language, or Life in the UK Test requirement for refugee settlement applications.

Obtaining ILR is a significant milestone that allows you to live, work, and study in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions. However, delays and refusals can occur if there are issues with your protection status, suitability requirements, immigration history, or supporting documents.

If your refugee permission is due to expire soon, it is important to review your eligibility and prepare your application carefully to avoid unnecessary complications or interruptions to your lawful status.

Need help with your ILR as a Refugee application? Contact Vanguard Solicitors today on 0208 616 5535 for expert immigration advice.

Table of Contents

What Is ILR as a Refugee?

ILR as a refugee is permanent settlement in the UK granted after 5 years of continuous residence with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or Section 67 leave, allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions.

Unlike many other settlement routes, refugees are not required to meet a salary threshold, have a sponsoring employer, pass the Life in the UK Test, or satisfy an English language requirement when applying for ILR.

What Does ILR as a Refugee Allow You to Do?

ILR as a refugee allows you to:

• Live in the UK permanently.
• Work for any employer without restrictions.
• Study in the UK without immigration limitations.
• Access public funds if eligible.
• Travel in and out of the UK.
• Apply for British citizenship in the future, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

ILR Requirements for Refugees

Most refugees can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 5 years in the UK if they continue to qualify for protection and meet the Home Office settlement requirements.

The main ILR requirements for refugees are:

• 5 years of continuous residence in the UK with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or other eligible protection leave.
• Holding valid refugee permission or humanitarian protection at the time of application.
• Continuing to require protection in the UK and not having your status revoked or renounced.
• Meeting the Home Office suitability requirements.
• Having no serious criminal convictions or adverse immigration history.
• Providing satisfactory evidence of your identity and nationality.
• Being physically present in the UK when you submit your application.
• Completing the appropriate settlement application form (usually SET(P) or the online Settlement Protection application).

Unlike other ILR routes, refugees are not usually required to meet a salary threshold, sponsorship requirement, English language requirement, or Life in the UK Test requirement when applying for settlement on the protection route.

Continuous Residence Requirement for ILR as a Refugee

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a refugee, you must have spent a continuous period of at least 5 years in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection.

You must:

• Complete 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
• Hold refugee status or humanitarian protection throughout the qualifying period.
• Maintain valid permission to stay without gaps in your immigration status.
• Be physically present in the UK when you submit your application.
• Ensure your refugee status or humanitarian protection has not been revoked or renounced.

Unlike some other immigration routes, there is no specific salary, sponsorship, or employment requirement for refugee settlement applications. However, the Home Office will assess whether you continue to qualify for protection in the UK as part of your application.

Refugee Status Requirement

To qualify for ILR as a refugee, you must have been granted refugee permission and continue to require protection in the UK. The Home Office will consider whether there has been a significant and durable change in circumstances in your country of origin that would mean protection is no longer required.

When Can I Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

You can apply for ILR as a refugee after completing 5 years of continuous residence in the UK with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or Section 67 leave. Applications are normally made during the final month of your permission to stay using the SET(P) form.

Unlike many other ILR routes, there is no 28-day early application rule specifically referenced for refugee settlement applications. Home Office guidance states that applications should generally be made during the last month of your permission to stay.

How to Apply for ILR as a Refugee?

Refugee status holders in the UK must apply online for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) using Form SET(P) after completing 5 years of continuous residence. You must complete the online settlement application, upload supporting documents, and prove your identity.

The steps in the ILR application process usually involve:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Confirm that you have completed 5 years of continuous residence with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or eligible protection leave.
2. Complete the ILR Application Form: Submit your settlement application online using the appropriate form, usually SET(P), and provide details of your immigration history and circumstances.
3. Submit Supporting Documents: Provide evidence such as your identity documents, immigration status, and proof of your protection status.
4. Attend a Biometrics Appointment: Provide your fingerprints and photograph through the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS), if required.
5. Wait for a Home Office Decision: The Home Office will review your application and documents before making a decision.

How Much Does ILR as a Refugee Cost?

There is no Home Office application fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you hold refugee status, humanitarian protection, or Section 67 leave in the UK. This fee exemption also applies to eligible partners and children included in the same settlement application.

If you have discretionary leave, it costs £3,226 for you and each other person you include in your application.

How Long Does ILR as a Refugee Processing Take?

A standard ILR as a refugee application usually takes up to 6 months to be decided. Priority and super-priority services may be available to eligible applicants to expedite the decision.

What Happens After You Get ILR?

Once your ILR as a refugee is granted, you can live in the UK permanently without immigration time restrictions.

ILR allows you to:

• Live and work in the UK without visa restrictions.
• Study without immigration limitations.
• No longer apply for refugee permission extensions.
• Access public funds if eligible.
• Apply for British citizenship in the future if you meet the requirements.

Your ILR status is usually provided through a digital immigration status (eVisa) rather than a physical residence card.

Common Reasons for ILR Refusal as a Refugee

An ILR application as a refugee may be refused if you fail to meet settlement requirements or provide insufficient evidence.

Common reasons include:

1. Not completing the required 5-year qualifying period.
2. No longer qualifying for refugee or humanitarian protection status.
3. Serious criminal convictions or suitability concerns.
4. Providing false or misleading information.
5. Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
6. Failing to disclose relevant immigration history.
7. Breaching UK immigration conditions.
8. Failing to respond to Home Office requests for further information.

Carefully preparing your application and supporting evidence can help reduce the risk of refusal.

How Can Vanguard Solicitors Help with Your ILR as a Refugee Application?

Vanguard Solicitors can assist you throughout your refugee ILR application by providing expert immigration advice and ensuring your settlement application is prepared correctly.

Our immigration solicitors can help with:

• Assessing your eligibility for refugee settlement.
• Reviewing your immigration history and protection status.
• Checking supporting documents before submission.
• Advising on suitability and potential refusal issues.
• Preparing and submitting your ILR application.
• Responding to Home Office requests for further information.
• Advising on complex refugee settlement matters.

With experience in UK immigration law, Vanguard Solicitors provides personalised advice to help refugees prepare strong ILR applications.

Need help with your ILR as a Refugee application? Contact Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 for expert immigration advice.

How Much Do Solicitors Charge for an ILR as a Refugee Application?

Our immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee starting from £1,200 plus VAT to assist with ILR applications under the refugee settlement route.

Need Help with Your ILR as a Refugee Application?

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a refugee is an important step towards permanent settlement in the UK. Ensuring your application is complete and supported with the correct evidence can help avoid delays or refusal.

Vanguard Solicitors can help you understand your eligibility, prepare your documents, and guide you through every stage of the ILR application process.

Contact Vanguard Solicitors today on 0208 616 5535 for expert advice and support with your ILR as a Refugee application.