ILR as a Refugee
You can apply for ILR as a refugee after 5 years in the UK with protection status (you either have permission to stay as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection). Obtaining settlement opens up the possibility of applying for British citizenship through naturalisation.
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.
If you are considering applying for ILR as a refugee, 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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Requirements for ILR as a refugee
When it comes to obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a refugee, there are various eligibility criteria and requirements that applicants must meet.
- You must have protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection).
- You must have lived in the UK for 5 years as a refugee.
- You must have enough money to support yourself and any dependents.
- You may need to prove your proficiency in the English language.
- You need to pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of British culture, history, and society.
- You must be able to demonstrate that you are of good character, which generally means you have not committed any serious criminal offences.
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.
Documents required for ILR as a refugee
When you apply for indefinite leave to remain as a refugee, you will need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
- biometric residence permit (if you have been issued a BRP)
- evidence that you have been continuously resident in the UK for the required period
- proof you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents
- evidence of English language proficiency
- evidence that you have passed the Life in the UK test
The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.
How to apply for ILR as a refugee?
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.