Article Overview
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is permanent permission to live in the UK without time limits. It is the step before British citizenship for most migrants, and it removes the need to renew visas. The rules on settlement are under review, so it is important to understand both what applies today and what may change.
What ILR gives you
- The right to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit.
- No need to renew your visa or meet sponsor conditions.
- Access to most public funds and services, subject to the usual rules.
- A route to British citizenship, usually after a further period.
Current qualifying periods
Under the current Immigration Rules, the most common routes to ILR are:
- Skilled Worker: usually after five years of continuous residence.
- Spouse or partner: usually after five years on the partner route.
- Global Talent and Innovator Founder: in some cases after three or five years, depending on the route.
- Long residence: after ten years of continuous lawful residence.
As of late 2026, the standard five-year qualifying period still applies in law to most routes.
The proposed earned settlement model
The government has announced plans to move to an "earned settlement" system. Under the proposals, the standard qualifying period would increase to ten years, with the possibility of reducing it through contribution, for example higher earnings, public service or community work, and increasing it for factors such as claiming public funds or breaching immigration rules. A public consultation closed in early 2026. The government has said the plans will go ahead, but at the time of writing no final rules or start date have been confirmed.
A separate confirmed change is a higher English requirement for several settlement routes, at level B2, from 26 March 2027.
What this means if you are on a route now
- Keep track of your continuous residence and your absences from the UK.
- Make sure your visa history has no gaps or overstays.
- Keep evidence of your employment, salary and tax.
- Plan your English test and Life in the UK test early.
- Follow official announcements, as transitional rules will matter for people already on a route.
Common ILR requirements
Continuous residence
You must have lived in the UK continuously for the qualifying period. For many routes, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period.
Life in the UK test
Most applicants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK test, a multiple-choice test about British history, traditions and society.
English language
Applicants must meet the English requirement for their route, usually at B1 today and B2 for several routes from March 2027.
Route-specific requirements
For example, Skilled Worker applicants usually need their employer to confirm they are still needed and that they earn at least the required salary.
Moving from ILR to British citizenship
Most people can apply for British citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR, or immediately if married to a British citizen, provided they meet the residence, good character and other requirements.
How ZANS Consultants can help
We review your residence history, absences and evidence, and help you plan the timing of your ILR application. Learn more about our UK Settlement and British Citizenship service, or book a consultation.
General information only: UK settlement rules are under review and may change. Check the current GOV.UK guidance and any Statement of Changes before you apply. The Home Office makes the final decision on every application.
