Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Are You Eligible in 2025?
Gaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a major milestone for non-UK nationals. It grants permanent residence in the UK, offering freedom from immigration controls and a direct path to British citizenship. But are you eligible for ILR in 2025?
At Stretton Solicitors, we’ve helped hundreds of clients transition from temporary visas to permanent status. This guide breaks down the key ILR eligibility criteria, routes to qualify, and how to avoid common mistakes when applying in 2025.
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
ILR allows a person to stay in the UK without any time restrictions. Once granted, you can live, work, and study freely, access public funds (if eligible), and even apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Benefits of ILR include:
- No need to apply for further visas
- Family stability and peace of mind
- Eligibility for British citizenship
General ILR Eligibility Requirements in 2025
While eligibility depends on your immigration route, the following are standard requirements for most ILR applicants in 2025:
- Continuous lawful residence in the UK (usually 5 years)
- Absences from the UK must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the B1 level English language requirement
- Good immigration and criminal record history
Important: If you’ve had visa gaps, overstayed, or left the UK for long periods, speak to an immigration solicitor before applying.
Common ILR Routes in 2025
You may be eligible to apply for ILR through various visa pathways. The most common include:
- Spouse or Partner Visa: 5 years of residence with valid visa extensions
- Skilled Worker Visa: 5 years in continuous employment with a licensed sponsor
- Ancestry Visa: 5 years of lawful residence
- Private Life or Long Residence: 10 years of lawful continuous stay
- EU Settlement Scheme: Settled Status after 5 years of Pre-Settled residence
Expert Tip: Certain routes (e.g. Tier 1, Innovator Founder Visa) may offer shorter ILR timeframes. Check your visa-specific guidance or ask us directly.
How to Apply for ILR in the UK
Applications for ILR are submitted online through the UKVI portal. You’ll need to provide extensive documentation to prove residence, employment, language proficiency, and identity.
ILR Application Checklist:
- Valid passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Evidence of continuous residence (e.g. tenancy, bills, employer letters)
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate
- Proof of English language ability
- Employment or financial records (depending on visa type)
Processing time: Usually 8 weeks (or faster with priority service)
Common Mistakes That Could Delay or Refuse Your ILR Application
ILR applications are frequently refused due to avoidable issues. Watch out for:
- Inconsistent travel records or exceeding absence limits
- Expired language certificates
- Incorrectly completed application forms
- Failure to disclose past immigration breaches
Expert Tip: At Stretton Solicitors, we perform a pre-application audit to identify and fix any issues before submission.
In 2023, the UK Home Office granted over 100,000 ILR applications — with a significant success rate for applicants who used qualified legal support (Home Office data).
Ready to Secure Your Future in the UK? Let Us Help
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain is a critical step toward settling permanently in the UK — and getting it right the first time is essential. Whether you’re applying as a partner, worker, or long-term resident, our expert team at Stretton Solicitors is here to guide you through every requirement and deadline.
✅ Full eligibility check ✅ Application form assistance ✅ Document review and submission ✅ Ongoing legal support and updates
📞 Contact us today to book your consultation and take the next step toward permanent UK residency.