10 ILR mistakes to avoid

The ten mistakes

• Applying too early. Some settlement routes permit an application to be made up to 28 days before the applicant completes the relevant qualifying period. The applicable route-specific requirements should be checked before applying.
• Miscounting absences from the UK.
• Gaps in lawful residence that break the qualifying period.
• Missing or out-of-date English language evidence.
• Not passing, or not booking, the Life in the UK test in time.
• Salary or employment changes on work routes that are not evidenced.
• Undisclosed criminal convictions or immigration history.
• Relationship or financial evidence on family routes that does not match earlier applications.
• Using the wrong application form for the route.
• Assuming proposed settlement changes have already taken effect.

The current fee

The Home Office fee for an indefinite leave to remain application made from 8 April 2026 is £3,226 per person. The Immigration Health Surcharge is not payable on ILR applications.

Getting it right

Careful preparation reduces the risk of avoidable problems, but no adviser can guarantee the outcome of a Home Office decision. If any of the issues above apply to you, take advice before you apply.

Figures checked against GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 3 October 2026. Fees and rules change; always confirm the current position on GOV.UK before applying.