Indefinite leave to remain: the pathway to permanent residence in the UK

Common routes to ILR

• Skilled Worker: usually after five years on the route (formerly known as Tier 2).
• Partner or parent on the family route: usually after five years.
• Long residence: after ten years' continuous lawful residence.
• Global Talent and Innovator Founder: shorter periods may apply.
• Settlement as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection.

General requirements

• The qualifying period on an eligible route without unlawful gaps.
• Absences within the permitted limits for the route.
• English language at B1 or above and the Life in the UK test, unless exempt.
• Meeting the suitability requirements, including criminality.

Fee

From 8 April 2026 the ILR application fee is £3,226 per person. The Immigration Health Surcharge does not apply.

Proposed changes

PROPOSED — NOT YET IN FORCE. The Government has proposed an 'earned settlement' model that would increase the standard qualifying period to ten years. As of this review, these proposals have not been implemented and no start date has been set. The current settlement rules continue to apply. How any future change affects pending applications will depend on the transitional arrangements in the relevant Statement of Changes.

After ILR

A person will usually need to have held ILR for at least 12 months before applying to naturalise as a British citizen. The 12-month waiting period does not generally apply to someone applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, provided the other naturalisation requirements are met.

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.