Indefinite Leave to Remain
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a major step towards permanent residency in the UK, allowing you to live, work, and study without restrictions. Our expert team of immigration lawyers is dedicated to helping you meet ILR requirements, guiding you through the application process and ensuring you have the best chance of success. With our support, you’ll receive clear, personalised advice tailored to your circumstances. Contact us today to take the next step towards securing your future in the UK.
“Leonard solicitors are the best. I used their services for many years and they never let me down. Specifically, Lee Ann Harvey always has good news because she is professional and a perfectionist.”
Helping you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
With 30 years of experience, our immigration lawyers provide exceptional support to foreign nationals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. We assist both individuals with their ILR applications and businesses seeking to support migrant employees in securing permanent residency.
Indefinite Leave to Remain grants individuals the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions, along with access to healthcare, education, and other public benefits.
During your initial consultation, we will assess your eligibility for ILR and advise on the best steps forward. If you qualify, our immigration lawyers will guide you through every stage of your application, maximising your chance of success. If you’re not eligible, we’ll help you explore alternative pathways to remain in the UK and work towards your ILR eligibility.
Benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain
When you achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain status this entitles you to live, work and study in the UK, as well as apply for benefits. These are, however, based on two conditions. 1 is that you remain in the UK and do not spend more than two consecutive years abroad, and 2, you not commit any criminal offences resulting in 12 months or more imprisonment and subsequently face deportation.
Given that the conditions are complied with, you can keep your status for the rest of your life. With Indefinite Leave to Remain status you may also:
- Any children you have who are born in the UK can register as British citizens
- Any children you have after your new status will automatically become British citizens
- After 12 months, you can apply to naturalise as a British citizen
- You are able to sponsor spouses and children under the age of 18, and sometimes adults who are dependent, to come and live with you in the UK
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Navigating immigration law can be challenging, especially with the complexities surrounding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Your eligibility depends on factors such as your visa type and your duration of residence in the UK. Generally, the maximum required residency period under any visa is 10 continuous years, although each visa type carries unique eligibility timelines.
There are multiple pathways to ILR based on existing visas, each with distinct requirements. Given the intricacies involved, we strongly recommend consulting with our expert immigration lawyers to ensure a successful application.
ILR applications can be submitted online, requiring a fee, biometric information (fingerprints and photograph), and typically a Knowledge of Life in the UK test, along with proof of adequate English language skills. Mistakes in the application process can lead to refusal, so it’s essential to have professional guidance to verify that your documents and supporting evidence meet all criteria.
The process may take up to six months, depending on the specifics of your visa route. If you apply before your current visa expires, you may remain in the UK while awaiting the Home Office’s decision. Our team is here to assist at every stage, minimising the risk of delays or errors and giving you the best chance of securing your future in the UK.
