When an individual lives in the UK for a significant duration, then they have eligibility to apply for indefinite leave to remain. It is a kind of permanent citizenship that recognizes your commitment toward the country. This enables you to enjoy several benefits including stability, security and freedom to move toward your personal and professional aspirations in the United Kingdom.
ILR is one step toward long term residency in the UK which may lead to British Citizenship. There are different eligibility criteria for visas depending on immigration status and the duration one has been in the country. Generally, it works like, applicant must have completed five years living in the country and have a valid visa to justify the stay. Also, there is an English language test and a “Life in the UK” test requirement.
To apply for the Indefinite leave to remain in the UK, the first step is to know the basic process and the requirements. The individual who is looking forward to permanent residency in the UK, ILR application is a significant step toward it. In this article, we will help you know the steps involved in ILR application, eligibility criteria, documents required, ILR application fee, and other insights to help you in this journey.
Benefits of ILR
Indefinite leave to remain is a kind of permanent residency in the UK. You don't need any visa sponsorship after getting ILR and it gives you the right to live, work, study as long as you want and apply for multiple benefits that you are eligible for. No extension of any visa is required after getting ILR. Access to public funds and free healthcare, acting as a route to British citizenship and giving you the opportunity to bring family members to the UK are some of the other benefits enjoyed by ILR holders.
Generally, the individual needs to complete at least 5 years living in the UK before applying for ILR, but in some cases you can apply for it after three or two years of residence in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements
To proceed with the application process, first need to consider and understand the eligibility requirement of application of Indefinite leave to remain. The requirement of application varies depending on the category you are applying for. There are different categories under ILR application, for example family, work, residency.
Here we will explain the common requirements that are mandatory for all the applications.
Stay duration: One of the most crucial considerations is the time period length you have stayed in the UK. In general, the applicant requires 5 years with lawful status and residence., but it may be 2 or 3 years depending on the category you are applying for.
Immigration Status: The applicant must have a valid permit visa that legalises their stay in the UK and on the basis of that, they can apply for Indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
English Language Test: In most of the cases, applicants must qualify the English language proficiency test as evidence of their ability to speak English to the required standard.
Life in the UK test: There is a mandatory test, called Life in the UK test where you need to demonstrate your understanding of British culture, tradition, rules, and history. This test is applicable for the applicants who are between the age bracket of 18-65.
Legal records: To move forward with your ILR application, you will need to have a clean criminal record and no record of any immigration violation in the past.
Supporting Documents
Here, we have mentioned the documents that are required to supports your application as an evidence of you identity, financial stability, and other records:
Your passport and valid travel documents
Accommodation proof
Employment documents
Proof of continuous residence in the UK
English language test certificate
Life in the UK test certificate
Biometric residence permit
Some other documents depending on the category you are applying for.
Application Process
Now, you know all the requirements and eligibility criteria for ILR application, you are expected to collect all the documents before starting with the form filling process. While filling the form, read the instructions carefully and follow the instructions throughout without making any error. Double-check all the details after completion of form and at the end don’t forget to sign and mention the date. Any error or mistake can be the reason for application rejection or delay.
Application Fee Payment
When you have successfully completed the form, the ILR application fee is required to be paid. The application fee is £2,389 and needs to be paid for each dependent who is included in the application. This fee can vary depending on the circumstances and visa route you are opting for. The more details and updated information can be found on UK immigration official website and for exceptional guidance you can get in touch with immigration solicitors. The payment can be made with a credit or debit card and don’t forget to keep the receipt as a proof of evidence.
Biometric session
After the ILR application form and fee payment have been done successfully, you will need to book a biometric appointment and attend it. In this appointment session, your photograph and fingerprints will be taken as evidence of your proof of identity. You will get a Biometric residence permit on the successful completion of this session.
Attending the Settlement Interview (if applicable)
In some cases, applicants are required to attend a settlement interview to proceed with the ILR application process. In this session, applicants eligibility and information will be verified. You need to prepare well in advance for this interview process and every document must be available at the moment.
This is all you need to do from your end as a part of this application process. Now you have to wait for the decision by the Home office. Generally, most applications get reviewed within six months but it can vary depending on the circumstances. The application process can be tacked online using the application number.
Once verified, you will receive a notification letter with the decision made on your application whether it is approved or rejected. If approved, the ILR will be granted to you and you will have access to all the benefits and security of permanent residency in the UK.
This whole ILR Application process can be exhausting and difficult but it’s completely with. To make this process easier and smoother, experts from Legal law firms like A Y & J solicitors can be a great help. Be patient and calm throughout the process.
