Amin K. Excellent service. QC responded promptly, provided me with thorough, precise and easy to follow advice. Exactly what I needed when I was stressing about my daughter's citizenship status. Thank you so much.
Settling in the UK, and how to get ILR
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) lets you live in the UK without time limits. Most people qualify through the visa they already hold, once they complete the qualifying period of continuous residence for that route. You also need to pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement. Qualifying periods may change under government proposals.
- No time limit on your stay
- Life in the UK test and B1 English
- Qualifying periods may change
- 4.9 on Google
- IAA Level 3 · the highest tier
- 7,000+ clients helped
- Fast-track support
Reviewed by Qiyin Chuah, IAA Level 3 · Last reviewed
Compare routes to ILR
Indefinite leave to remain lets you live in the UK without time limits. The route depends on how you’ve been living here and for how long.
Comparison table, scroll sideways to see every route
| Requirement | Work, partner or family ILR after 5 years | Lawful residence 10-year long residence | Child private life 7-year child residence | EU, EEA and Swiss citizens EU Settled Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | People on a work, partner or family visa that leads to settlement | People who’ve lived in the UK lawfully for 10 years | Children who’ve lived in the UK for 7 years | Eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their families |
| Time in the UK | The qualifying period for your route* | 10 years’ continuous lawful residence* | 7 years’ continuous residence; settlement depends on eligibility | Usually 5 years’ continuous residence* |
| Absences | Depends on the visa route* | Usually no more than 180 days in any 12 months* | Continuous residence rules apply* | Depends on EUSS residence rules* |
| Life in the UK test | Yes, aged 18 to 64* | Yes, aged 18 to 64* | Not required under 18; otherwise depends on eligibility | No |
| English | B1 currently; requirements vary by route and application date* | B1 currently; check requirements from March 2027* | Not required under 18; otherwise route requirements apply* | No |
| Typical decision time | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months | Usually within 6 months for settlement applications* | Varies; check current EUSS processing times |
| Full guide | ILR after 5 years guide | 10-year long residence guide | 7-year child residence guide | EU Settled Status guide |
*Eligibility, continuous residence, absence limits and language requirements vary by immigration route. For long residence, transitional absence rules apply to periods before 11 April 2024. A UK-born child may qualify for immediate settlement after seven years; other children may first qualify for permission to stay. The English language requirement for certain settlement routes increases to B2 from 26 March 2027, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
Already settled?
The next step is usually British citizenship.
What every ILR application looks at
These apply to most routes to settlement. Your own route’s rules add to them.
- Continuous residence
Unbroken time in the UK on the right visas, within the absence limits.
- The Life in the UK test
A pass certificate if you’re aged 18 to 64.
- English language
B1 level or above, by test, degree or nationality.
- Meeting your route’s rules now
For example, still earning the required salary or still in the relationship.
- Good character
Criminal records, immigration breaches and debts to the NHS can lead to refusal.
Planning ahead for settlement?
Many ILR refusals come from problems that could have been spotted a year earlier.
- Track your absences. Keep a record of every trip, with dates.
- Check your visa history. Gaps between visas can break continuous residence.
- Book the Life in the UK test early. You need the pass before you apply.
- Apply at the right time. You can usually apply up to 28 days before you qualify.
What ILR costs
The application fee is paid per person, including children. There’s no Immigration Health Surcharge once you’re settled. You also pay for the Life in the UK test, and an English test if you need one.
Worked example
ILR, one adult
Application fee £3,226 + Life in the UK test £50 = £3,276
English test fees are extra if you need one.
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indefinite leave to remain | £3,226 | Per person |
| Life in the UK test | £50 | Aged 18 to 64 |
| British citizenship (after ILR) Adults | £1,839 | Includes the ceremony |
Home Office fees per applicant, from the 8 April 2026 schedule.
How we can help
From a first application to a refusal, at a fixed fee agreed before we start.
Application checking You prepare it, a regulated adviser reviews it before you submit. See what’s included → Visa application package We prepare and submit your application from start to finish. See what’s included → Visa appeals If you’re refused, we assess the merits and represent you. See what’s included →
What our clients say
What individuals, families and businesses say about working with QC Immigration.
Amin K. 
Monya R. QC have been invaluable throughout Home Office procedures for Tier 2 /ILR applications. The entire team is dedicated, professional and responds swiftly to queries. The application process was straightforward thanks to QC's skilful team. Highly recommended.
Danille D.
Once again, QC Immigration managed to help me with my visa extension. Without them, I'd have to deal with the stress of doing the application on my own. We made the right choice of continuing to work with QC Immigration. Thank you so much!!!
Mary
Outstanding service! QC provided precise, easy to follow advice and support throughout my permanent residence application process. The team is friendly, very professional, with invaluable in depth knowledge and advice that made the all process a pleasant experience. Highly recommended!
Ching-Fei L.
QC Immigration handled our application in a way that was truly professional, clear and to the point. They explained all the options and procedures clearly to us and showed great respect for our privacy. The whole process was trouble-free and the result successful! Great value for money!
Jessica C.
The are truly amazing and lovely as well as extremely professional. They not only helped us with all the paper work but also were supportive when we were worried and getting anxious. I will definitely contact them again when the next step comes and I highly recommend them.
Warwick B.
QC guided me from application to naturalisation and passport with efficiency, knowledge, patience and care. They were recommended to me by a prestigious Law firm and I recommend them to you...
Anna R.
Having engaged QC Immigration to support my citizenship application I could not have been more satisfied with the service. My case was handled consistently by the same person. Ligia guided me through the process and made it all very simple. Any questions I had along the way were answered promptly. I have been putting off my application for years feeling overwhelmed by the bureaucracy involved. With QC Immigration support I was able to secure a successful outcome quickly and with no stress whatsoever. Charge for the service was very reasonable considering the quality of support and the responsiveness.Read the full review
Diego G.
Xiaohan was so helpful with the process and we got accepted!
Tala A.
My partner and I had a great experience with QC. Both Dorota and Ninder were professional and attentive. I’d definitely work with them again.
Scott C. I recently engaged the services of QC Immigration to assist me in getting my first British passport. I applied from outside the British Isles and my situation was somewhat complex. Ninder and Dorota from QC treated me with the utmost of professionalism and courtesy. They took the time to review and explain my situation, and guide me through the steps of the application process, ensuring that my application stayed on track. With their expert assistance, my application was processed smoothly by HMPO and I received my new passport with no issues. I would highly recommend the services of QC Immigration to anyone who needs assistance navigating immigration, citizenship, or a VISA application to the UK.Read the full review
Maria R. We couldn’t be happier with QC Immigration. My partner and I applied for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa from Italy and received the decision in only 5 days after the biometrics appointment: truly incredible. Dorota followed us with exceptional kindness and professionalism, always available and supportive despite the large amount of documents we had to prepare. A special thank you also to Ninder! We felt fully supported and reassured throughout the entire process. We are over the moon and extremely grateful. Absolutely recommended!Read the full review
Nicholas S.
QC Immigration successfully secured British Citizenship through descent for my son. It was by no means guaranteed, but their extremely thorough approach and direction ensured that everything was done clearly and successfully. A special thanks to Ligia W. who supervised the whole process with patience and diligence. Many thanks! they are extremely good at what they do and they deliver!Read the full review
Anamaria C. I am deeply grateful to Ninder J. for her invaluable support regarding my son’s citizenship application. After waiting for over a year without progress, she kindly advised me to reach out to our regional MP for assistance. Thanks to her guidance, the application was successfully reviewed and resolved. What stands out most is that Ninder offered this advice freely, without charging, simply as a gesture of good citizenship and genuine care. Her professionalism, generosity, and commitment to helping others truly impressed me. I wholeheartedly recommend Ninder J. to anyone seeking honest, knowledgeable, and compassionate legal guidance. Her support made a real difference for my family, and I will always be thankful.Read the full review
Holland W.
Just an amazing experience with this team and their information, service and advice have been amazingly helpful.
Nikul K.
My experience with QC Immigration was outstanding. Ninder provided the most accurate and straightforward guidance. She explained every detail with great clarity and honesty, which made the whole process easy to understand and stress-free. Her expertise and professionalism are truly impressive. I’m very thankful for her support and would strongly recommend QC Immigration to anyone who wants reliable and clear immigration adviceRead the full review
Solomon P. Good service 👍
Ramzi H.
I want to thank QC Immigration, especially Dorota, and Ninder for their great support. My case wasn’t easy at all – I had received a refusal with a 10-year ban because the Home Office considered one of my documents suspicious. It was a very stressful time, but Dorota took over my application and handled everything with so much care and attention. She always explained things clearly, kept me updated . What really makes Dorota special is not only her professionalism, but also her passion and the way she genuinely cares. She fought hard for fairness in my case. After months of waiting, I finally received a positive outcome, and I am sure this wouldn’t have happened without her. I’m truly grateful to Dorota. If you are looking for someone who is not only highly professional but also kind, supportive, and truly dedicated, I can’t recommend her enough.Read the full review
Emilie W.
Competent, empathetic and knowledgable support and guidance through my application for a student visa !! A special thank you to Sara and Xiaohan who supported me through it and who was always quick with answers.
Hakunawadi P.
The team is exceptionally professional, and meticulous. No excuses. I would recommend them to anyone in need any day. Thank you very much.
Check before you apply
Free tools that take a minute or two. They give general information, not advice on your case.
Questions about ILR
For route-specific questions, see each guide.
Work, partner and family routes each have a qualifying period of between 3 to 10 years’ continuous lawful residence. Current qualifying periods may change under government proposals, so we confirm the position for your case before you plan around a date.
On most five-year routes, no more than 180 days in any 12-month period. Long residence has different limits on single and total absences. Some absences for serious or compelling reasons can be allowed. Keep a record of every trip, with dates and reasons.
Yes, if you’re aged 18 to 64. You need to pass it before you apply. It’s a computer-based test on British history, values and everyday life, booked online. Some people are exempt because of a long-term physical or mental condition.
On most routes, up to 28 days before you complete the qualifying period. Applying too early is a common reason for refusal. Your current visa must still be valid when you apply, so don’t let it run out while you wait.
Usually, yes, if they’re on your route as your dependants and meet the rules. Each person pays the fee. Children may qualify at the same time even if they’ve been here for less time, and partners need to meet the English and Life in the UK requirements. For 10 years’ Long Residence ILR, each applicant must qualify for all requirements independently.
You may be able to ask for an administrative review, appeal on human rights grounds, or apply again. Your existing permission usually continues while an in-time application or appeal is pending. Act quickly and keep to the deadlines in the letter.
Tell us what you need help with
A regulated adviser reviews your situation and comes back with an honest next step within one working day.
- An IAA-regulated UK immigration adviser reviews your case.
- A personal reply with your next step, within one working day.
- No payment required. Fixed fees if you proceed.
- 4.9 on Google
- IAA Level 3 · the highest tier
- 7,000+ clients helped
- Fast-track support
Prefer to talk? Book a call.
