UK Settlement Routes

After living lawfully in the UK for a certain period, you may qualify for settlement. To be eligible, you must have the right to reside, work, or study in the country via a specified visa. Once you complete the required period, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and obtain settlement status in the UK.

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UK Residency & Indefinite Leave to Remain Options

Indefinite Leave to Remain and permanent residency routes are suitable for individuals working, joining family, or building a long-term life in the UK. ILR provides permanent status, eligibility for public services, and a pathway to British citizenship.

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ILR After 5 Years

Who it's for:

Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker visa holders
Partners, spouses, and parents under Appendix FM
Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa holders not on accelerated routes
Sole Representatives, UK Ancestry visa holders, and refugees

Pathway summary: The most common route to settlement, based on continuous lawful residence and meeting all visa-specific requirements, including English and Life in the UK Test.

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10 Year Long Residence ILR

Who it's for:

Individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for 10 consecutive years, regardless of visa type (with some exclusions).

Pathway summary: Focuses on length of legal stay rather than visa category. Particularly relevant for those with varied immigration histories or not eligible under faster routes.

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7-Year Child Residency: Private Life ILR

Who it's for:

Children who have lived continuously in the UK for at least 7 years, where it would be unreasonable to expect them to leave.

Pathway summary: Allows immediate ILR application under Private Life rules. Parents and siblings may also apply depending on the case.

UK Residency & ILR

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of permanent residence that allows non-UK nationals to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. It’s often the final step on the immigration journey and a key milestone toward British citizenship. Learn more about the different ILR routes, each with specific eligibility criteria based on your visa history, length of residence, absences from the UK, and knowledge of English and life in the UK.