Routes to UK Settlement

Obtaining UK Settlement

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s form of permanent residence. It allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. ILR also serves as a key step toward applying for British citizenship.

ILR Through Key Visa Routes

There are various visa routes in the UK that provide a possible pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Each has its own qualifying period and specific requirements. Below is an overview of the most common routes and what’s needed to secure ILR under each.

ILR After Innovator Founder Visa

You may qualify for ILR after 3 years on the Innovator Founder route, provided your business meets at least two success criteria set by the endorsing body (e.g. job creation, revenue, market traction). A valid endorsement must be maintained throughout your stay.

ILR After Spouse Visa

Most applicants reach ILR after 5 years on a spouse or partner visa. You must show:

• A genuine and subsisting relationship
• Continuous residence in the UK
• Meeting the financial and English language requirements Some individuals may be on the 10-year route due to exceptional circumstances or prior visa history.

ILR After Skilled Worker Visa

You can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence as a Skilled Worker. Your sponsor must still be licensed, and your role must meet the salary threshold and skill level. Gaps in employment or changes in sponsorship may affect eligibility.

ILR After Global Talent Visa

ILR via the Global Talent visa offers accelerated access to settlement:

• 3 years for those endorsed as leaders
• 5 years for those endorsed as emerging talent

To qualify, you must show that you’ve remained active in your field and continued to meet the endorsement criteria.

ILR via Graduate to Skilled Worker Visa

While time on the Graduate visa doesn’t count toward ILR, it can lead to a Skilled Worker visa. Once switched, the 5-year ILR clock begins. Time spent under different qualifying visas may be combined if certain conditions are met.

Switching Between Routes

If you change visa types during your time in the UK, it may still be possible to qualify for ILR. However, only time spent on qualifying routes counts towards the ILR residence requirement.

Switching to a non-qualifying visa (e.g. Graduate or Student) does not count towards ILR and may reset the clock.

Accelerated ILR Routes

Some routes offer faster access to ILR:

• Innovator Founder: 3 years
• Global Talent (Leader endorsement): 3 years
• Investor Visa (now closed): 2 or 3 years (subject to investment amount)

Continuous Residence and Absences

To qualify for ILR, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period. Absences should be documented and justified, especially if related to work or serious personal reasons.

Common Pitfalls and Delays

Even if you meet the basic requirements for ILR, there can be issues that can delay or derail your application. Common pitfalls to watch for include:

• Gaps in lawful residence (e.g. expired visas)
• Switching to non-qualifying routes
• Insufficient documentation
• Lack of valid endorsement (for business/talent routes)
• Missed Life in the UK or English test

Preparing for Your ILR Application

Once you are eligible to apply for ILR, preparing your application requires careful organisation. From meeting documentation requirements to completing the application and providing suitable supporting evidence, each step must be handled correctly to avoid delays or refusals.

Key steps:

• Gather evidence of residence, employment, and financial status
• Take and pass the Life in the UK Test
• Meet the English language requirement
• Submit the application before your visa expires
• Processing times and fees can vary, so plan ahead.