Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain After 5 Years

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) offers migrants stability in the right to permanently reside in the UK. There are multiple routes towards obtaining ILR although a popular option is the 5 years path, wherein migrants residing in the UK on certain visas can apply for permanent UK residence and potentially work towards British Citizenship.

The 5-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain

ILR, also referred to as permanent residence or settlement allows migrants to reside in the UK without having to extend their visas. It presents opportunities such as a path to citizenship and provides security for foreign workers. 5-year routes are popular as they are open to a wider range of visa categories including Work Visas Business Visas and can be applicable for dependants

Who can apply for a 5-year route to ILR

Professionals

There are Work and Business Visas that allow migrants to pursue a 5-year path towards Indefinite Leave to Remain, professional business people such as investors  and innovators  who are bringing money into the UK economy can gain ILR on the 5-year route. An investor must invest ВЈ2 million into the UK economy and innovators must meet all of the requirements stipulated in their visa agreement which can depend from case to case

Workers can also apply for a 5-year path towards ILR with application options available for  Skilled Worker Visas and those at the top of their respective fields residing in the UK through a  Global Talent Visa

Additionally, there are 5-year ILR options for others who are residing in the UK on their respective visas for different kinds of work like  sportspeople  and  ministers of religion  

Representatives  

Another visa category that is applicable for a 5-year path to ILR is the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business this allows representatives of businesses in the UK to work here and support their business in contributing to the UK economy through trade  

Families

The 5-year route is a popular route for migrant families and dependants with applications available for those who are the  spouse civil partner  proposed civil partner and  unmarried partner of a permanent UK resident  

There are also 5-year paths for both the parents and children of UK residents, including those who are of  British ancestry  (i.e. grandchildren, great-grandchildren etc  

Asylum seekers  

Asylum seekers who have resided in the UK for 5 years and are here as a result of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, and political opinion as well anything else that puts them at risk because of the social, cultural, religious or political situation in their country can also apply and work towards a 5-year route to ILR  

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

ILR 5-year route requirements

You must meet certain requirements for your 5-year route ILR application to be granted. The foremost requirement is 5 years of lawful residence in the UK on a qualifying visa. Once you have almost completed your five years and while planning to apply for your ILR consider the following additional requirements which must be met. For example, you must:

  • Pass the Life in the UK Test  
  • Meet the English language test or qualification requirements  
  • Must also be able to prove that you have fulfilled all the requirements stipulated in your visa, which can vary depending on the visa that you have applied for

5-year route ILR requirements

Without passing Life in the UK test (LUK which proves your Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KOLL) is of an acceptable standard, you will not be able to achieve ILR

Additionally, there are further language requirements that must be met, you must achieve an English test certificate or qualification above the CEFR Level B1.

Please note that there are some exceptions for which people would be exempt to meet these requirements.

Once passing these tests you will not have to retake them for an application towards British Citizenship.

When should I apply for ILR under the 5-year route?

Once you are close to the end of your 5-year residence on your visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Typically applicants would put forth their 5-year ILR application before the expiry of their visa or 28 days before the completion of your residential period depending on their current residence plan.

As a team of knowledgeable professionals with ample experience in the immigration law field, we can help put forth a timely and well-presented application that will get you a higher chance of success in your pursuit of ILR. Please

if you would like to discuss your application  

Have a question?
Book a consultation

How QC Immigration can help with your ILR after 5 year application

To obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of residence, it is key to have a strong application on top of the tests and visa stipulations that you must pass. The team at QC Immigration will provide you with assistance and guidance in creating a strong case that will help the Home Office make a decision. We offer friendly and thorough assistance that will ensure that your application is as strong as it can be with all of the relevant and important documentation submitted in a timely and professional manner. Please send us an email or book a consultation with our highly-experienced team.  

Discover more

Want to get more Info?
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
grey shadow border

Request a callback

QC Immigration can help Increase your chances of your UK visa application being accepted with the help of our experienced immigration lawyers.

Provide your info
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
people are listening