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  

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  

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 if youd like to speak to a member of the team  

Have a questions?

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How we work

1
consultation.

We start a discussion by understanding your history, and we will clearly outline the best option available and any recommendations to save you time and costs.

2
instruction.

Once you instruct us to be your legal representative, we will start preparing your case. We may require more information about you to help you more effectively.

3
documents.

Documentation is a crucial part of an immigration application. We will customise a document list to guide your preparation. Your dedicated lawyer will check the documents and advise of any improvements needed.

4
application.

We will complete your application to the Home Office and may also write a cover letter with strong legal arguments where relevant. We may discuss this with you to confirm the final details.

5
submission.

We will submit your application to the Home Office, Court authorities securely. We will represent you as the main point of contact with them for any further requests.

6
interview.

You may sometimes be invited to attend a Home Office interview or Court hearing. While this may sound daunting, we will help you prepare and provide guidance on what questions to expect.

7
decision.

As soon as we receive a decision from the Home Office, we will get in touch with you to share the news.

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What clients say

We did multiple assignments with QC and were very happy with the fast response and results we achieved on our applications.

manish rungta
manish rungta
Google five star client rating

Qiyin was very quick to respond to my inquiries. She was very professional, supportive and helpful. Highly recommended!

Ainul Nadhirah Hanafiah
Ainul Nadhirah Hanafiah
Google five star client rating

Qiyin listened very attentively to my concerns and reassured me. Gave me a lot of insight into how I need to plan my application in a very personal way. Would definitely highly recommend.

Sashi Ganes
Sashi Ganes
Google five star client rating

Very professional team, who helped me gain EU Settled status pre-Brexit using a new Android app. It is refreshing to see that QC-immigration team adopts fast the technology and is on top of all changes in legislation. They got my full trust.

Victoria Rusnac
Victoria Rusnac
Google five star client rating

Hafsah made my application look so simple and easy even though i was doubtful about my case before approaching QC. I can’t believe my ILR application got approved by Home office within 24 hrs of biometric appointment. Thank you Hafsah for helping me get this done.

Shubha Shet
Shubha Shet
Google five star client rating

It was a pleasure working with Qiyin and her team. They were very helpful and responsive all the time. They helped me with my Permanent Residence which was succesful and was received in less than a month. I will work with them again in the future, so I strongly recommend this Immigration office to everyone.

Nasos Balasis
Nasos Balasis
Google five star client rating

Definitely the best law firm I've ever dealt with. Hafsah Awan is an amazing lawyer, she is extremely professional, she truly cares, and gives great advise to ensure all goes smoothly. My entire process with Hafsah went really well, and we successfully got our Start-up visas to the UK, many thanks to Hafsah for her great efforts. I also loved that they are very responsive, to emails, calls, etc. Qiyin Chuah, the founder, actually helped me in the last moment during her weekend, I was very thankful for that, as not many people would even get back to you during the weekend. Overall, an amazing law firm, I'm very pleased, and I truly wish Hafsah, Qiyin, and the rest of QC Immigration team all the best, God bless you all :)

Ahmad Agha
Ahmad Agha
Google five star client rating

I had an exploratory conversation with QC Immigration. Qiyin was professional and personable throughout our conversation, explaining clearly the current criteria and regulatory considerations to keep in mind. I would have no reservations in appointing them for representation should there ever be a need, as Qiyin provided from the outset, the calm assurance of having the knowledge, experience and an individual approach that I strongly value.

May Loke
May Loke
Google five star client rating

Very good service and professional company! I contact them trough a friend because I had problem with a Family Visa in Scotland, they helped me and advised in all the process and they solved what I needed to solve so quick. Specially Qiyin and Marianna. I would always come back to them again if I needed and also recommend them. As I said, very good and Professional.

Martin Nicolas Camaño Martin
Martin Nicolas Camaño Martin
Google five star client rating

Both my fiancé and I used QC Immigration this year for our new visa and naturalisation applications, respectively, and were very happy with the service. Our main point of contact was Marianna, who was very prompt and thorough in her preparation of our applications and helpful throughout every step of the process with our concerns, etc. Highly recommend QC Immigration. Thank you again, Marianna!

Sarah Monaco
Sarah Monaco
Google five star client rating

My friend had recommended QC Immigration and I was not disappointed! Marianna was my main point of contact and she was kind, prompt and very efficient. I had a lot of questions and Marianna was very quick in replying to me. I would definitely recommend QC Immigration.

Malulie Tongprasert
Malulie Tongprasert
Google five star client rating

They were extremely professional and thorough throughout the application process. I even shared my travel plans and they worked based on my timelines, which based on experience, most companies don't prioritise. Highly recommend working with them if you want to be stress free and want your application handled with care.

Shruthi Padmanabhan
Shruthi Padmanabhan
Google five star client rating

I have been using QC Immigration to help prepare for my partner's Proposed Civil Partnership Visa application. We have been dealing with Marianna since January, and have found her to be extremely professional, knowledgeable and personable. She has always responded to my queries and concerns, (however neurotic!) and she has paid great attention to detail. It has been an invaluable service, and should our application be successful in this instance, I will not hesitate to appoint QC Immigration again to assist with the next stages. Many thanks again for your hard work and for showing us such an understanding and caring attitude! :)

Bethany Taylor-James
Bethany Taylor-James
Google five star client rating

My partner and I recently used QC Immigration when applying for a UK partner visa. They were very professional throughout and dealt with all questions and queries accordingly. Marianna was our main point of contact and was extremely diligent and reassuring throughout the process. We appreciated their attention to detail and extensive knowledge of UK immigration law and would highly recommend them to any prospective clients.

Eliot Parker
Eliot Parker
Google five star client rating

FAQ

I have spent significant time outside the UK during my visa residence, does this affect my chances of a successful ILR application?

Unfortunately, yes. If you have spent more than 180 days outside the UK over a 12-month period, you must provide documentation that it was for compelling reasons, otherwise, you will be less likely to be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. We have successfully achieved this for clients in the past and can advise if you have a strong case in this instance.

The 5-year route towards ILR that I have chosen has been rejected, what next?

If your application has been rejected you may challenge the Home Office’s decision through the right of appeal or another feasible remedy. However, in order to change their mind, you will need a strong and persuasive case. For this reason, it’s extremely advisable to work alongside legal professionals such as QC Immigration to highlight why the Home Office should reconsider.

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