ILR application documents checklist

You must provide all the mandatory documents with your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application as per the ILR documents checklist 2024 listed below.

You will find here a general document checklist required for the ILR application and you might need to provide additional documents depending on the type of your ILR application and your personal circumstances.

Please contact our immigration lawyer on 0161 989 9370 or fill in the enquiry form to take the first step towards your successful Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application.

Table of Contents

• What documents are required for the ILR application?
• Documentary evidence of continuous residence in the UK
• Life in the UK test for ILR
• Evidence of your knowledge of the English language
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What documents are required for the ILR application?

The documents required for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK vary depending on the specific immigration category under which you are applying. However, in general, the following documents are required:

1. A valid passport or other travel documents
2. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
3. Evidence of your knowledge of the English language
4. Pass certificate from the Life in the UK test
5. Evidence of your continuous residence in the UK
6. Evidence of your employment or self-employment
7. Accommodation information
8. Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable)

Documentary evidence of continuous residence in the UK

When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you will need to provide evidence of your continuous residence in the country for the required period. The exact evidence required will depend on your individual circumstances, but some examples of documents that may be used to prove your continuous residence include:

• Utility bills (gas, electricity, water, etc.) or council tax bills
• Bank statements or building society statements
• Tenancy agreements or rent receipts
• Employment contracts or payslips
• P60 forms or tax returns
• Letters from government departments, such as the Home Office or HMRC
• Correspondence from educational institutions or healthcare providers

It's important to note that the documents you provide must cover the entire period of your residence in the UK and show that you have not been absent from the country for more than the allowable time period for your specific immigration category. The exact time period will depend on your individual circumstances, but it is typically 180 days in any 12-month period for most ILR applications.

You should ensure that the documents you provide are clear, accurate, and up-to-date. If you have any questions or concerns about the evidence required for your ILR application, it's advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer.

Life in the UK test for ILR

When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you will generally be required to pass the Life in the UK test as part of the application process. The test is designed to assess your knowledge of British culture, customs, and history, and it is a requirement for most settlement and citizenship applications.

To take the Life in the UK test, you will need to book an appointment at a designated test centre and pay the test fee, which as of April 2023 is £50. The test is computer-based and consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, which you will have 45 minutes to answer.

The test covers a range of topics related to life in the UK, including:

• The UK's political system, including the roles of the government, Parliament, and judiciary
• British history, culture, and society, including significant events, people, and traditions
• Rights and responsibilities of UK citizens, such as voting and paying taxes
• Education, healthcare, and social welfare systems in the UK
• Immigration, asylum, and citizenship laws and policies in the UK.

To pass the test, you must answer at least 18 out of 24 questions correctly. If you fail the test, you can retake it after seven days, but you will need to pay the test fee again.

Evidence of your knowledge of the English language

When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you will generally be required to meet the English language requirements as part of the application process. The specific requirements will depend on your individual circumstances and the immigration category under which you are applying.

In general, to meet the English language requirement for ILR, you must provide evidence that you:

• Have a degree taught in English that is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD;
• Have passed a Home Office approved English language test at the required level (currently CEFR level B1 or above) with a recognized test provider; or
• Have obtained an academic qualification taught in English from an institution that is recognized by UK NARIC (the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom).

It's important to note that some categories of applicants, such as those aged 65 or over or those with a long residence in the UK, may be exempt from the English language requirement.

If you need to take an English language test, you can find a list of Home Office approved test providers on the UK government's website. You should ensure that you meet the required level of English language proficiency before taking the test, as failing the test can delay your ILR application.

If you have any questions or concerns about the English language requirements for your ILR application, it's advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions about Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):