If you want to apply for ILR, you must apply online for Indefinite Leave to Remain by using the correct application form depending on your situation.
Here are the steps you need to take to apply for ILR:
- Check if you are eligible
- Collect the necessary documents
- Fill out the application form
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your application
- Book & attend a biometric appointment
- Wait for a decision
Step 1: Check if you are eligible
You need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before you apply. The eligibility criteria vary depending on your visa type.
Step 2: Collect the necessary documents
You need to gather all the necessary documents required for your ILR application, including your passport, biometric residence permit, evidence of your continuous residence in the UK, evidence of your knowledge of the English language, and proof of passing the Life in the UK test, if applicable.
Step 3: Fill out the application form
You need to fill out the correct application form online, depending on your eligibility.
Step 4: Pay the application fee
You will need to pay the appropriate application fee when you apply. You do not need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) fee if you apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Step 5: Submit your application
You must submit your application online. You should upload all of the necessary supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
Step 6: Book & attend a biometric appointment
You will need to book & attend your biometric appointment to provide your biometric information such as photo and fingerprints at a UKVCAS service point.
Step 7: Wait for a decision
The processing time for an ILR application can vary, but it typically takes around six months. You can check the status of your application online. If your application is approved, you will receive your ILR status and be able to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions.
What documents are required to apply for ILR?
There are several supporting documents are required for the ILR application, including your passport, biometric residence permit, evidence of your continuous residence in the UK, evidence of your knowledge of the English language, and proof of passing the Life in the UK test, if applicable.
Read the guidance for the full list of documents you'll need to provide in the support of your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application.
How to send the supporting documents?
First, you need to scan all the supporting documents in the correct format. If you do not have a scanner then you can also take pictures of the supporting documents.
Once all the documents are ready then you can upload them. You don't need to send original documents anywhere.
Make sure that all the supporting documents:
- are in PDF, JPEG or PNG format
- have descriptive titles, with 25 or fewer characters
- are high enough quality to be read
If documents are not in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation.
ILR application processing time
You should get a decision within 3-6 months if you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) using standard service. However, you may be able to use priority service to get a faster decision.
Check the latest information about the ILR application processing time on the GOV website.
How long does the ILR application process take?
Once you have applied online and attended your biometrics appointment, you'll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3-6 months, if applying using standard service
- 5 working days, if applying using priority service
- 24 hours, if applying using super priority service
Super Priority Service
You may be eligible to use the “super priority service” to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay £1,000 in addition to the ILR application fee.
Priority Service
You may be able to choose the 'priority service' when you apply for a UK visa to get a faster decision within 5 working days. You'll need to pay £500 in addition to the ILR application fee.
When you apply, you might be eligible to choose the 'super priority service' or 'priority service' to get your visa faster depending on the type of application.
ILR application fees
Home Office (UKVI) fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application is £2,404 per applicant if applying using standard service. You do not need to pay the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) if you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and you should always check the most up-to-date information on the UK government's official website before applying for a visa.
How much does an ILR application cost?
The cost of an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application varies depending on the type of application you are applying for and the type of service you are using such as 'standard service', 'super priority service', or 'priority service'.
Here are some common costs associated with applying for an indefinite leave to remain:
- £2,404 Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application fee
- £19.20 Biometrics fee
- £50 Life in the UK test fee (unless you are exempt)
- £150 approx. English language test fee (unless you are exempt)
- £1,000 in addition to the application fee if using the super priority service
- £500 in addition to the application fee if using the priority service
- Immigration lawyer fees (if using legal services to boost your chances of success & avoid mistakes)
Please note that the above is a general list of costs associated with UK visa applications. There may be additional costs such translation fee depending on your circumstances.
Immigration lawyer fees
Our expert UK immigration lawyer will guide you through every step of the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application process including advice about legal requirements and eligibility criteria.
At Rex Law Chambers, our immigration lawyer charges a fixed fee between £800-£1000 for our complete legal services in relation to your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application. The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of the matter and the casework involved in the matter.
How can an immigration lawyer help you?
If you need legal advice or help with your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application, our immigration lawyer can provide legal assistance.
Immigration lawyer at Rex Law Chambers will:
- advise you about eligibility criteria and the requirement;
- provide you with a comprehensive checklist of supporting documents;
- fill in and submit your ILR application;
- check all the supporting documents;
- upload all the supporting documents online in their correct format and order;
- schedule your biometrics appointments;
- prepare a cover letter or letter of representation to support your application;
- dealing and responding to any enquiries or correspondence from the Home Office (UKVI);
- do all the follow-up work on your ILR application until a decision is received from the Home Office (UKVI).
Contact our experienced and friendly immigration lawyer on 0161 989 9370 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential immigration advice and legal assistance with a Settlement (ILR) application or any other immigration matter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
Individuals with ILR are still subject to certain restrictions, such as the requirement to notify the Home Office of any changes in their circumstances, and they can lose their ILR status if they spend 2 or more continuous years outside the UK.
Each applicant needs to pay £2,404 for their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application if applying for ILR using the standard service.
The length of time it takes to receive a decision on an ILR application can vary depending on a number of factors, but typically it can take up to six months. You can pay extra for a priority service to receive a decision faster.
You must apply for ILR online by completing the relevant application form and providing supporting documents to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements.
Read this comprehensive guide to learn more about how to apply for ILR, the required documents and fees.
With ILR, you can live and work in the UK permanently, and you are not subject to immigration controls or restrictions. You may also be eligible for certain benefits, such as access to the NHS and social security benefits, among others.
Call Rex Law Chambers on 0161 989 9370 for confidential legal advice and help with your ILR application. You can get help from our immigration lawyer in person, over the phone, via WhatsApp, email or live chat.
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