Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Refugee

ILR as a refugee is a type of immigration status that allows individuals who have been granted refugee status in the UK to stay in the country permanently.

Refugees are individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution, war or violence and have been granted asylum in the UK.

To be eligible for ILR as a refugee, individuals must have completed at least five years in the UK as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection. They must not have breached any immigration laws or have any criminal convictions that would make them ineligible for ILR, and they must have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK.

ILR as a refugee allows individuals to stay in the UK permanently, work, study, and access public services. It also provides a pathway to British citizenship, which can be applied for after holding ILR for at least one year.

If you need legal advice or help with your Indefinite Leave to Remain application as a refugee, our experienced immigration lawyer can provide you with the help you need.

Call Rex Law Chambers on 0161 989 9370 or fill in our enquiry form for immigration advice and help with your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application.

Table of Contents

• Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Refugee
• How to apply for ILR as a refugee?
• Requirements for ILR as a refugee
• Documents required for ILR as a refugee
• ILR application processing time
• ILR application fees
• How can an immigration lawyer help you?
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Need legal advice or help from an immigration lawyer?

How to apply for ILR as a refugee?

Here are the steps you need to take to apply for ILR as a refugee:

1. Check the eligibility criteria
2. Collect your supporting documents
3. Fill out the application form
4. Submit your application and pay the fee
5. Book & attend a biometrics appointment
6. Wait for a decision

Check the eligibility criteria

You must have been in the UK for at least five years, have a valid refugee status, and not have any serious criminal convictions.

Collect your supporting documents

You'll need to provide evidence of your identity, your refugee status, and your residence in the UK. This may include your passport or travel document, your Home Office-issued refugee status papers, and utility bills or bank statements that show where you have been living.

Fill out the application form

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Refugee, you must apply online and you'll need to fill out the application form SET (Protection Route) or SET(P).

Submit your application and pay the fee

Once the application is completed, you must submit it online and pay the appropriate application fee. You do not need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) fee.

Book & attend a biometrics appointment

Once you've submitted your application, you'll be asked to attend a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken.

Wait for a decision

The processing time for ILR applications can vary, but it usually takes around 6 months. You can check the status of your application online.

Requirements for ILR as a refugee

To be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Refugee, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have been granted refugee status in the UK
• You must have completed at least five years in the UK as a refugee
• You must not have breached any immigration laws or have any criminal convictions that would make you ineligible for ILR
• You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK
• You must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the five-year period.
• You must be able to demonstrate that you are financially self-sufficient or have adequate support from a family member or a sponsor.

It is important to note that the rules and requirements for ILR as a refugee may change from time to time, so it is advisable that you consult the immigration lawyer on applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a refugee to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements.

Read the guidance for the full list of eligibility requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications.

Documents required for ILR as a refugee

To apply for ILR as a refugee in the UK, you will need to provide the following supporting documents:

• Your valid passport or travel document.
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or Home Office travel document.
• Your police registration certificate, if applicable.
• Evidence that you have completed at least five years in the UK as a refugee or a person with humanitarian protection. This could include any letters or documents from the Home Office that confirm your refugee status or humanitarian protection, or evidence of any previous visas you have held.
• Evidence of your financial status, such as bank statements, employment contracts, or evidence of any government benefits you receive.
• Evidence of your knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, such as your Life in the UK test certificate and your English language test certificate.
• Any other documents that may support your application, such as proof of accommodation, evidence of your family relationships, or medical certificates.

It is important to provide all the required supporting documents when making an application for ILR as a refugee, as failure to do so may result in your application being refused. It is recommended to seek professional advice from an immigration advisor to ensure you have provided all the required documents and to prepare a strong application.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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