Indefinite leave to remain, also called settlement, lets you live, work and study in the UK without a time limit. The qualifying period, the evidence and the rules on absences depend on the route you are settling from.
Settlement rules have been under review. We check the rules in force on the date you apply rather than relying on a fixed rule of thumb.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- GOV.UK describes ILR as permission to stay with no time limit, which can lead to British citizenship.
- Different routes have different qualifying periods. For example, GOV.UK says Health and Care Worker, Scale-up Worker and Innovator Founder holders may be able to apply after set periods, and Global Talent holders after 3 or 5 years depending on field and route.
- Some routes do not lead to settlement. GOV.UK says the High Potential Individual visa does not, nor do the Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier or Secondment Worker routes.
- Time outside the UK can matter. GOV.UK says that staying outside the UK for more than 2 years at a time can cause you to lose indefinite leave, and long absences also affect eligibility for settlement and citizenship.
- While a settlement application is pending, GOV.UK says you must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or the application will be withdrawn.
- English language and Life in the UK requirements apply in many cases unless an exemption applies.
What usually decides the outcome.
- The route you are settling from and the exact qualifying period under the rules in force when you apply.
- Your absences from the UK during the qualifying period, with dates.
- Whether your permission has gaps or breaks.
- English language and Life in the UK evidence.
- Whether your family members can settle at the same time.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.