Settlement in the UK – general requirements

Two years stay extension by 10 years long indefinite residence rule. Professional immigration service to submit your application for settlement
Settlement in the UK – general requirements

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)/permanent residence is permission for settlement. Thus, it allows them to reside, work and study without any restrictions in the UK permanently. The ILR lets a holder of this permission exit and re-enter the UK multiple times. Besides, it allows claim benefits that the state pays.

Visa categories that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain include:

Visa categories that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain

  • A Spouse, Civil and Unmarried partner visa after completing a full two years residency if a person has made the application under the old rules before July 2012 (click here Family members).
  • a Spouse, civil and Unmarried partner visa after completing a full five years residency if a person made the application on/after the rules changed in July 2012 (click here, Family members)
  • an Ancestry Visa after completing a full five years residency
  • a Tier 2 Work-related visa after completing a full five years residency
  • a Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas
  • An EEA National (qualified person) and their family members under the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2016 after five years of continuous residence (click here EEA Applications)
  • Long residence after completing a full ten years of legal residency in the UK (click here Long residence)


An application for settlement generally requires an individual should/must:

  • Pass the Life in the UK test;
  • Pass an English Language Test at level B1 CEFR or higher. Although they may have an exemption at the recognised test centre;
  • prove the completion of the entire term of residency in the category leading to settlement;
  • meet the salary threshold if required (for example, the Tier 2 salary requirement);
  • prove that the relationship continues to exist if needed (for example, family-related visas);
  • pass the criminal record check.

Key Information

  • There is no time limit on Indefinite leave to remain. However, people may lose it if they spend more than two years outside the UK.
  • In most cases, the Indefinite Leave to Remain is the first step towards applying for naturalisation as a British Citizen. An Applicant must hold ILR or permanent residence (EEA cases) for the last 12 months to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation.

The immigration lawyers at Law Park are experts in dealing with the application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You may need legal help from immigration lawyers in London to prepare and submit your application for ILR. So, we are here to provide you with a friendly, reliable, efficient and professional immigration service.

Professional immigration service to submit your application for settlement

Our professionals will work with you and your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. So, you can expect to enjoy the following services:

  • Our immigration specialists will provide detailed instructions regarding immigration regulations and the procedures required by the Home Office and the UKBA relevant to your case.
  • One of our lawyers will answer any questions about your case while identifying its benefits and drawbacks.
  • Our immigration lawyers will explain all documentation you must submit alongside your Indefinite Leave to Remain application.
  • A team member will examine these documents and discuss their relevance to your case.
  • Our team of immigration lawyers will complete the application forms and answer any questions that you may have.
  • If needed, our immigration lawyers will prepare a sponsorship declaration and explain the process.
  • One of our lawyers will draft a cover letter supporting and submitting the Indefinite Leave to Remain application.
  • Our team of immigration lawyers will communicate with the UKBA and the Home Office to ensure a quick decision regarding your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
  • We will protect your interests during the entire process. We will keep you informed while the application is pending with the Home Office.