How long do I need to live in the UK before I can apply for ILR?

It depends on your visa route. On the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes it is usually 5 years. The long residence route needs 10 years of lawful residence without gaps. The government consulted on an 'earned settlement' model in 2025, so check our settlement news for the latest changes before you plan your application.

How many days can I spend outside the UK before applying for ILR?

On most work routes you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying period. Use our ILR absence calculator to check every rolling 12-month window.

How much does an ILR application cost?

The fee is £3,226 for each person applying, according to the Home Office fees table that applies from 8 October 2026. Partners and children on the same application each pay the fee.

Do I need to pass the Life in the UK Test for ILR?

Yes, if you are aged 18 to 64. The test costs £50, has 24 questions and lasts 45 minutes. You need to score 75% or more to pass, and you use your unique reference number in your ILR application.

When can I apply for British citizenship after getting ILR?

Usually once you have lived in the UK for 5 years and have held ILR or settled status for 12 months. You also must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in those 5 years, or more than 90 days in the last 12 months. The fee is £1,839, which includes the £130 ceremony fee.

UK Settlement Guides

Settlement (ILR)

Indefinite Leave to Remain lets you live in the UK without time limits. Check your qualifying period, count your days abroad and follow every change to the settlement rules.

ILR Absence Calculator Settlement news

Qualifying period: 5 years (Skilled Worker)
Time abroad: Max 180 days in any 12 months
Application fee: £3,226 per person
Life in the UK Test: £50 · 24 questions · 75% to pass
Who takes the test: Applicants aged 18 to 64

Tools for this stage

Life in the UK Test

Pass the permanent residency and citizenship exam with native-language study guides, practice tests, and smart revision.

B1 / B2 English (SELT)Coming Soon

The Secure English Language Test required for ILR and citizenship. B2 listening & speaking becomes mandatory from 26 Mar 2027 — get ahead early.

ILR Absence Calculator

Check you stay under 180 days absent in any rolling 12-month window — the rolling-window rule applicants most often get wrong.

Latest articles

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EU Settlement Scheme: Settled and Pre-Settled Status Explained

Settled status is permanent. Pre-settled status is temporary. This guide explains the difference, how pre-settled status now converts to settled status automatically, and how settled status relates to ILR and citizenship.

Published 31 Jul 2026Read more →

ilr·5 min read

The Life in the UK Test: Format, Booking and How to Prepare

The Life in the UK Test is a requirement for settlement and citizenship. Here is the format, the £50 fee, how to book, and how to prepare and pass.

Published 23 Jul 2026Read more →

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The English Language Requirement for UK Settlement

To settle in the UK you usually need to prove your English. Here is the level you need for ILR, the ways to prove it, and who is exempt.

Published 19 Jul 2026Read more →

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ILR Absences: How the 180-Day Rule Works

Too many days outside the UK can break the continuous residence you need for settlement. Here is how the 180-day rule is counted, and what to watch for.

Published 13 Jul 2026Read more →

ilr·6 min read

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Requirements Explained

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is settled status in the UK. Here are the main requirements — qualifying period, continuous residence, the Life in the UK Test and English — and the reforms you should know about.

Published 10 Jul 2026Read more →

Frequently asked questions

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