How long do I need to live in the UK to get ILR?

For most work routes the standard qualifying period is 5 years, but some routes are shorter (for example 3 years for Global Talent or Innovator Founder). Note that the government has proposed raising the standard period, so check the current rule for your route on gov.uk.

How many days can I spend outside the UK?

For most routes, being outside the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying years can break your continuous residence, unless an exemption applies. Keep a record of your travel.

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

Yes. If you are aged 18 to 64 you must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement (usually at least level B1 in speaking and listening) as part of the knowledge of language and life requirement.

Settlement (ILR)·6 min read

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Requirements Explained

Published 10 July 2026

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also called settlement or settled status — means you can live, work and study in the UK with no time limit on your stay. It is the step most people take before applying for British citizenship. This guide explains the main requirements.

The qualifying period

You usually need to have lived in the UK legally for a set number of years on an eligible visa:

5 years is the standard qualifying period for most work and family routes.
3 years applies to some routes, such as Global Talent or Innovator Founder.
10 years of continuous lawful residence is a separate long-residence route.

Your time must be on a route that leads to settlement — not every visa counts.

Continuous residence and absences

Your years in the UK must be continuous. For most routes, spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying years can break that continuity, unless an exemption applies. It is worth keeping a simple record of every trip abroad so you can show your absences when you apply.

Knowledge of language and life

If you are aged 18 to 64, you must:

Pass the Life in the UK Test — a test about British traditions, history and everyday life. You can prepare for it with practice questions and study materials.
Meet the English language requirement — usually at least level B1 in speaking and listening, shown through an approved qualification or a degree taught in English.

There are exemptions, for example on grounds of age or certain long-term health conditions.

Good character and other checks

You must not have serious immigration breaches or a criminal record that counts against you. Requirements and fees vary by route, and the application fee is significant, so budget for it in advance.

Reforms you should know about

The rules for settlement are changing. In late 2025 the government set out proposals in "A Fairer Pathway to Settlement" for an earned settlement model. Under these proposals the standard qualifying period would rise from 5 years toward 10 years for many people, with settlement earned through factors such as good conduct, English and economic contribution rather than granted automatically after a fixed time. Some lower-wage routes could face a longer period.

These proposals were consulted on and may change how and when you qualify. Because the details are still being finalised, always check the current requirement for your specific route and situation on gov.uk before you rely on any timeline.

After ILR

Once you have held ILR (and usually after a further 12 months), you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. See our citizenship guides for the next step.