Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) explained
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also called settlement, is permission to live and work in the UK with no time limit. It is usually the step before citizenship, and the stage at which most people take the Life in the UK Test. This guide gives the overview. It is general information, not immigration advice, so always check your own case on GOV.UK.
What ILR is
ILR is a form of permanent immigration status. Once you have it, you can live, work and study in the UK freely and access some public services, without needing to renew a visa. You are settled, but you are not yet a British citizen and do not have a British passport.
Common routes to settlement
People reach settlement through different routes, most after a qualifying period of residence:
| Route | Usual time to ILR |
|---|---|
| Work (for example, Skilled Worker) | 5 years |
| Family (spouse or partner) | 5 years |
| Long residence | 10 years |
| EU Settlement Scheme (settled status) | For EU citizens resident before Brexit |
The requirements, including the test
On most routes, to get ILR you must meet the KoLL requirement: pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the B1 English requirement, unless you are exempt. The test is usually taken at this stage, which our ILR vs citizenship guide explains in more detail. A free Life in the UK mock test shows you how close you are to the pass mark. Other conditions, such as time spent in the UK and an application fee (over £3,000, set by the Home Office), apply and depend on your route, so check the current rules and fees on GOV.UK.
From ILR to citizenship
ILR is often a stepping stone to citizenship. After holding ILR for a period, usually about 12 months, you can apply to become a British citizen, as our how to become a British citizen guide sets out. Be aware that ILR can lapse if you spend too long continuously outside the UK, so check the rules if you plan to travel for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
- What is indefinite leave to remain?
- Permission to live and work in the UK with no time limit. It is also called settlement.
- Is ILR the same as citizenship?
- No. ILR lets you live and work here indefinitely, but you are not a British citizen and do not have a British passport.
- Do I need the Life in the UK Test for ILR?
- Yes, on most routes, along with B1 English, unless you are exempt.
- How long until I can apply for citizenship after ILR?
- Usually about 12 months, though this depends on your route.
- Can I lose my ILR?
- Yes. For example, ILR can lapse if you spend too long, usually 2 or more years, continuously outside the UK.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
This page explains indefinite leave to remain (settlement) and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.
Related guides
View all guides →ILR by Long Residence: The 10-Year Route
The 10-year long residence route to indefinite leave to remain: what continuous lawful residence means, the requirements including the Life in the UK Test, and how it differs from the 5-year routes. General information, not advice.
The Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) Requirement
The KoLL requirement explained: to settle or become a citizen you must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English requirement at B1, unless you are exempt. General information, not advice.
Life in the UK Test for ILR vs British Citizenship
You need the test for both ILR and citizenship, but usually take it once. The difference between settlement and citizenship, and the usual order. General information, not advice.
How to Become a British Citizen (Naturalisation)
How to become a British citizen: who is eligible, the residence and good-character requirements, the Life in the UK Test and B1 English, how to apply, and the ceremony. General information, not advice.
Can You Lose Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Yes, you can lose ILR, most often by spending 2 or more continuous years outside the UK. How lapsing works, the Returning Resident visa, when ILR can be revoked, and how to keep it. General information, not advice.