The Checklist

1. 1

   Confirm the correct qualifying period

   Most work and family routes require five years' continuous lawful residence. Some specific family routes — for example, partners and spouses of British citizens — qualify after three years. The long residence route requires ten years' continuous lawful residence regardless of visa type.

2. 2

   Check absences against the rules for your route

   Absence rules vary by route: many routes apply a 180-day limit in any rolling 12-month period across the qualifying period, while the long residence route allows up to 540 days total over ten years with no single absence exceeding 180 days. Check the specific rule that applies to your route and document each absence with travel evidence.

3. 3

   Pass the Life in the UK test

   The Life in the UK test is a compulsory requirement for most ILR applications. Book the test in good time, retain the unique reference number, and bring the pass notification to the application. Limited exemptions apply on grounds of age and certain long-term medical or mental health conditions.

4. 4

   Meet the English language requirement

   Most routes require CEFR B1 in speaking and listening, demonstrated by an approved Secure English Language Test, a degree taught or researched in English, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country. Limited age and medical exemptions apply. Check the requirement for your route carefully — some routes require a higher level.

5. 5

   Pay the correct fee

   From 8 April 2026 the ILR application fee is £3,226 per applicant. No Immigration Health Surcharge is payable on ILR itself. Optional services such as priority decision or super priority decision attract additional fees and are not always available for all routes.

6. 6

   Evidence good character and continuous lawful residence

   ILR applications include a good character assessment covering criminality, deception, immigration breaches and adverse civil findings. Gather evidence of lawful residence throughout the qualifying period, including visa grants, BRPs or eVisa records, payslips and HMRC records as appropriate. Disclose any issues fully; non-disclosure is itself a refusal ground.

7. 7

   Apply at the right time

   Applications can be made up to 28 days before the qualifying period completes. Applying earlier than that will normally result in a refusal of ILR (and may fall to be considered on different terms). Diary the earliest valid date and the visa expiry date to avoid a gap in status.

Common Mistakes

• Miscounting absences. Many refusals turn on absence calculations; keep a contemporaneous travel log rather than reconstructing one at the end.
• Applying before the qualifying period is complete. Applying more than 28 days early generally leads to refusal.
• Assuming previous English or Life in the UK passes carry over. Confirm acceptable evidence and validity for the specific route — requirements have changed over time.
• Underestimating the good character requirement. Even minor non-disclosure or unpaid debts can affect the outcome; disclose and explain rather than omit.
• Letting ILR lapse through extended absence. ILR can lapse after a continuous absence from the UK of more than two years; plan returns or consider a Returning Resident visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Professionals Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) to provide immigration advice and immigration services. IAA Registration Number: F201000109. This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules, fees and Home Office guidance change frequently; this page reflects the position as understood at the time of publication. For advice on your specific circumstances, please contact us directly.