UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also called settlement, is the UK status that lets you stay without a time limit. This guide maps the routes and the years each needs, the fees, and the rule that you must not travel while it is decided. Based on the official GOV.UK guidance (gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain), September 2026.
What ILR gives you
ILR (“settlement”) lets you live, work and study in the UK with no time limit. It is a residence status, not citizenship — citizenship is a separate step (naturalisation).
Routes and the years they need
| Work routes (general) | 5 years living and working in the UK |
| Some Tier 1 routes | 2 or 3 years |
| Innovator Founder / Global Talent | 3 years |
| Long residence | 10 years continuous lawful residence |
| UK Ancestry / BN(O) | 5 years each |
| Family routes | Partner, parent, child or relative already settled in the UK |
Other routes include refugee or humanitarian protection, returning residents, the armed forces and statelessness.
Long residence and extensions
Long residence needs 10 years of continuous lawful residence. If you do not qualify but have 10 years without a gap, you may be able to extend your leave to remain for 2 years instead.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their families can usually use the EU Settlement Scheme to get settled status after 5 years' continuous residence. It is free.
Fees and timing
| ILR | £3,226 |
| Long-residence extension | £1,407 |
| Super priority | + £1,000 |
| Biometrics | Free |
| Decision | Usually about 6 months (from fingerprints and photo) |
Refugee and humanitarian protection status and section 67 are free; discretionary leave is £3,226. Protection status cannot use super priority.
No travel while it is decided
You must not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while the application is pending. Leaving withdraws the application and the fee is not refunded. If it succeeds you get an eVisa through your UKVI account.
Related: passport photo validity, scanning and uploading visa documents, document translation and copies, the passport six-month rule, and the UK visa documents checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is indefinite leave to remain?
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also called settlement, is the UK residence status that lets you live, work and study in the UK without a time limit. It is not citizenship.
How long do I need to live in the UK?
Work routes generally need 5 years. Some Tier 1 routes can be 2 or 3 years, and Innovator Founder and Global Talent can be 3 years. Long residence needs 10 years of continuous lawful residence. UK Ancestry and BN(O) each need 5 years.
How much does it cost?
ILR costs £3,226. A long-residence extension costs £1,407. Super priority adds £1,000. Biometrics are free.
Can I travel while my application is pending?
No. You must not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while the application is being decided, or it is withdrawn and the fee is not refunded.
How long does it take?
Usually about 6 months, counted from when you give your fingerprints and photo.
What do I get if it succeeds?
An eVisa, accessed through your UKVI account.
Source: GOV.UK, "Indefinite leave to remain" and "Long residence" pages — retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.