The ILR Application Process: Step by Step (2026)

Overview: how the ILR application works

Applying for indefinite leave to remain is done entirely online through the GOV.UK website. The process has several distinct stages: checking eligibility, completing the online form, paying fees, booking a biometrics appointment, uploading documents, and waiting for a decision.

Unlike some visa applications, you do not attend an in-person interview. The entire indefinite leave to remain application is submitted digitally. Your only required in-person step is your biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS centre, where your fingerprints and photograph are taken. Everything else happens online.

This guide walks through each stage in sequence. It assumes you have already confirmed that you are eligible to apply. If you are still checking eligibility, start with our ILR Eligibility Calculator before proceeding.

Before you apply: eligibility checks

Before submitting your indefinite leave to remain application, confirm that you meet all requirements. Submitting a doomed application wastes your time and the non-refundable fee. Run through this checklist first:

• Qualifying period complete: You must have completed the required period of continuous residence (typically 5 years on a work route). You can apply up to 28 days early. Use the ILR Eligibility Calculator to confirm your earliest application date.
• Absences within the 180-day rule: No rolling 12-month period during your qualifying period should exceed 180 days of absence from the UK. Check every window using the ILR Absence Calculator.
• Life in the UK test passed: You must have a valid pass certificate. If you have not taken the test yet, book it at the official test centre website. Most people pass on the first attempt with adequate study.
• English language requirement met: You need English at CEFR level B1 or above. If you met this when your visa was granted, you have already satisfied it. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt.
• Documents ready: Your core documents should be gathered before you begin the form. Use the ILR Document Checklist to track what you have and what is still outstanding.

If any of these checks fail, address the issue before submitting. A refused indefinite leave to remain application costs you the full fee with nothing to show for it.

Which ILR application form do you need?

The form you use depends on your visa route. All forms are submitted online through the UKVI account system, but they are labelled differently. Here are the main options:

If you are unsure which route you are on or which form applies to you, see our guide to ILR routes for a full explanation of each pathway to indefinite leave to remain.

Step 1: Create a UKVI account

All indefinite leave to remain applications are submitted through the UKVI online system. To get started, go to gov.uk/apply-settlement-return-uk and create an account using your email address and a password.

Your UKVI account is used for the entire application: completing the form, paying fees, booking your biometrics appointment, and uploading documents. Keep your login details somewhere safe. You will need to log back in multiple times across the process.

If you already have a UKVI account from a previous visa application, you can use the same account. You do not need to create a new one.

Step 2: Complete the online form

Once logged in, start your indefinite leave to remain application. The online form takes most people between 1 and 3 hours to complete carefully. Do not rush it. Mistakes or omissions at this stage can cause delays or refusal.

The form covers the following key areas:

• Personal information: Your name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details. Make sure these match your passport exactly.
• Travel history: Every trip outside the UK during your qualifying period. You need the destination, departure date, and return date for each trip. Have your travel records open to reference as you complete this section.
• Employment history: Your employer(s), job title(s), start and end dates, and salary details throughout the qualifying period.
• Previous visa applications: Any previous applications to come to or stay in the UK, including refused applications.
• Criminal convictions: You must disclose all unspent convictions and cautions, including minor offences. The Home Office takes good character seriously. Undisclosed convictions are one of the most damaging things you can have on an indefinite leave to remain application.
• English language evidence: The form will ask about how you meet the English language requirement. You will likely reference your original SELT certificate or confirm your degree was taught in English.
• Life in the UK test reference number: Enter the unique reference from your pass notification. Keep this email or letter safe well before your application.

Save your progress frequently throughout the form. The system allows you to save and return, so there is no need to complete it in a single sitting. Having all your documents and dates available before you start will make the process significantly faster.

Step 3: Pay the application fee

At the end of the online form, you pay the application fee by card. Payment must be made at the time of submission. The fee is non-refundable even if your indefinite leave to remain application is refused.

Current fees for the most common routes are as follows:

If you are applying with dependants, each person must submit a separate application and pay a separate fee. A family of four would pay £12,116 in application fees alone.

For a full breakdown of everything you will spend on the road to indefinite leave to remain, see our ILR costs guide.

Step 4: Book your UKVCAS biometrics appointment

After paying, you are directed to book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. UKVCAS manages biometrics enrolment on behalf of the Home Office. You attend the centre in person to have your fingerprints scanned and your photograph taken. See our ILR biometrics appointment guide for what to bring and what to expect.

UKVCAS centres are located in cities across the UK including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Belfast. When booking, you can choose from:

• Standard locations (free): Core centres included in the biometric enrolment fee you already paid.
• Enhanced/premium locations (extra cost): More central or convenient venues that charge an additional fee, typically £60 to £200 depending on location and time slot.

What to bring to your UKVCAS appointment:

• Your passport (or travel document)
• Your current BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
• Your appointment booking confirmation

The appointment itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You do not need to bring all your supporting documents at this stage. Document upload happens separately through the online portal after your biometrics appointment.

Step 5: Upload your supporting documents

After completing your biometrics appointment, you upload your supporting documents through the UKVI online portal. This is where the caseworker will find the evidence used to assess your indefinite leave to remain application.

Key documents to upload depend on your route, but for most work routes include:

• Employer letter: Confirms your current job title, salary, SOC code, Certificate of Sponsorship number, and that your employment is ongoing. This is one of the most important documents in your application.
• Payslips: Recent payslips (at minimum the last 6 months, ideally covering the full qualifying period) showing your salary and employer details.
• P60 certificates: Annual tax summaries from HMRC for each tax year within your qualifying period. These corroborate your payslips and employment history.
• Travel history evidence: Passport copies showing entry and exit stamps. If you used eGates (no stamps), use flight bookings, boarding passes, or bank statements to evidence your travel dates.
• English language certificate: Your SELT certificate, a transcript showing your degree was taught in English, or evidence of exemption.
• Life in the UK test pass certificate: The pass notification showing your unique test reference number.
• Bank statements: Not always required, but useful for corroborating income and UK residence, and for filling gaps where passport stamps are missing.

Tips for uploading documents: scan at 300 DPI or higher for clarity, use PDF format where possible, and name files clearly (for example, "Employer_Letter_March2026.pdf" or "Payslip_Feb2026.pdf"). A caseworker who can easily locate and read your documents is more likely to process your application efficiently.

Use our ILR Document Checklist to make sure you have everything before uploading.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

Once your documents are uploaded, your indefinite leave to remain application is with the Home Office for a decision. Processing times vary based on the service level you purchased:

• Standard processing: 6 to 8 weeks. This is the most common option. In busy periods, processing can take longer.
• Priority service (£500): Decision within 5 working days of attending your biometrics appointment.
• Super priority service (£1,000): Decision by the end of the next working day after your biometrics appointment.

You will be notified by email when a decision is made. For more detail on expected waiting times and what affects them, see our ILR processing times guide.

Do not travel internationally while your application is being processed. Under Section 3C leave, your existing visa leave is extended while your indefinite leave to remain application is pending. However, if you leave the UK during this time, your Section 3C leave ends and re-entry is not guaranteed. It is best to stay in the UK until you receive a decision.

What happens after you submit your ILR application

Once you submit your indefinite leave to remain application and complete your biometrics appointment, the waiting begins. Many applicants are unsure what to expect during this period. Here is a clear walkthrough of everything that happens between submission and receiving your decision.

Confirmation email

Within minutes of submitting your indefinite leave to remain application, you will receive a confirmation email from UKVI. This email confirms that your application has been received, provides your application reference number, and sets out the next steps. Save this email. Your application reference number is needed for tracking and any future correspondence with UKVI.

Biometrics appointment booking

After submitting the online form and paying your fees, you will be directed to the UKVCAS website to book your biometrics appointment. Appointments at standard centres are typically available within one to three weeks of submission, though availability can vary by location and time of year. Booking early is advisable, particularly at busy centres such as those in London. If you choose an enhanced or premium location, slots are often available sooner. Attend your appointment with your passport and current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You do not need all your supporting documents at this stage. Document upload happens separately after the biometrics appointment.

Decision timeline by service level

The Home Office processes indefinite leave to remain applications at different speeds depending on the service level you purchased:

The standard 6-month timeline is the Home Office's official target. In practice, many straightforward applications are decided faster, often within 6 to 8 weeks. However, complex cases or periods of high application volumes can push decisions closer to or beyond the 6-month mark. The Home Office does not guarantee a faster decision for standard applicants who have waited less than 6 months.

eVisa issued digitally

When your indefinite leave to remain application is approved, you will no longer receive a physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). As of 2025, the Home Office has moved entirely to digital immigration status (eVisa). Your indefinite leave to remain is recorded in the Home Office database, linked to your passport details. You receive an email notifying you of the decision, and you can then view your status by logging into your UKVI online account.

To prove your status to employers, landlords, or other parties, you generate a share code through the GOV.UK portal. Share codes expire after 90 days but can be regenerated as needed. You no longer need to present a physical card. For full details on how eVisa works and what to do if your details need updating, see the GOV.UK guidance on viewing and proving your immigration status.

ILR application: common reasons for delay

Most straightforward indefinite leave to remain applications are processed without issue. However, certain factors can cause the Home Office to pause processing, request additional information, or take longer to reach a decision. Understanding these common delay triggers helps you avoid them.

Missing or incomplete documents

One of the most frequent causes of delay is an incomplete document upload. If the caseworker cannot find evidence they need, they may issue a request for further information, which pauses the application clock until you respond. Common gaps include missing payslips for certain months, absence of a P60 for one of the tax years in the qualifying period, or an employer letter that does not confirm all the required details. Uploading a complete and well-organised document set from the outset is the best way to prevent this.

Absence rule breaches flagged

When a caseworker reviews your travel history, they check every rolling 12-month window during your qualifying period for absences exceeding 180 days. If your records suggest a potential breach, the application may be paused while the caseworker investigates further or requests additional evidence. This is particularly common where eGates were used (leaving no passport stamps) and the travel evidence is sparse. If any windows are borderline, include additional supporting evidence such as bank statements, boarding passes, and hotel records with your initial upload.

Check your own absence records before submitting using the ILR Absence Calculator. If any window shows close to 180 days, review that period carefully before applying.

Salary threshold not met at time of application

If a caseworker identifies that your declared salary does not meet the going rate for your SOC code or the general threshold, they may refuse the application or request further information. This can happen if your salary is close to the threshold and the caseworker applies a slightly different calculation, or if you have included pay types (such as overtime) that do not count towards the requirement. Ensure your employer letter and payslips clearly state your qualifying guaranteed salary.

Name discrepancies across documents

A surprisingly common cause of delay is inconsistent name formatting across documents. If your passport shows a middle name that does not appear on your payslips, or if your Certificate of Sponsorship uses a different spelling to your passport, a caseworker may flag this for investigation. Wherever possible, ensure your name appears identically across your passport, employer records, payslips, and other documents. If there is a genuine discrepancy (for example, a recent name change), include a covering note and supporting evidence such as a deed poll or marriage certificate.

Biometrics appointment not attended

Failing to attend your UKVCAS biometrics appointment without rescheduling is one of the most avoidable causes of delay. If you miss your appointment and do not reschedule in time, your application can be withdrawn. Always reschedule via the UKVCAS portal at the earliest opportunity if something prevents you from attending. Do not ignore a missed appointment and assume it will be resolved automatically.

ILR application checklist by document type

A well-organised document set is one of the most important factors in a smooth indefinite leave to remain application. Caseworkers process large volumes of applications and documents that are easy to find and clearly labelled help ensure nothing is missed. Here is a structured checklist grouped by document category.

For a personalised, route-specific checklist, use our ILR Document Checklist tool.

Identity documents

• Current passport: A scan of the photo page and all pages containing stamps or visa stickers. Your passport must be valid (not expired) at the time of application.
• Previous passports: If you held a different passport at any point during your qualifying period, include scans of those too, especially pages with entry and exit stamps.
• Current BRP: A scan of both sides of your current Biometric Residence Permit. You are required to surrender this when you receive your eVisa, but you still need it at the biometrics appointment.

Residence and employment evidence

• Payslips (12 months minimum): Most advisers recommend providing payslips for the full qualifying period or at least the most recent 12 consecutive months. Each payslip should show your gross salary, employer name, and pay date.
• Employer letter: A current letter on company letterhead, dated within one month of your application, confirming your job title, SOC code, annual salary, working hours, start date, and ongoing employment status. This is one of the most critical documents in the indefinite leave to remain application.
• P60 certificates: Your P60 for each complete tax year within the qualifying period. These confirm your annual earnings and tax paid and corroborate your payslips.
• Employment contracts: Your current employment contract, and any previous contracts if you changed employers during the qualifying period.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) details: The CoS reference number for your current and any previous sponsorships. Your employer can provide these.

Absence history

• Travel history letter: Some applicants obtain a formal travel history letter from their bank or a travel agency. More commonly, you compile your own travel records from passport stamps, flight bookings, and other evidence.
• Passport stamps: Photographs or scans of all entry and exit stamps in all passports used during the qualifying period.
• Flight booking confirmations and boarding passes: Especially important for trips where you used eGates and have no physical stamps. Airline booking records and boarding passes serve as evidence of travel dates.
• Bank statements: Useful for filling gaps in travel evidence. Transactions made in foreign countries on specific dates support the travel dates you have declared.

English language evidence

• SELT certificate: Your Secure English Language Test certificate showing your CEFR level (B1 or above). Must be from an approved provider (IELTS Life Skills, LanguageCert, Trinity College London, etc.).
• Degree certificate (if exempt): If you are exempt because your degree was taught in English, include the degree certificate and a transcript confirming the language of instruction.
• Nationality exemption (if applicable): Nationals of majority English-speaking countries do not need to provide a test certificate. You may still need to declare your exemption in the application form.

Life in the UK test

• Pass certificate or notification: The official notification from the Life in the UK test centre confirming that you passed, including your unique test reference number. Keep this document safe from the moment you pass. If you lose it, contact the test centre to request a replacement.

What to do if your ILR application is taking longer than expected

Most standard indefinite leave to remain applications are decided within 6 months. If your application has been outstanding for an extended period, or if you have urgent circumstances that require a faster resolution, here is what you can do.

Check the UKVI processing times dashboard

The Home Office publishes current processing times for all application types on the GOV.UK website. If the published processing time for your application type has increased, your delay may simply reflect a system-wide backlog rather than a problem with your specific case. Check the latest figures at gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times before taking further action.

Contact UKVI only after 6 months (standard applications)

For standard processing applications, the Home Office advises that you should not contact them before the stated processing time has elapsed. Contacting UKVI before this point typically does not speed up your application and may generate automated responses that add no useful information. If your application has been outstanding for longer than the published processing time (typically 6 months for standard settlement applications), you can contact UKVI via the online query service at gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk to ask for an update on your case.

MP surgery route for urgent cases

If you have a genuine urgent need for a decision, such as a job offer conditional on settled status, serious medical reasons, or another pressing circumstance, contacting your Member of Parliament (MP) can sometimes prompt a faster response from UKVI. MPs have direct channels to UKVI through parliamentary correspondence, which can result in a case being reviewed or escalated more quickly than a direct public query. You can find your MP at members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP. Most MPs hold regular surgery sessions where constituents can raise issues like this. Be prepared to explain your situation clearly and provide your application reference number and any relevant documentation.

Judicial review as a last resort

In extreme cases where the Home Office has significantly exceeded a reasonable processing time without explanation, judicial review is available as a legal remedy. Judicial review is a court process where a judge reviews whether a public body (in this case, the Home Office) has acted lawfully and within a reasonable timeframe. It is expensive, slow, and complex, and should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted and after taking specialist immigration legal advice. It is not a shortcut to a faster decision in normal circumstances. However, if your indefinite leave to remain application has been outstanding for significantly longer than the published processing time with no explanation, an immigration solicitor may advise that pre-action correspondence threatening judicial review can prompt the Home Office to act.

What happens if your ILR application is refused?

If your indefinite leave to remain application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Common grounds for refusal include:

• Absence days exceeding the 180-day limit in one or more rolling 12-month windows
• Salary not meeting the going rate for your SOC code at the time of application
• Missing or inadequate supporting documents
• Good character concerns (undisclosed criminal convictions or immigration breaches)
• Errors or inconsistencies in the application form

If your application is refused, you have several options:

• Administrative review (£80): You can request an administrative review if you believe the caseworker made a factual or legal error. This is not an appeal on the merits of your case but a check for caseworker mistakes. It must be requested within 14 days of receiving the refusal.
• Reapply: If the refusal was due to a fixable issue (such as missing documents or a salary shortfall you can now address), you can reapply after resolving the problem. You will need to pay the full fee again.
• Appeal: A right of appeal is available on limited grounds, typically human rights grounds. This is a more complex and slower route.

For a detailed breakdown of refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our ILR refusal reasons guide.

After approval: your new immigration status

When your indefinite leave to remain application is approved, your immigration status in the UK changes permanently. Here is what to expect:

Digital immigration status (eVisa)

For applications decided after January 2025, you will receive a digital immigration status rather than a physical BRP card. Your indefinite leave to remain is recorded digitally and linked to your passport number and date of birth. You can view and share your status at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.

Sharing your status

When an employer or landlord needs to verify your right to work or rent, you generate a share code from the GOV.UK portal. The share code allows them to check your status online without needing to see a physical document. Share codes expire after 90 days and can be regenerated as needed.

What indefinite leave to remain means for you

With indefinite leave to remain, you are no longer tied to a sponsor or restricted to a specific type of work. You can work for any employer, become self-employed, or start a business. You no longer pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and have full access to the NHS as a settled person.

Path to British citizenship

After holding indefinite leave to remain for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation. The naturalisation process has its own requirements, including a separate absence rule. For full details, see our citizenship after ILR guide.

How ILR Tracker helps with the application

Preparing an indefinite leave to remain application involves juggling eligibility dates, absence records, documents, fees, and deadlines. ILR Tracker was built specifically to take the guesswork out of this process.

Eligibility calculator

Enter your visa start date and ILR Tracker shows you your exact earliest application date, including the 28-day early application window. No manual date arithmetic required.

Absence calculator

Log your trips and ILR Tracker checks every rolling 12-month window across your qualifying period. You see exactly how many absence days you have used in each window, which windows (if any) are at risk, and how many safe travel days remain before your next trip.

Document checklist

The ILR Document Checklist shows you exactly which documents you need for your specific visa route. Tick off documents as you gather them and see at a glance what is still outstanding before you submit your indefinite leave to remain application.

Financial planner

See a full breakdown of all the costs involved, including the application fee, biometrics enrolment, priority or super priority services, Life in the UK test, and optional extras. Plan your savings well in advance so there are no surprises on application day.

Free tools to get started

No account is needed to try our free calculators:

• ILR Eligibility Calculator - Find out when you can apply for indefinite leave to remain based on your visa start date.
• ILR Absence Calculator - Check your absence days across every rolling 12-month window instantly.
• ILR Document Checklist - See exactly what documents you need for your application route.

For ongoing tracking with saved trip history, document readiness scoring, and financial planning, create a free ILR Tracker account and manage your entire indefinite leave to remain journey in one place.