Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is a significant milestone for individuals seeking permanent residence. ILR grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. This status offers numerous advantages, making it highly desirable for many immigrants. This post provides an overview of the benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain and how they can positively impact your life in the UK.
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an immigration status that allows individuals to reside in the UK indefinitely. Unlike temporary visas, ILR does not have an expiration date, giving you the freedom to live, work, and study without renewing your visa. Obtaining ILR is also a requirement for British citizenship.
Indefinite Leave to Remain Benefits
1. Freedom to Live and Work in the UK
One of the most significant Indefinite Leave to Remain benefits is the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK. ILR holders can take up any job, start a business, or become self-employed without needing additional permissions. There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do, allowing complete flexibility in your career choices.
2. Access to Public Funds and Benefits
Unlike temporary visa holders, individuals with ILR are eligible to access public funds. This includes a wide range of social welfare benefits such as:
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
These Indefinite Leave to Remain benefits provide financial security and support for individuals and families residing in the UK.
3. Access to Free Healthcare
ILR holders are entitled to free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). This means you no longer have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is mandatory for most visa categories. Access to NHS services, including general practitioner visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care.
4. Pathway to British Citizenship
ILR is the final step before applying for British citizenship. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may become eligible to apply for naturalisation, provided you meet other criteria such as the “Life in the UK” test and English language proficiency. This pathway to citizenship is one of the most attractive Indefinite Leave to Remain benefits, offering the opportunity to obtain a British passport.
5. Family Reunification Opportunities
With ILR, you can sponsor family members as dependents to join you in the UK. This includes spouses, partners, children, and other dependent relatives. Family members can apply for visas under categories like the Spouse Visa, Fiancé(e) Visa, or Dependent Child Visa. This reunification opportunity is one of the key Indefinite Leave to Remain benefits, allowing families to live together in the UK.
6. No Time Restrictions on Stay
Another advantage of ILR is the absence of time limits on your stay in the UK. Unlike temporary visas that require regular renewals, ILR grants you permanent residency. This security and stability are essential Indefinite Leave to Remain benefits, providing peace of mind for individuals and families planning their long-term future in the UK.
7. Easier Travel in and Out of the UK
ILR holders can travel freely in and out of the UK without the need for re-entry visas. While your ILR may lapse if you spend more than two consecutive years outside the UK, having ILR significantly simplifies international travel. Additionally, some countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to ILR holders, enhancing the global mobility for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain holders.
8. Eligibility for Public Education
If you have ILR, you and your dependents are entitled to access public education in the UK. This includes primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. Tuition fees for universities are often lower for ILR holders compared to international students, making education more affordable.
9. Voting Rights in Local Elections
While ILR holders cannot vote in UK general elections, they are eligible to vote in local elections and referendums. This participation in local governance is one of the democratic Indefinite Leave to Remain benefits, allowing you to have a say in community decisions.
10. Security Against Immigration Changes
Immigration rules and visa requirements can change over time, potentially affecting temporary visa holders. However, ILR protects against such changes, ensuring your right to remain in the UK is secure.
How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Continuous Residence: You must have lived continuously in the UK for the required qualifying period, typically five years. Some visa categories, like the Global Talent Visa and Innovator Founder Visa, may allow you to apply after three years.
- Good Character: Applicants must demonstrate good character, which includes compliance with UK laws and immigration rules.
- Life in the UK Test: Passing this test is mandatory to prove your knowledge of British history, culture, and values.
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove your knowledge of the English language at CEFR B1, B2, C1, or C2 level.
- Absence Limit: You should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period.
Application Forms and Fees for Indefinite Leave to Remain
When applying for ILR, you will need to complete one of the following forms on the UKVI website:
- Form Set (M): Used for individuals applying as the partner of someone, or the parent of a child, who is already settled in the UK.
- Form Set (O): Used for all other ILR applications, including those under Investor and Global Talent visas, Long-term Worker visas, Skilled Worker visas, PBS dependents, and UK Ancestry visas.
Both forms require supporting documentation to verify your eligibility. The current application fee for ILR is £2,885 per applicant. If you are applying with family members, each dependent must pay the full application fee of £2,885. For faster processing, you can opt for:
- Priority Service: Processes your application within five working days for an additional £500.
- Super Priority Service: Provides a decision within one working day for an extra £1000.
Obtaining an eVisa to prove Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status, providing digital proof of your ILR. You can apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) application to confirm your ILR status in the form of an eVisa if:
- Your passport containing your ILR status or previous NTL endorsement has been lost, stolen, or has expired.
- You have ILR or ILE but do not have any documentary evidence confirming this status.
- You have legitimately changed your identity since being granted ILR and want this updated and confirmed.
Applying for an eVisa ensures you have an accessible, secure, and up-to-date record of your immigration status, simplifying interactions with employers, landlords, and government authorities.
Maintaining Your Indefinite Leave to Remain
While ILR grants permanent residency, it can lapse if you stay outside the UK for more than two consecutive years. To maintain your ILR status:
- Avoid prolonged absences from the UK.
- Keep your personal information updated with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Apply for a returning resident visa if your ILR has lapsed due to extended absence.
How Whytecroft Ford Can Help
At Whytecroft Ford, we specialise in UK immigration services, offering expert guidance on securing ILR status and British citizenship. Our experienced team can assist with:
- ILR applications and renewals
- Advice on maintaining ILR status
- Family visa applications for ILR holders
- British citizenship applications after ILR
With a deep understanding of UK immigration law, we ensure that your application process is smooth and stress-free. Contact Whytecroft Ford today for professional legal support tailored to your unique circumstances.
For expert assistance with your ILR or UK immigration matters, reach out to us at +44 208 757 5751 or through our contact form.
