Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, lets you live, work and study in the UK without time limit.
Common routes
- 5-year route (transitional) — Skilled Worker, partner, parent, Innovator. Transitional provisions apply to existing visa holders under the pre-April 2026 rules.
- 3-year route — Global Talent visa holders can qualify for settlement after just 3 years, making it one of the fastest routes to permanent residence.
- 10-year long-residence route — continuous lawful residence in the UK
- Discretionary — based on private or family life under Article 8 ECHR
From April 2026, the standard qualifying period for settlement has increased to 10 years under the earned settlement framework. Transitional provisions apply to existing visa holders.
What we help with
- Continuous residence calculation and absences check
- Life in the UK Test and English language requirement
- Evidence pack and submission
- Naturalisation as the next step
Regulated UK immigration advice is provided through our associated firm, Kaya Legal Consultancy Ltd, registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA ref F202100331).