Staying & settling

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Settle permanently in the UK, with no time limit on your stay.

1,000+ applications handled, and none refused to date
Former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete & Priority application
Free appeal guarantee on Complete & Priority
Full service £699, £399 to start

Excellent 4.9/5 200 reviews on Trustpilot Expert check £349 · Full service from £699

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also called settlement, lets you live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like, and is usually the step before British citizenship. How soon you qualify depends on your visa: most partners and Skilled Workers can apply after 5 years, and others after 10 years' lawful residence. The Government has consulted on an 'earned settlement' system with a 10-year baseline, but as of 23 September 2026 those proposals have not been brought into the Immigration Rules.

Home Office fee from: £3,226
Typical decision: Usually within 6 months of giving your biometrics
Leads to settlement: This is settlement
Rules last checked: September 2026

From our Trustpilot reviews

22 Jan 2026

I would like to sincerely thank Mayfair Solicitors, especially Mr. Mohsin Uddin, for handling every stage of my immigration journey with exceptional professionalism and genuine care. From my very first application – the Spouse Visa – Mohsin Uddin tailored every detail with precision, ensuring nothing was ever missed. I had previously dealt with another solicitor, but the difference in service was remarkable. Mohsin was never too busy to answer my calls, respond to my emails, or reassure me when I was anxious. His communication and commitment gave me confidence at every step. Because of the trust and faith I developed in him, I also instructed Mohsin to manage my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application. Thanks to his guidance and meticulous attention to detail, my ILR was approved within three months. Mohsin then advised me to apply for Naturalisation without delay due to upcoming rule changes and rising passport fees. I followed his advice, and with his continued support, I received my British Passport in November 2025 — something I once feared might never happen. I was extremely worried when I started this process years ago, but Mohsin’s expertise, encouragement, and clear direction gave me the confidence to submit everything required by the Home Office without hesitation. If anyone is struggling with immigration matters or needs trustworthy legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Mayfair Solicitors. I am living proof of what the right solicitor can achieve.

Noria · Trustpilot
28 Oct 2025

John and Mayfair team had previously supported us in our spouse visa application 2 years back with a fantastic service. Therefore, we engaged again with John and his team, who have been very helpful and super supportive in assisting our spouse visa extension case. So, this is our second engagement with Mayfair and they are brilliant. Highly professional and specialized in what they do. We appreciate John and his team were always reachable and had addressed any queries/issues we raised to them ensuring we are at peace, which we felt very important and fantastic about them. We will engage with them in 2.5 years of time from now for my wife's ILR. God bless you John and team for your support and service.

Leonard J. · Trustpilot

Excellent 4.9/5 · read all 200 reviews on Trustpilot

Read this before you apply

Why applications
get refused.

The Home Office doesn't refund fees for refused applications. These are among the most common reasons Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications fail, and exactly what our former-judge review is designed to catch.

A refusal would cost you £3,226 in Home Office application fees, which aren't refunded. And you'd lose months starting again, with a refusal to declare on future applications.

Too many absences
More than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period breaks continuous residence on work routes and long residence. People often miscount short trips or forget absences from years ago.
Applying too early or miscounting time
Applying more than 28 days early, or counting time that doesn't qualify – such as time as a fiancé(e), a dependant or a visitor, or gaps between visas – leads to refusal and a lost fee.
English evidence not at the right level
The test must be an approved speaking and listening test at the required level. Many people don't realise the level rises from B1 to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
Partner route: relationship or finances not proven
You must show you've lived together since your last visa and that you still meet the financial requirement, with evidence in the required format.
Skilled Worker: salary or sponsor problems
Refusals often follow a pay cut below the threshold, a change of role, or a sponsor that has lost its licence or can't confirm it still needs you.
Criminal or immigration history
Convictions, periods of overstaying or undeclared past refusals can all lead to refusal. Anything relevant should be disclosed and explained.
Travelling before a decision
If you travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while you're waiting, your application will be withdrawn and your fee won't be refunded.

Where AI chatbots go wrong on this routeMistakes AI tools commonly make on this route. Any one of them can mean a refusal, and a £3,226 application fee you won't get back.

Miscounting absencesOn work routes and long residence you can't spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, and the periods roll day by day. A rough yearly total from a chatbot can hide a breach, and people often forget short trips from years ago.
Counting time that doesn't qualifyOn the partner route you need 5 continuous years on a partner visa; time as a fiancé(e) doesn't count. For long residence, time as a visitor, short-term student or seasonal worker doesn't count either. Apply more than 28 days early and you're refused and lose the fee. AI answers often just add up the years.
Using the wrong savings mathsAt the settlement stage, savings above £16,000 count pound for pound against an income shortfall. The 2.5 multiplier used for entry and extensions doesn't apply. Partners who first applied before 11 April 2024 need £18,600, plus amounts for some children, capped at £29,000. Chatbots often apply the entry-stage rules to settlement.
Presenting proposals as lawIn November 2025 the Government consulted on 'earned settlement', which would make 10 years the standard qualifying period for many routes. As of September 2026 no rule change has been made, so the current qualifying periods still apply. AI tools often describe the proposals as if they were already in force, or ignore them entirely.
Missing the 2027 English changeMost applicants aged 18 to 64 need B1 English in speaking and listening today. For applications made on or after 26 March 2027 it rises to B2 on most routes, including partners, long residence and Skilled Workers, who don't currently need to prove English again at settlement. Planning around an out-of-date answer can cost you months.
Skilled Worker salary and sponsor checksYou must usually still be paid at least £41,700 a year or the going rate, and your employer must confirm they still need you. A pay cut, a change of role or a sponsor that has lost its licence can all lead to refusal. A chatbot can't check your payslips or your employer's position.

Refused before? Or simply can't afford to be?

A former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete and Priority application we prepare before it's submitted. If it's refused anyway, our free appeal guarantee applies.

0203 468 4741

In their words

What our clients say

Excellent 4.9/5 200 reviews on Trustpilot

22 Jan 2026
Best Immigration Solicitors.
I would like to sincerely thank Mayfair Solicitors, especially Mr. Mohsin Uddin, for handling every stage of my immigration journey with exceptional professionalism and genuine care. From my very first application – the Spouse Visa – Mohsin Uddin tailored every detail with precision, ensuring nothing was ever missed. I had previously dealt with another solicitor, but the difference in service was remarkable. Mohsin was never too busy to answer my calls, respond to my emails, or reassure me when I was anxious. His communication and commitment gave me confidence at every step. Because of the trust and faith I developed in him, I also instructed Mohsin to manage my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application. Thanks to his guidance and meticulous attention to detail, my ILR was approved within three months. Mohsin then advised me to apply for Naturalisation without delay due to upcoming rule changes and rising passport fees. I followed his advice, and with his continued support, I received my British Passport in November 2025 — something I once feared might never happen. I was extremely worried when I started this process years ago, but Mohsin’s expertise, encouragement, and clear direction gave me the confidence to submit everything required by the Home Office without hesitation. If anyone is struggling with immigration matters or needs trustworthy legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Mayfair Solicitors. I am living proof of what the right solicitor can achieve.

NoriaSpouse / Partner
28 Oct 2025
Excellent and top quality service by Mayfair and John
John and Mayfair team had previously supported us in our spouse visa application 2 years back with a fantastic service. Therefore, we engaged again with John and his team, who have been very helpful and super supportive in assisting our spouse visa extension case. So, this is our second engagement with Mayfair and they are brilliant. Highly professional and specialized in what they do. We appreciate John and his team were always reachable and had addressed any queries/issues we raised to them ensuring we are at peace, which we felt very important and fantastic about them. We will engage with them in 2.5 years of time from now for my wife's ILR. God bless you John and team for your support and service.

Leonard J.Spouse / Partner
10 Mar 2026
Excellent service
Excellent service! I have used Mayfair Immigration Visa Services twice for my visa applications, and both times my visas were successfully approved. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the whole process. They clearly explained all the requirements and guided me step by step, which made the application much easier and less stressful. Their communication was always quick and helpful whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend Mayfair Visa Services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy visa assistance.

Shahidah M.
24 Feb 2026

Mayfair Immigration Services provided outstanding support throughout my visa application process. In particular, my Case Owner, John, was truly exceptional. He offered clear, detailed guidance at every step and patiently listened to all my questions and concerns — no matter how many I had. His professionalism and reassurance made me feel fully supported during what could have otherwise been an extremely stressful experience.

Francine G.
29 Oct 2025

John was our case worker and he was amazing! Extremely helpful in answering all questions I had and helping us through every step. Very thorough with documents list and checking all documents were there.

Kelly
16 Oct 2025
Fantastic personal service
Fantastic personal service Attention to detail Professionalism Communication I have used them twice now with complicated visa applications and they were brilliant

Terry S. ✓ Verified
8 Jul 2025
Thank you!!
Thank you to John for his great communication, explained everything in full and ensured he was clear and concise at all times. Our visa was approved today! And I couldn’t have done it without the support from John/Mayfair Immigration!! Highly recommended!

Olivia A.
18 Sep 2026

Our experience with Mohsin at Mayfair Immigration was beyond anything we could have imagined my husbands 1st spousal visa was done with honesty efficiency and we were guided through very difficult paperwork, explanations were made clear so we could understand all that was required of us anything we needed to confirm with Mohsin we were contacted quickly ,we never felt that we couldn't contact Mohsin ,we will always recommend Mayfair Immigration to anyone who needs the help and support through difficult situations,Thanku for all your help and support

Graham W.Spouse / Partner
21 Aug 2026
Spouse Visa Extension
Just received my spouse visa extension with the help of Mayfair immigration and more specifically the assistance and support from Mr John. John has helped me completely through the whole process and made sure everything is in perfect order and answered my queries all the time. Thank you so much John.

Rohan U.Spouse / Partner
30 Jun 2026

John has supported me and my husband with spousal visa on point of entry and the 2 1/2 year renewal. Both times he has shown us patience and grace. Will definitely be using them in the 2 1/2 years which I look forward to. Thank you John!

DiamondSpouse / Partner
29 Jun 2026

John made applying for my wife’s spousal visa feel seamless, he was happy to take my calls and answer any questions I had and took all the stress out of the application process.

Josh S.Spouse / Partner
29 May 2026
If your looking for help with your UK immigration visa application
If your looking for help with your UK Immigration needs, i fully recommend Mayfair Immigration Solicitors. This is my wife's second round of Immigration application and we have used Mayfair both times. Excellent service and totally reliable. May I say a special Thank You to John he went above and beyond to help me and always took my calls, if not, rang back as soon as he was free. Kept me informed and up to date on progress and always available to help with any questions and the endless paperwork for this process. My heartfelt thanks to John and Mayfair, no need to look anywhere else if you are appliying for a UK Visa. Thanks 😀

David B.Spouse / Partner

Read all 200 reviews on Trustpilot

Who it's for

You can apply if one route in group 1 describes you and you meet everything in group 2.

Your route to settlementOne of these

5 continuous years on a partner visa, as the partner of a British citizen or settled person
or
5 years on qualifying work visas such as Skilled Worker, still paid at the required level
or
10 continuous years of lawful residence on any mix of visas
or
Another settlement route, such as UK Ancestry or Global Talent

What everyone needsAll of these

No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months (work and long-residence routes)
and
A pass in the Life in the UK Test, if you're aged 18 to 64
and
English at B1 or above (B2 for applications from 26 March 2027), unless you're exempt
and
Valid permission to be in the UK on the day you apply

Eligibility requirements

You'll need to meet every one of these. Each has its own evidence rules, and that's where applications most often go wrong.

01
Qualifying period – partners

On a family visa as the partner of a British citizen or settled person you normally need 5 continuous years on that visa; time as a fiancé(e) or on other visas doesn't count. On the 10-year partner route you need 10 years' continuous residence. source
02
Qualifying period – Skilled Workers

You need 5 years in the UK on qualifying work visas (not as a dependant), your employer must confirm they still need you, and you must usually be paid at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher. Lower thresholds apply to some roles. source
03
Qualifying period – long residence

You can apply after 10 continuous years of lawful residence on most types of visa. You'll usually need to have held your current permission for at least a year, and time as a visitor, short-term student or seasonal worker doesn't count. source
04
Continuous residence

On work routes and long residence you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. Time spent overstaying, in prison or on immigration bail doesn't count. source
05
Life in the UK Test

If you're aged 18 to 64 you must pass the Life in the UK Test, which means scoring 75% or more. source
06
English language

Most applicants aged 18 to 64 must show English speaking and listening at B1. For applications made on or after 26 March 2027 this rises to B2 on most routes, including partners, long residence and Skilled Workers. source
07
Suitability

Your application can be refused for criminal convictions, breaches of immigration law, deception or unpaid NHS charges, so your full history should be checked before you apply. source
08
When and where to apply

You must apply from inside the UK while you have permission to be here. On the partner and Skilled Worker routes the earliest you can apply is 28 days before you complete the qualifying period. source

Financial requirement

On the 5-year partner route you must still meet the partner financial requirement when you apply to settle. Other routes have their own tests – Skilled Workers must meet the salary requirement, and there's no financial requirement for long residence. source

Partners who first applied for their family visa on or after 11 April 2024: a combined income of at least £29,000 a year.
Partners who first applied before 11 April 2024: at least £18,600, plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child who isn't British or settled (capped at £29,000).
At the settlement stage, savings above £16,000 count pound for pound against any income shortfall – the 2.5 multiplier used for entry and extensions doesn't apply.
If your partner receives certain disability or carer's benefits, you only need to show adequate maintenance without public funds.
There's no financial requirement on the 10-year partner route.

English language

You'll usually need a Secure English Language Test in speaking and listening at B1 or above, or a degree taught or researched in English. For applications made on or after 26 March 2027 the level rises to B2 on most routes – including partners, long residence and Skilled Workers, who don't currently need to prove English again at settlement. You're exempt if you're under 18, aged 65 or over, have a condition that prevents you meeting the requirement, or are a national of a majority English-speaking country. If you can't yet meet the English or Life in the UK requirement, partners can usually be granted a further 30 months instead, and long residence applicants can apply to extend. source

How to apply, step by step

1
Work out your date
Calculate when you'll complete your qualifying period and check your absences carefully, so you don't apply too early.
2
Pass your tests
Book and pass the Life in the UK Test and, if you need one, an approved English test at the right level.
3
Gather your evidence
Collect evidence of your residence, relationship, finances or employment, depending on your route.
4
Apply online and pay
Apply from inside the UK, no earlier than 28 days before you qualify on the partner and Skilled Worker routes, and pay the fee for each person.
5
Give biometrics and wait
Attend a UKVCAS appointment and upload your documents. Don't travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision.
6
Get your decision
If you're approved you'll get an eVisa confirming your settled status.

Check your dates

Processing times

Standard serviceUsually within 6 months of giving your biometricssource

Priority service (work routes, where available)Usually within 5 working dayssource

Super priority service (including partner and long residence applications, where available)Usually by the end of the next working daysource

Costs

Home Office fee	Amount
ILR application fee (per person) source	£3,226
Life in the UK Test (per test) source	£50
Priority service (optional, where available) (per person) source	£500
Super priority service (optional, where available) (per person) source	£1,000

Home Office fees only, paid directly to the Home Office. Our own fixed fees are separate and set out in the packages on this page.

Fixed-fee representation

One fixed fee, agreed before we start, for your ILR / Settlement application. No hourly billing, never paid all up front, and Complete and Priority carry our free appeal guarantee.

Application Check

You prepare it. A solicitor checks it and tells you exactly what to fix.

£349 Fixed fee · Written report in 48 hours

Best for: You've prepared the application yourself, perhaps with an AI tool, and want an expert check before you pay the Home Office.

Prepared by: You, reviewed by a solicitor
Evidence reviewed document by document: With written fix suggestions
Consultation calls: 1 call to go through your report
Turnaround: Report in 48 hours
Absence and qualifying-date check

Not a full case: no former-judge review and no appeal guarantee. You submit the application yourself.

How you pay

£349One payment when you instruct us

You submit the application yourself

Recommended

Complete

Your own dedicated solicitor, from first call to decision

£699 Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 72 hours of receiving your documents

Best for: Most people. Especially if anything about your case is less than simple.

Prepared by: Your dedicated solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you
Evidence reviewed document by document
Former immigration judge review before submission
Consultation calls: Unlimited
Turnaround: Ready in 72 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone
Free appeal guarantee
Qualifying-period and absence check

How you pay

£399When you instruct us
£150When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£150Before we submit your application

Includes our free appeal guarantee

Priority

A senior solicitor, every extra piece of evidence, fastest turnaround

£949 Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 48 hours of receiving your documents

Best for: Complex histories, previous refusals, tight deadlines, or when you simply want the most thorough case.

Prepared by: Senior solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you
Evidence reviewed document by document
Former immigration judge review before submission
Supporting statements drafted for you
Consultation calls: Unlimited, direct line
Turnaround: Ready in 48 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone
Free appeal guarantee
Absence audit across every rolling 12-month period
Citizenship plan and reminders after approval

How you pay

£399When you instruct us
£275When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£275Before we submit your application

Includes our free appeal guarantee

How payment works

You never pay the whole fee up front. For Complete and Priority you pay £399 to start, then the balance in two equal stages as your case moves forward.

1£399When you instruct us
2Stage 2When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
3Stage 3Before we submit your application

Complete and Priority both include

Every form completed and checked against the current rules
A tailored document checklist for your circumstances
Legal representation letter setting out how you meet each rule
A former UK immigration judge's review before submission
Help booking your biometrics appointment
Progress tracking and updates until a decision
Free appeal if we're refused, under our guarantee

Compare the packages side by side

Feature	Application Check£349	Complete£699	Priority£949
Prepared by	You, reviewed by a solicitor	Your dedicated solicitor	Senior solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you	–	✓	✓
Evidence reviewed document by document	With written fix suggestions	✓	✓
Former immigration judge review before submission	–	✓	✓
Supporting statements drafted for you	–	–	✓
Consultation calls	1 call to go through your report	Unlimited	Unlimited, direct line
Turnaround	Report in 48 hours	Ready in 72 hours	Ready in 48 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone	–	✓	✓
Free appeal guarantee	–	✓	✓
How you pay	£349 up front	£399 to start£150 after your questionnaire£150 before submission	£399 to start£275 after your questionnaire£275 before submission
Extras for this visa	Absence and qualifying-date check	Qualifying-period and absence check	Absence audit across every rolling 12-month periodCitizenship plan and reminders after approval

Fixed professional fees. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately, straight to the Home Office. For this visa, Home Office fees start from £3,226; see the full breakdown in costs & timings.

Duration & settlement

How long it lasts

ILR has no expiry date, but you'll usually lose it if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years in a row.

Route to settlement

ILR is settlement. You can usually apply for British citizenship 12 months after getting it, or straight away if you're married to a British citizen.

Frequently asked questions

Has the qualifying period for settlement changed to 10 years?

Not yet. In November 2025 the Government consulted on 'earned settlement', which would make 10 years the standard qualifying period for many routes, with partners of British citizens keeping a 5-year route. As of 23 September 2026 no rule change bringing this in has been made, so the current qualifying periods still apply. The proposals would also apply to people already in the UK, so if you're close to qualifying it's worth being ready to apply.

When can I apply?

On the partner and Skilled Worker routes, up to 28 days before you complete your qualifying period. For long residence, once you've completed 10 years and meet the other requirements. Don't let your current visa expire while you wait – extend it first if you need to.

Can I travel while my application is being decided?

No. If you leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man before you get a decision, your application will be withdrawn.

Do I need to pay the immigration health surcharge?

No. You don't pay the healthcare surcharge when you apply for indefinite leave to remain.

What if I haven't passed the Life in the UK Test or English yet?

If you're on the partner route and meet everything else, you can usually be granted a further 30 months as a partner instead. On the long residence route you can apply to extend your stay while you meet the requirements.

Can I lose my ILR?

Yes. You'll usually lose it if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years in a row, and would then need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back.

Can my family apply with me?

It depends on your route. Skilled Workers can usually include an eligible partner and children on the same application. Long residence applicants can't include family members, who must qualify in their own right or apply on another basis.

How we help with your ILR / Settlement application

01
Calculate your qualifying period and absences precisely, so you apply on the right date and on the right route.
02
Check your English evidence and plan ahead for the B2 requirement for applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
03
Review your immigration and criminal history for suitability issues, and prepare legal representations where needed.
04
Prepare partner financial evidence, or work with your employer on the salary and sponsorship confirmations needed for Skilled Worker settlement.
05
Keep you up to date on the earned settlement proposals and advise whether to apply sooner rather than later.

Free consultation

Talk it through with a specialist.

No obligation, and a clear quote before any work starts. Every Complete and Priority application we prepare is reviewed by a former UK immigration judge before it's submitted.

or call 0203 468 4741

Why not just ask a chatbot?

An AI chatbot

Out-of-date thresholds, fees and English levels
Confident answers that are simply wrong
No view of your actual evidence
No accountability when it goes wrong
Your sensitive data pasted into a public tool

A Mayfair Immigration specialist

Current rules, checked against official guidance and the Immigration Rules
Every document reviewed against the evidence requirements
A former immigration judge's review before submission (Complete and Priority)
One named solicitor who is accountable for your case
A free appeal if we're refused, on routes with a right of appeal

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Free consultation

From our Trustpilot reviews

Why applicationsget refused.

Too many absences

Applying too early or miscounting time

English evidence not at the right level

Partner route: relationship or finances not proven

Skilled Worker: salary or sponsor problems

Criminal or immigration history

Travelling before a decision

What our clients say

Who it's for

Eligibility requirements

Qualifying period – partners

Qualifying period – Skilled Workers

Qualifying period – long residence

Continuous residence

Life in the UK Test

English language

Suitability

When and where to apply

Financial requirement

English language

Documents checklist

How to apply, step by step

Work out your date

Pass your tests

Gather your evidence

Apply online and pay

Give biometrics and wait

Get your decision

Check your dates

Processing times

Costs

Fixed-fee representation

Duration & settlement

Frequently asked questions

How we help with your ILR / Settlement application

Why not just ask a chatbot?

Sources

Where this leads next.

Why applications
get refused.