ILR and Citizenship
ILR and Citizenship
UK Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR and Citizenship is the last stages of the immigration road. ILR refers to the legal status granted to individuals allowing them to reside permanently in the United Kingdom without any time restrictions. Also known as settlement, ILR grants non-British citizens the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely, having many of the same rights as British citizens.
After residing in the UK for a specific period under a relevant visa category, such as work visas, family visas, or student visas, eligible individuals can apply for ILR. After residing in the UK for a specified period with ILR, individuals may become eligible to apply for British citizenship
UK ILR Q&A
Here are some common categories of individuals who can apply for UK settlement:
Work Visa Holders: Skilled workers, and other work visa holders who have lived and worked in the UK continuously for a specified period may be eligible for settlement.
Family Members of British Citizens or Settled Persons: Spouses, partners, children, and dependent relatives of British citizens or individuals with settled status can apply for settlement after meeting the required residency period.
Long Residence: Individuals who have lived continuously in the UK for at least 10 years under various visa categories, including work, family, or student visas, may be eligible to apply for settlement.
Victims of Domestic Violence: Spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners who have experienced domestic violence and are on a UK visa as a partner may be eligible for settlement under the Domestic Violence Concession.
Refugees and Persons Granted Humanitarian Protection: Individuals who have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection can apply for settlement after completing a certain residency period.
Ancestry Visa Holders: Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK may be eligible to apply for settlement under the UK Ancestry Visa route.
Investors and Entrepreneurs: High-value investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have resided in the UK for a specific period and meet the investment criteria may be eligible for settlement.
The required length of continuous residence for settlement varies depending on the visa category. It typically ranges from 2 to 5 years for most visa types. It can also be 10 years.
Gaps in residency can affect settlement eligibility. It’s essential to maintain continuous residence. Consult our immigration lawyer to assess your circumstances.
The eligibility requirements for ILR include meeting the continuous residency criteria, passing the Life in the UK test, meeting English language requirements (in some cases), having a good character with clean criminal record, and adhering to immigration laws. Application has to include evidence for all the requirements.
Yes, family members of British citizens or individuals with settled status may be eligible to apply for settlement, subject to meeting specific criteria.
Required documents for ILR applications include passports, evidence of continuous residence, proof of relationship (for family applications), and any other relevant supporting documents based on your current visa or circumstances. Please call us to get assess your circumstances.
Yes, settlement allows you to work and travel outside the UK without time restrictions. However, there are some limitations if you plan to spend a considerable amount of time outside the UK.
Time spent on certain visas, such as work visas, or Spouse Visa may count towards ILR, subject to meeting specific criteria. Contact our lawyer to assess your circumstances for your eligibility
In most cases, time spent as a student in the UK does not count towards 5 years continuous residence for ILR. However, it can be counted towards 10 years long residency subject to meeting other immigration requirements. contact us for free assessment
The processing time for ILR applications can vary. Contact us for the latest updates
No you can not travel outside the UK while you application is under assessment by Home Office
All means you are granted permission to be in the UK permanently. However, ILR is used with a person whose nationality is outside the EU and stayed in the UK for a qualified period to have ILR. For an EU person, it is called EU settlement. In case the person is given the permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad then it is called Indefinite Leave to Enter.
Naturalisation and British Citizenship Q&A after ILR
Naturalisation is the legal process by which a non-British adult becomes a British citizen. You will receive the naturalisation certificate
The requirements for Naturalisation include passing the set period of lawful residence in the UK, possession of ILR, passing the “good character” test, passing the “Life in the UK” test and taking an oath of allegiance to his Majesty the King at a formal citizenship ceremony. In addition to that you must:
- Resided in the UK for a minimum of 5 years before applying
- Spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
- Spent no more than 450 days outside the UK during those 5 years
- Held Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR for the past 12 months, if you are a non-EEA citizen
- Held Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, if you are an EEA citizen or eligible to apply to the scheme.
The resident time before applying for Naturalisation depends on your type of visa. Call free our immigration lawyer to get more information.
No, you do not automatically acquire British citizenship. You need to have first a naturalisation certificate.
If you are holding a spouse visa for 5 years, you can normally apply for ILR. Immediately after you can apply for Naturalisation. You do not need to wait for another year like other types of visa.
The cost of the Home Office fee is £1330 that includes the Citizenship ceremony fee.
The processing time can be different but currently it is up to 6 months. Contact us to see if there is an update from the Home Office.
Yes, the immigration law allows multiple citizenship, however, you have to check if your original citizenship allow to have a second citizenship. Some countries like India, China, Japan, Malaysia and UAE do not allow to have a second citizenship.
UK settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), offers a gateway to a secure and stable life in the UK. Achieving this status provides non-British citizens with a host of benefits and opportunities. As eligibility requirements and rules can change over time, it is advisable seek guidance from our immigration lawyer for accurate and up-to-date information on UK settlement. The routes for British citizenship need assessments to make you are eligible and you submit all the necessary documents.
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