Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / UK Settlement Requirements & Roadmap
Country: United Kingdom•Consular update: July 2026
Visa Fee$2885 USD
Average SLA / Duration3 Weeks (6 months)
Approval Index86% Approval
Eligibility Requirements
5 continuous years on a qualifying visa route (Skilled Worker, Scale-up), meeting continuous residence requirements (no more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period), passing Life in the UK test.
Documents Checklist Drawer
Proof of 5 continuous years of legal residence in the UK
Pass certificate for the Life in the UK Test
English Language CEFR Level B1 proof
Employer confirmation letter stating continued employment and salary at required rate
Absence calculation ledger and travel history
Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap
1
Complete 5 full qualifying continuous years on an eligible settlement route.
2
Pass the Life in the UK test at an official test centre.
3
Obtain an employer letter confirming ongoing need and salary.
4
Submit online Set(O) application up to 28 days before completing your 5-year qualifying period.
5
Pay £2,885 per applicant and attend biometric appointment.
6
Receive Indefinite Leave to Remain status (unrestricted settlement).
Core Rejection Reasons
- •Exceeding the 180-day absence threshold in any consecutive 12 months.
- •Failing to meet the minimum salary threshold at the time of ILR application.
- •Unresolved tax discrepancies with HMRC.
Guide Navigation
1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention
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