Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship
Standard ILR processing takes up to 6 months. Super Priority is available for extra charges per applicant. British Naturalisation takes approximately 6 months and has no priority option.
- Toll Free: 1800-210-2427 / +91 77188 82427
- info@leamss.com
What is the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship (ILR & BC) Visa?
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), also called Settlement, is the UK's permanent residency status. It allows you to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely without any immigration restrictions. Most routes require 5 years of continuous lawful UK residence (3 years for Global Talent Exceptional Talent holders). After holding ILR for 12 months and meeting residency requirements, you can apply for British Naturalisation
Who is Eligible?
1
5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK on a qualifying visa
2
Not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during the 5 years
3
Passed the Life in the UK test (24 questions in 45 minutes, £50 fee — taken at a UK test centre only)
4
English language: IELTS Life Skills B1 (4.0+) or exempt (degree taught in English at a qualifying university)
5
No serious criminal convictions or outstanding immigration violations
6
Current visa leave not expired before application date
7
Employment/salary conditions still met (for Skilled Worker route)
Step-by-Step Application Process
1
Pass the Life in the UK test
Register and pass the 24-question test (£50) at an approved UK test centre. Valid for life once passed.
2
Sit English language test (if required)
Take IELTS Life Skills B1 or equivalent. Exempt if your degree was taught entirely in English at a qualifying university.
3
Calculate continuous residence
Verify 5 years of qualifying residence with no 180-day excess absence in any 12-month period using your travel records.
4
Apply online (SET(O) or SET(M))
Complete the correct ILR application form: SET(O) for most workers, SET(M) for spouses.
5
Pay £3,226 fee & book appointment
Super Priority same-day service available at select UK offices for £800 extra.
6
Receive ILR & then naturalise
After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship via Form AN (£1,630). Attend the citizenship ceremony to receive your certificate.
Required Documents
Valid Indian passport
All previous UK Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
Full travel history (all passport stamps and entry/exit records)
5 years of UK payslips
P60s for each tax year
Employment letters confirming continuous skilled employment
Marriage certificate
Evidence of cohabitation throughout the 5 years in the UK
Life in the UK test pass certificate
English language test certificate (IELTS Life Skills B1)
Processing Time
6 months
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) |
£3,226 |
ILR Super Priority service (same-day, additional) |
£1,000 |
British Naturalisation application (Form AN) |
£1,709 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Life in the UK test need to be taken inside the UK?
Yes. It must be taken at an approved test centre within the United Kingdom — it cannot be taken from India. Pass it before applying for ILR, as the pass certificate is a mandatory document and there is no alternative.
