Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called settlement, is permanent UK immigration status. As of 2026 most people qualify after five years of lawful residence on an eligible route, but the government has confirmed this standard period will rise to ten years for most applicants from autumn 2026. This guide explains what ILR gives you, the current requirements, and the reform that is about to change the timeline.
What Indefinite Leave to Remain means
ILR lets you live, work and study in the UK without a time limit and without needing a visa. It removes most immigration conditions, gives you access to public funds if you are eligible, and is usually the step before applying for British citizenship. Unlike a visa, it does not expire, although you can lose it through long absences from the UK.
Current requirements (as of 2026)
To qualify for settlement now, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- A qualifying period of lawful residence, most commonly five years on a single eligible route such as the Skilled Worker or a partner visa.
- Continuous residence, without spending too long outside the UK. Most routes limit you to no more than 180 days abroad in any 12-month period.
- The Life in the UK test, a test of knowledge about British life and customs.
- English language at the required level.
- Good character, meaning no serious immigration or criminal breaches.
The big change: five years to ten years
This is the most important development for anyone planning to settle. In 2026 the government confirmed it will double the standard qualifying period from five years to ten years for most people, under a new model called earned settlement, expected to take effect in autumn 2026. A public consultation on the details ran from late 2025 into early 2026.
Under the earned settlement approach, the time it takes will depend more on your circumstances:
- Faster than ten years for higher earners, and for people in roles such as NHS healthcare and teaching, and certain family and Hong Kong BNO routes, some of whom may still settle in around five years.
- Longer than ten years for some other groups, with the longest periods proposed for people who entered without permission.
The exact tiers are being finalised, so if settlement matters to you, check the current rules on GOV.UK before you rely on a timeline.
How to apply
- Confirm you meet the qualifying period for your route and have not exceeded the allowed absences.
- Pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement.
- Gather evidence of your continuous residence, such as payslips, tenancy records and travel history.
- Apply online, pay the fee, and prove your identity and biometrics.
- Wait for a decision. If granted, keep your absences short to protect your settled status.
Frequently asked questions
Is ILR still five years in 2026?
Yes, for now. As of 2026 no rule change has taken effect and the five-year route remains in force, but the government has confirmed the standard period will move to ten years for most people from autumn 2026.
Will the change affect people already on a five-year route?
The details are being finalised through the earned settlement reforms. Because this directly affects your plans, check GOV.UK for the latest position rather than assuming the old timeline still applies to you.
Can I lose my ILR?
Yes. Spending two or more continuous years outside the UK can cause you to lose settled status, so plan long trips carefully.
Does ILR lead to citizenship?
Yes. ILR is usually a step towards British citizenship, which typically requires a further period of settled residence and a separate application.
For how settlement fits with work and study routes, see the UK visa guide for newcomers and the Skilled Worker visa guide.
