ILR guide
Indefinite Leave to Remain, explained
ILR (also called settlement) lets you live, work and study in the UK permanently, without time limits on your stay. It is usually the last step before you can apply for British citizenship.
What's changing
Confirmed26 March 2027
English requirement rises from B1 to B2
For ILR applications made on or after 26 March 2027 on most work routes (including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder and UK Ancestry), you will need English at level B2 instead of B1. Applications made before that date stay at B1.
In force8 April 2026
New ILR fees
The ILR fee is £3,226 per person, including each dependant. Citizenship costs £1,839 including the ceremony.
Proposed only
'Earned settlement': a 10-year standard route
The government consulted on making 10 years the standard wait for ILR, with shorter or longer periods depending on things like income, public service and use of public funds. It is NOT law yet. The Home Secretary said in September 2026 that the policy will be set out before February 2027, and that the rules in force when you apply are the ones that apply to you.
Proposed only
Refreshing the Life in the UK test
The government has said it will 'refresh' the test, and a House of Lords committee called for an overhaul in June 2026. No new handbook or format has been announced: the test is still 24 questions on the 3rd-edition handbook.
Who can get ILR?
You usually qualify after living in the UK for a set number of years on an eligible visa — 5 years for most work and family routes, 3 years for Global Talent and Innovator Founder, or 10 years of continuous lawful residence on any mix of visas. Check the eligibility page for your route and work out your dates.
What do you need?
- The right amount of time on an eligible route.
- Not too much time abroad: no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
- A pass in the Life in the UK test and proof of your English if you are aged 18 to 64.
- To meet any extra rules for your route, such as a salary level.
How much does it cost?
- ILR application (per person): £3,226
- Priority service — decision within 5 working days: £500
- Super priority — decision by the next working day: £1,000
- Life in the UK test: £50
- Naturalisation as a British citizen (£1,709 + £130 ceremony): £1,839
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain
- GOV.UK: Home Office immigration and nationality fees (8 April 2026)
- Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 1691 (5 March 2026)
- GOV.UK consultation: A Fairer Pathway to Settlement (Nov 2025)
Last checked against GOV.UK on 7 October 2026. Rules change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you apply. This is not legal advice.