ILR guide
Am I eligible?
Most people qualify after a fixed number of years on one visa route. Find your route, then work out your dates below.
| Route | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker | 5 | You must still meet the salary requirement and your employer must still need you. GOV.UK |
| Partner of a British citizen or settled person | 5 | On the 5-year partner route (usually two grants of 30 months). A separate 10-year route also exists. GOV.UK |
| Global Talent | 3 | 3 years for most endorsements; 5 years for some categories. GOV.UK |
| Innovator Founder | 3 | You also need an endorsement for settlement. GOV.UK |
| UK Ancestry | 5 | You must have been working or able to work throughout. GOV.UK |
| British National (Overseas) | 5 | 5 years living in the UK on the BN(O) route. GOV.UK |
| Turkish Businessperson or Worker (ECAA) | 5 | You must meet the Knowledge of Language and Life requirement. GOV.UK |
| Long residence (any lawful route) | 10 | 10 years' continuous lawful residence, which can combine different visas. GOV.UK |
The absence rule
To keep your "continuous residence", you must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying period. Only whole days count — the day you leave and the day you come back are not counted as days abroad.
Applying early
You can apply up to 28 days before you complete your qualifying period. Apply before your current visa expires.
Work out your dates
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain
- GOV.UK: ILR for Skilled Worker visa holders
- GOV.UK: ILR if you have family in the UK
- GOV.UK: Turkish Businessperson and Worker visas (ECAA)
- GOV.UK: Long residence
Last checked against GOV.UK on 7 October 2026. Rules change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you apply. This is not legal advice.