ILR Calculator

Calculate when you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK

Calculate Your ILR Eligibility Date

Select the visa route you’re applying under
The date your current qualifying visa period began
Total days you’ve been outside the UK during qualifying period
Longest single trip outside the UK

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of immigration status in the United Kingdom that grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. Also known as settlement or permanent residence, ILR is a significant milestone for those who wish to make the UK their permanent home.

Once you obtain ILR, you no longer need to renew your visa, and you’ll have access to public funds and services. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation.

Key Benefits of ILR

  • No time limit on your stay in the UK
  • Freedom to work in any job or be self-employed without restrictions
  • Access to public funds, including benefits and the NHS
  • Pathway to British citizenship after 12 months
  • Ability to sponsor family members to join you in the UK
  • No requirement to extend or renew your visa

Qualifying Periods for ILR

The length of time you need to live in the UK before applying for ILR depends on your visa category:

5-Year Routes

Most work and family visas require 5 years of continuous residence:

  • Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General)
  • Spouse or Partner visa
  • Representative of Overseas Business
  • Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (meeting salary requirements)

3-Year Routes

Certain investor and talent visas have a shorter 3-year qualifying period:

  • Global Talent visa
  • Innovator visa
  • Tier 1 Investor (with investments of £5 million or more, may be even shorter)
  • Tier 1 Entrepreneur

10-Year Route

The Long Residence route applies to those who have lived in the UK lawfully for 10 continuous years, regardless of visa type.

Absence Rules and Requirements

Important: Your absences from the UK can affect your ILR eligibility. Exceeding the limits may reset your qualifying period.

Standard Absence Limits

For most ILR routes, the Home Office permits the following absences:

  • 180 days maximum in any 12-month period during your qualifying period
  • 540 days maximum total absences over a 5-year qualifying period

Continuous Residence

To maintain continuous residence in the UK, you must not have:

  • Been absent for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period
  • Left the UK for a single trip of more than 180 days
  • Broken your continuous residence by being absent at the wrong time
Note: Some visa routes have different absence rules. The Global Talent and Innovator visas may have more flexible requirements. Always check the specific guidance for your visa category.

The 28-Day Rule

The 28-day rule is a critical but often misunderstood aspect of ILR applications. This rule allows you to apply for ILR up to 28 days before you complete your full qualifying period.

How It Works

When calculating your qualifying period, the Home Office counts backwards from the most advantageous of three dates:

  • The date you submit your application
  • The date a decision is made on your application
  • Any date up to 28 days after your application date

This means you can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before reaching the end of your 5-year (or 3-year, or 10-year) qualifying period. However, you must still meet all residence and absence requirements when counted backwards from the most favourable date.

Example: If your 5-year qualifying period ends on 15 March 2026, you can apply as early as 16 February 2026. The Home Office will assess whether you meet the requirements by counting back from the date that gives you the best chance of qualifying.

Other ILR Requirements

Beyond residence and absence requirements, you must meet several other criteria to qualify for ILR:

Knowledge of Life in the UK Test

You must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of British traditions, history, and culture. The test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 75% (18 correct answers) to pass.

English Language Requirement

You must prove your English language ability at CEFR Level B1 or above in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You can demonstrate this by:

  • Passing an approved English language test
  • Having a degree taught in English
  • Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

Good Character Requirement

The Home Office will assess whether you are of good character, considering factors such as:

  • Criminal record
  • Immigration history and compliance
  • Financial conduct (bankruptcies, unpaid debts)
  • Tax compliance

Financial Requirement

Some routes require you to meet ongoing financial thresholds or maintain specific employment or business activities up until your ILR application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Warning: Many ILR applications are refused due to avoidable errors. Read this section carefully.

Mixing Visa Routes

If you switch between different visa categories, your time may not always count towards the same ILR route. For example, time on a Tier 2 visa counts towards the 5-year work route, but if you switch to a Spouse visa, you may need to start a fresh 5-year period on the family route. Not all visa types are compatible for ILR purposes.

Miscounting Absences

Be precise when calculating your absences. The day you leave the UK and the day you return both count as days of absence. Keep detailed records of all trips abroad, including exact dates and purposes.

Applying Too Early

Whilst the 28-day rule allows early applications, applying too early (before the 28-day window) will result in automatic refusal and you’ll lose the application fee.

Expired Documents

Your passport, English language certificate, and Life in the UK test pass notification must all be valid and acceptable at the time of application.

Criminal Convictions Not Disclosed

Failing to declare criminal convictions, even spent ones, can lead to refusal on character grounds and may constitute deception.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an ILR application cost?
The current application fee for ILR is £2,885 per person. You may also need to pay for the Life in the UK test (£50) and an English language test (approximately £150-200). Additional costs include document certification, legal advice if needed, and any travel for biometric appointments.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Standard ILR applications typically take up to 6 months for a decision. However, you can pay for priority services: the Super Priority Service costs £800 and aims to provide a decision within 1 working day, whilst the Priority Service costs £500 and aims for a decision within 5 working days.
Can I travel whilst my ILR application is pending?
Travel during a pending ILR application is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, you should apply for a returning resident visa before leaving the UK. Leaving the UK during the application process may be treated as a withdrawal of your application.
What happens if my ILR application is refused?
If your application is refused, you’ll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You may be able to request an administrative review if you believe there was a caseworker error, or you can make a fresh application addressing the refusal reasons. In some cases, you may have a right of appeal. It’s advisable to seek professional immigration advice in these situations.
Do my children automatically get ILR?
Children do not automatically receive ILR. Each family member must submit a separate application and pay the relevant fee. However, children’s applications are usually straightforward if they’ve been living in the UK as dependants on valid visas alongside their parents.
Can I lose my ILR status?
Yes, ILR can be lost if you remain outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years, or if it’s revoked due to deception, criminality, or on conducive to the public good grounds. If you plan to be outside the UK for extended periods, consider applying for a Returning Resident visa or British citizenship.
When can I apply for British citizenship after ILR?
You can apply for naturalisation as a British citizen 12 months after being granted ILR. You must meet additional requirements including further good character checks, continued residence in the UK, and having no immigration breaches during your ILR period.
What if I have complex circumstances?
If your case involves complex issues such as extended absences, criminal convictions, gaps in your immigration history, switching between multiple visa types, or refusals on previous applications, you should seek advice from an OISC-registered immigration adviser or solicitor. This calculator provides general guidance only and may not account for complex situations.
Disclaimer: This ILR calculator provides a general estimate based on standard qualifying periods and absence rules. It is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. The results do not guarantee eligibility or approval of your ILR application. Immigration rules are complex and subject to change. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and the Home Office considers many factors beyond residence and absences when making decisions. For accurate, personalised advice tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified OISC-registered immigration adviser or solicitor. The information provided is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

References

  1. UK Home Office (2024). Immigration Rules Appendix Continuous Residence. Available at: www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-continuous-residence
  2. UK Home Office (2024). Apply to settle in the UK: Indefinite Leave to Remain. Available at: www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain
  3. UK Home Office (2024). Long residence caseworker guidance. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/long-residence
  4. UK Visas and Immigration (2024). Settlement: Calculating continuous period in UK (version 18.0). Available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/indefinite-leave-to-remain-calculating-continuous-period-in-uk
  5. Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (2024). Indefinite Leave to Remain: An Overview. London: ILPA Publications.
  6. Fransman’s British Nationality Law (4th ed., 2023). London: Bloomsbury Professional.

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