Indefinite Leave to Remain / Settlement

Settling Permanently in the UK

Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. Also known as ‘settlement’, it gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you wish, and apply for benefits if you are eligible. Once you are granted indefinite leave to remain, you can then apply for British citizenship and a British passport.

If you or your client is ready to begin the process of applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), it is vital that, at this crucial stage of your immigration journey, you have access to the right expertise to get you across the finish line.

UK settlement forms are notoriously complex and lengthy, with various pitfalls that are not obvious to the untrained eye. With an expert to guide you through the final steps towards your ultimate goal, you stand a much better chance of achieving the outcome you have been working towards.

About Indefinite Leave to Remain

There are several routes to settlement in the UK. Some of the most common include:

Settlement for partners and family members (Set M form) – for partners, parents or children of someone who is already settled in the UK or a British citizen.
Long residence (Set LR form) – for individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for 10 continuous years.
Refugee or humanitarian protection (Set P form) – for individuals with recognised refugee status or who have been granted humanitarian protection for five years.
Other reasons (Set O form) – applications for reasons not covered by the other forms, including exceptional circumstances or Points Based System applications.

There are various eligibility criteria to meet for all ILR applications, including financial requirements in some instances, together with knowledge of the English language, which can be proven either by passing the Life in the UK test, or by showing relevant English language qualifications.

If you’re not eligible for indefinite leave to remain but have already been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years, you may be able to apply for leave to remain in order to extend your stay for another two years. Individuals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

How Imperium Chambers can help

At Imperium Chambers, our specialist immigration barristers have guided numerous individuals through the UK settlement process.

From providing an independent assessment of your prospects of qualifying for settlement, to ensuring there are no delays or validity issues with your application, and that all the required information and supporting documentation are provided with complete accuracy, our immigration barristers will be with you every step of the way.

Considering that incomplete applications are returned as void, it is important that everything is fully covered, otherwise you could miss out on a right to appeal should your permitted stay expire before you are able to make a valid application.