Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Solicitors — Specialist Settlement Support
An Indefinite Leave to Remain application has to satisfy the settlement rules on continuous residence, the Life in the UK Test, English language and suitability. Our ILR solicitors prepare each application carefully, check your absence calculations against the rules, and give you direct access to a qualified solicitor — no call centres, no hidden fees.
Reviewed by Imran Shah — immigration & litigation solicitor.
SRA #509359 · Admitted 2012 · Verify on SRA register
Last reviewed: May 2026
Your legal framework
The sources of law that govern this route
We cite each source so you can verify it yourself.
Immigration Rules — Settlement
Continuous-residence rules and qualifying periods for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
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All ILR Settlement Routes We Cover
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also called 'settlement' — gives you permanent residence in the UK. You can apply through several routes, each with its own requirements. The qualifying periods below are typical, but always confirm the current rules for your route on GOV.UK:
Five-Year Continuous Residence Route The most common path, for those who have spent the qualifying period on qualifying visas such as work or family routes.
Long Residence Route For those with a long period of continuous lawful residence, where the rules allow.
Family Settlement Routes
- Partner of a British citizen or settled person — see our spouse visa service
- Adult dependent relatives
- Children
Work-Based Settlement
- Skilled Worker visa holders
- Global Talent visa holders
- Innovator Founder route
Other Qualifying Routes
- Refugee status and humanitarian protection
- Other routes in specific circumstances
We confirm which route fits your circumstances at your free consultation.
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Critical ILR Requirements That Trip Up Most Applications
A leading cause of refusal is a problem with continuous residence or evidence. Here is what most often catches people out:
Continuous Residence
- Generally no single absence of more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period across the qualifying years (the exact rules vary by route — check GOV.UK)
- A complete, accurate travel history with exact dates of departure and return
Life in the UK Test Must be passed unless you are exempt. Make sure you hold the correct, valid result.
English Language Requirement Usually B1 level unless exempt, evidenced by an accepted qualification or your nationality.
Reliance on Public Funds Most settlement routes restrict reliance on public funds, with limited exceptions.
Suitability and Good Character Convictions, cautions and penalties must be declared and can affect the application.
Qualifying Period The rules on when your qualifying period starts and ends are detailed and route-specific. Getting this wrong is a common reason for refusal.
Document Standards Documents not in English usually need a certified translation, and missing evidence can lead to refusal.
Our ILR solicitors check every requirement against the rules in force on the date of your application before submission.
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Complete ILR Application Support
What's included in our fixed-fee service:
Initial Assessment and Strategy
- Free 30-minute consultation to assess your eligibility
- Detailed analysis of your UK residence and absences
- Route recommendation for your circumstances
- Honest advice, including where a requirement may be difficult to meet
Document Preparation and Review
- Application preparation and review
- A document checklist tailored to your route
- Help with translation and certification
- Travel-history compilation and analysis
Application Submission and Management
- Submission on your behalf
- Biometric appointment booking
- Progress monitoring and Home Office correspondence
- Help responding to any requests for further evidence
Post-Decision Support
- Guidance on collecting your residence permit or confirming digital status
- Planning for a future British citizenship application
- Advice for family members
Direct solicitor access throughout — no call centres, no trainee staff.
We work on fixed fees agreed in writing before any work begins; the exact fee depends on your circumstances and is confirmed at your free consultation. Home Office application fees are separate and set by the Home Office — check the current amount at gov.uk.
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How We Strengthen an ILR Application
Every application is prepared by a qualified, SRA-regulated immigration solicitor — not a call centre or an unregulated adviser. In practice that means:
- Calculating your absences and qualifying period precisely against the rules for your route, so continuous residence is not miscounted.
- Confirming you hold the correct Life in the UK Test result and accepted English-language evidence.
- Preparing suitability disclosures carefully where there is any history of convictions, cautions or penalties.
- Flagging anything that needs resolving before submission rather than after a refusal.
We handle straightforward and complex cases, including extended absences, gaps in documentation and applications after a previous refusal, and we will tell you honestly where a requirement is difficult to meet.
Past results do not guarantee any particular outcome; every application is decided by the Home Office on its own facts.
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Your ILR Application Timeline: What To Expect
Before Eligibility
- Book your free assessment
- Begin gathering documents and confirm your travel history
- Take the Life in the UK Test and any required English test
Around Submission
- Final document review and certification
- Application completed and checked
- Biometric appointment booked
Processing Period
- Regular progress updates from your solicitor
- Help responding to any Home Office queries or requests for evidence
- Decision notification
After Approval
- Guidance on your residence permit or digital status
- Discussion of your route and timing toward British citizenship
- Planning for family members
Key points on timing:
- You can usually apply shortly before your qualifying period ends — confirm the exact window for your route on GOV.UK
- The Life in the UK Test result and English certificates have their own validity rules — check these before you apply
Processing times, including any priority or super-priority options, are set by the Home Office and change regularly — check the current service standards on GOV.UK. We recommend the best approach for your situation.
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Free ILR Settlement Assessment — Book Today
Our ILR service includes:
- Free 30-minute consultation with a qualified solicitor
- A review of your residence history and qualifying period
- Route assessment and a personalised document checklist
- Fixed fees agreed in writing before any work begins
- Direct access to your solicitor throughout
- Nationwide service by phone and video, with offices in London and Bradford
If we cannot help, we will tell you honestly. Home Office application fees are set by the Home Office — check the current amount at gov.uk before you apply.
Call 0203 355 9823 or email info@abrahamssolicitors.co.uk to arrange your consultation. After years of lawful residence, your settlement application is too important to leave to chance.
Pricing
INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN: From £240*
*Consultation fee. Full service fees vary by case — see our fees page.
Common Questions
INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN FAQ
Plain-English answers to the questions we hear most often about indefinite leave to remain.
Ask Us AnythingYour Solicitor
Three SRA-regulated solicitors. Direct access.
Imran Shah
Immigration & Litigation Solicitor
Imran handles immigration and litigation cases that need methodical preparation and clear strategy.
SRA #509359
Humaira Anjum
Immigration & Litigation Solicitor
Humaira walks families through every stage of immigration and litigation matters with calm, careful guidance.
SRA #663190
Sannah Khatoon
Litigation & Housing Disrepair Solicitor
Sannah recovers damages and forces repairs in housing disrepair claims — usually on no win, no fee.
SRA #654258
“Abrahams Solicitors handled my case with incredible professionalism. They made a stressful process feel manageable and kept me informed at every stage.”
Sarah M.
Immigration Client
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*Fixed fee price subject to our free case assessment. All fees are quoted upfront — no hidden charges. UKVI government fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are separate and change periodically — confirm current rates at gov.uk before applying.
This page is general guidance, not legal advice. For advice on your circumstances, contact us. Abrahams Solicitors · SRA-regulated firm #809071. Last reviewed: May 2026.