ILR Eligibility Checker 2025

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

ILR is permanent residence in the UK. Once granted, it has no expiry date. You can live, work and study in the UK without any restrictions. ILR also puts you on the path to British citizenship.

General requirements

• 5 years of continuous lawful residence on an eligible visa route (some routes require less)
• No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5 years
• Passed the Life in the UK test (unless exempt)
• English language at B1 level
• No serious criminal convictions
• Your current visa must not have expired

The 180-day absence rule

You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying period. Excessive absences can reset the clock and mean you need to start the 5 years again.

Life in the UK test

Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK test — a 24-question multiple choice test about British history, culture and government. The test costs £50 and you can book it at gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test.

From ILR to British citizenship

After 12 months of holding ILR (or immediately if you are married to a British citizen), you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. The fee is £1,630 in 2025.

EU Settlement Scheme

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 can apply for Settled Status (equivalent to ILR) or Pre-Settled Status through the EU Settlement Scheme at GOV.UK.