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Can I apply for ILR 28 days before 5 years?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 09, 2026

It is possible to submit your ILR application up to 28 days before the end of your qualifying period. If you apply earlier, you will not be eligible and your application is likely to be refused.

How far in advance can I apply ILR?

You can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before you will reach the qualifying period of continuous residence.

Can you get ILR in less than 5 years?

You can apply for ILR when you have completed 5 years in the UK under the Spouse Visa (5 Years Route). According to Home Office UKVI Guidance, an application for ILR as a spouse can be made within 28 days before completion of 5 years residence in the UK under 5 years route.

What is the earliest you can apply for ILR in UK?

The earliest possible application date is 28 days before the five-year anniversary of the granting of leave to enter the UK (i.e. not the date you actually entered the UK). This is because the Home Office include the time between the granting of the visa and your entry into the UK as part of your leave time in the UK.

Can I apply for ILR 28 days before 10 years?

You should make an application for ILR before the expiry of your current leave to remain. You cannot apply more than 28 days before completing the qualifying period of continuous 10 years.

17 related questions found

Can I apply for ILR after 3 years?

There are various routes a person can take in order to qualify for ILR. Certain applicants can apply for ILR after 2 years, while the majority can do so after 5 years residence if all other requirements are met. There is also a 10-year route for people who lived in the UK lawfully for a continuous period of 10 years.

Can I apply ILR before 28 days?

Can I apply ILR before 28 days? It is possible to submit your ILR application up to 28 days before the end of your qualifying period. If you apply earlier, you will not be eligible and your application is likely to be refused.

Can I apply for ILR without life in UK test?

The Life in the UK Test is mandatory for individuals applying for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). As well as passing the Life in the UK test, ILR eligibility criteria require you to also have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR level or higher, or equivalent.

Do I need to pay NHS surcharge for ILR?

You need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you apply for indefinite leave to remain but are only given limited leave. You'll need to pay before you're given the leave.

How long does indefinite leave to remain application take 2021?

Processing time 2021 for a UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) The UK ILR processing time 2021 is the same as the prior ILR application processing time. The application for Indefinite Leave to Remain is usually decided within 12 weeks. In some cases, you can fast-track or put the application on priority.

How do I get ILR after 5 years?

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you must satisfy the eligibility requirements, which include a minimum period of continuous residence under a qualifying, valid visa. This means some visa holders will be able to apply for ILR after 5 years in the UK. Attaining ILR is beneficial for many reasons.

Can I apply for ILR after 6 years?

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) upon completion of 6 years under the Discretionary Leave (initial 3 years + 3 years extension). An application for ILR under 6 years route of Discretionary Leave is made either using application form SET (O) or FLR (DL).

How long does it take to get a response after Biometrics UK 2021?

How long does it take to get a response after biometrics UK 2021? Usually, an applicant gets the response within 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks) after biometrics.

Can you apply for ILR after 7 years?

You can apply for ILR upon completion of 10 years in the UK with leave to remain granted on the basis of 7 years child residence.

How do I pass Life in the UK test 2021?

To pass the Official Life In the UK test, you must score 75% or more. This means that you will need to answer at least 18 questions correctly out of 24 questions. The latest figures state that out of 100 people that take the test only 64 pass and 36 will fail.

How early can I take Life in the UK test?

This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test. You need to take the test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK. You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance.

Is life in UK test hard?

The Life in the UK test can be very difficult. The syllabus covers all aspects of British history and condenses it down into 24 questions with a 45-minute time limit. These questions are completely random and you need 75% correct answers to pass the test.

Can I apply for citizenship 28 days before?

As a migrant you will be experienced and understand that for each of your visa and ILR applications you could usually apply up to 28 days in advance. For British Citizenship you must wait until you have completed 12 full months with your Indefinite Leave to Remain before submitting the application.

Can I apply for ILR after 5 years on Tier 2?

To adjust your Tier 2 Visa to ILR, you must have spent at least 5 continuous years in the UK. This qualifying period usually starts from the date of the approval of your entry clearance. Applications for ILR should be made before your current Tier 2 leave expires.

Can I apply for ILR on Tier 2 general?

Individuals on Tier 2 General visa can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) to settle in the UK. Tier 2 General visa holders need to have lived in the UK for a qualifying period of 5 years and fulfil several requirements such as minimum annual salary threshold and at the appropriate rate among others.

Can I apply for ILR after 5 years in 10 years route?

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a form of settled status in the UK which can be applied for after you have spent a certain period of time living in the UK. The 5-year and 10-year route refer to the number of years an overseas national must have been in the UK before they can apply for ILR.

Can I change my 10 year route to 5 year route?

A person with leave to remain as a spouse under 10 years route can switch into spouse visa 5 years route at any time during the validity of leave to remain under the spouse visa (10 years route).

Can I apply for ILR after 9 years?

In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) on the basis of the 10 years long residence rule, you must have at least 10 years continuous lawful residence in the UK. This can include periods including temporary admission and periods where you have enjoyed section 3C leave.

Can I apply for ILR after 3 years discretionary leave?

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) upon completion of 6 years under the Discretionary Leave (initial 3 years + 3 years extension).