Can I apply for ILR after 5 years?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 08, 2026
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.
Can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of settled status which overseas nationals can apply for after they have spent a certain period of time living in the UK. In most cases, an individual will be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after they have spent five years living in the UK.
Can I apply for ILR after 5 years in 10 years route?
To apply for the ILR on a long residence basis, you should have lived lawfully for 10 continuous years in the UK. The period can be completed with a combination of various visas, for example, Global Talent Visa, Post Study Work Visa, Tier 2 (General work) visa etc.
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.
What is the earliest I can apply for ILR?
When can I apply for ILR? Generally, you can apply 28 days prior to the date you entered the UK, but if you entered the UK within 3 months of your visa being issued, you might be eligible to apply 28 days prior the issue date on the visa.
29 related questions foundCan I apply for ILR after 4 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 for ILR 28 days before 5 years?
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.
What is the minimum salary for Tier 2 visa?
Under the Skilled Worker visa (previously Tier 2 (General) visa), applicants/workers will be required to earn a minimum salary of £25,600 per year, unless the role applied for is included in the occupation shortage list or the applicant/worker has a relevant PhD, in which case the minimum salary is reduced to £20,480.
Does Tier 5 visa count towards ILR?
A Tier 5 visa cannot provide a route to indefinite leave to remain unless it is part of the ten-year continuous lawful residence route to indefinite leave to remain (see ILR 10 Years Long Residence).
Is P60 required for ILR?
Re: P60 required for ILR? You don't need to submit P60s.
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).
Can I apply for indefinite leave to remain after 7 years?
The 7 years child residence category is 10 years route to settlement and therefore an application for ILR can only be made once a person has spent 10 years in the UK continuously with leave to remain on the basis of 7 years child residence.
Can I extend my spouse visa after 5 years?
You can apply for extension/renewal of your spouse visa under 5 years route from inside the UK by using application form FLR (M) online prior to the expiry of your initial leave of 2.5 years.
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 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.
How do I prove my 5 year residency UK?
If you want to prove you've lived in the UK for a different 5 years
- tax documents - for example your P60 or P45.
- a letter from your employer confirming your employment.
- pension statements showing your employer's pension contributions.
- council tax bills.
- mortgage statements for a house or flat.
Can I change from Tier 5 to Tier 2?
You can only switch from a Tier 5 visa to a general work visa under Tier 2 if you are already in the UK under certain categories of visa, for example, one of the other specific Tier 2 categories. This does not include those who are currently in the UK under a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa.
Does Tier 4 PSW count towards ILR?
10. If I study in England for five years on a Student visa (previously Tier 4 visa) can I apply for ILR? No, Student visas/Tier 4 visas are not eligible for settlement purposes.
What is the difference between Tier 2 and Tier 5 visa?
Tier 2 workers are skilled individuals travelling to take long-term positions in the UK, or to complete a fixed-term contract (perhaps having transferred from a related company overseas). Tier 5 workers are generally less experienced (sometimes even voluntary) staff, and their time in the UK is often limited.
What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant 2021 UK?
You and your partner must have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year if: you're applying as a partner. you want to settle in the UK (get 'indefinite leave to remain') within 5 years.
How can I get work permit in UK without job offer?
New Delhi: UK last week announced a new visa programme, which will allow applicants meeting certain criteria to enter the country on a work permit without having a valid job offer. The new 'high potential individual' visa route could attract more high-skilled Indians to the country, say experts.
What is a Tier 5 visa?
Tier 5 Temporary Work Visa allows people who meet the eligibility criteria to come to the UK to work. This visa provides working rights to researchers, creative and sport persons. It also provides an opportunity for charity and religious workers to live in the UK for a temporary period.
Can I apply for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years?
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years if you are here: In certain Tier 1 categories or as an Innovator or Global Talent migrant.
Can I apply for ILR after 3 years of marriage?
Can I apply for ILR after 3 years of marriage? You must have held your spouse visa for at least 5 years before you become eligible for ILR.
What is qualifying period for ILR?
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.