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Can I still work while waiting for my ILR?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 08, 2026

if you have applied for ILR before your visa expired then you still hold the right to work whilst waiting for your ILR to be granted so it shouldn't be a problem if trying to a new job.

Can I work while waiting for ILR application?

Can I work while waiting for a visa application? Under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, you can continue to work in the UK while waiting for a visa application, so long as you submitted your extension application before your existing work visa expires.

How long does the ILR 2020 application take?

General processing time is up to 6 months. Most ILR applications are decided in 8 weeks. It is possible to expedite certain ILR applications using super-priority service, which costs additional £800. With super-priority, your ILR application will normally be decided in 24 hours.

How long does it take for ILR to be processed?

Using the standard application process, ILR applications take around six months to process, however, this may be faster in straightforward cases and longer for complex cases or those where UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have to carry out additional checks and request more documents before making a decision.

Can I stay in UK while waiting for ILR?

Your status while awaiting a decision

You can legally stay in the UK while you wait for the Home Office decision, even if this comes after the expiry date of your previous visa.

27 related questions found

Can I work while waiting for my work permit?

If you received work authorization while your green card application is pending, there are no restrictions on your employment, and you can work for any employer. Of course, your employment must comply with both state and federal laws and regulations.

Can you work while waiting for work permit renewal?

Under the new rule, applicants in certain eligibility categories applying to renew an EAD can continue to work for up to 180 days while their renewal application is pending, as long as: They apply to renew before their current EAD expires AND. They are applying in the same category that they previously applied under.

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 are ILR applications taking 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 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 I check my ILR application status?

Checking UK visa applications made inside the UK

For an update on an application made inside the UK, you can phone UKVI using the following details: Telephone: 0300 790 6268 - select option 1, then option 2. Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm. Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm.

How much does ILR cost?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) fees

The fees for indefinite leave to remain is £2389. This does not include the mandatory £19.20 biometric enrolment fees. It cost an additional £800 for super priority processing (24 hour) and £500 for priority processing (5 day processing) where eligible.

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 can you do while waiting for work permit?

What You Can Do While Waiting For The Work Permit Approval

  • Take Up A New Hobby/Craft. ...
  • Get Moving. ...
  • Practice English (If Necessary) ...
  • Prepare Yourself For A Job. ...
  • Explore Your New Community. ...
  • Work On Your Family Tree. ...
  • Start a Bucket List/ Focus On Your Goals.

Is Tier 4 a settlement visa?

No, Student visas/Tier 4 visas are not eligible for settlement purposes.

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.

Do I have to apply for ILR after 5 years?

If your children are on dependant visas, they will need to apply for ILR at the same time as you. Failure to do so will result in them losing their dependant visa status and critically, they would have to wait five years before they become eligible for ILR.

How much is ILR 2021?

A migrant applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK has to pay £2,404. The estimated cost to the Home Office of processing an ILR application is £491 — so the fee is set at five times higher than the actual administrative cost.

Can ILR claim benefits?

Generally, ILR holders will be able to access the same benefits that a British citizen can, providing they are eligible. As a foreign national with ILR status, you can be eligible for assistance with housing if you meet the conditions.

Can I apply for ILR and citizenship at the same time?

In fact, you must hold ILR to be eligible for British citizenship by naturalisation. Ordinarily, you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after you have lived in the UK for one year under Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Can I continue to work while EAD renewal is pending?

If the EAD can be renewed, the international employee must ensure that the renewal application is filed with USCIS at least 100 days before the current EAD expires. In general, a pending EAD application does not provide permission to work, so persons with a pending EAD application cannot work in the USA.

Can I work while my i 765 is pending?

If you have been offered a job, but your Form I-765 is still pending, what should you tell the employer? You just have to be honest. You have to let him or her know that you cannot work until your eligibility has been checked and your form has been approved.

How long does it take to get EAD 2021?

It usually takes 60-90 days to process and approve the EAD application after you have submitted an RFE response to USCIS.

What happens if you work without EAD?

Working in the United States without a work permit (Form I-765) can put an individual's green card application in jeopardy. Penalties for working without authorization include being banned from entering the United States for anywhere between three and ten years.

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.