ILR & Settled Status — Document Checklist & Complete Guide
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the gateway to permanent residence and, eventually, British citizenship. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, most migrants on work or family routes can apply. This guide explains the absence rules, the Life in the UK test, and exactly which documents to gather for a complete application.
Do I qualify for the ILR settled status?
5 years of continuous lawful residence
You must have lived in the UK lawfully for 5 continuous years on most visa routes. Some routes (e.g. Innovator Founder) allow a shorter qualifying period.
Absence requirement met
You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying 5 years.
Life in the UK test passed
You must pass the Life in the UK test at an approved test centre. You must be aged 18–64 (exemptions apply for those aged 65+).
English language requirement
You must demonstrate English to B1 CEFR level. This can be via an approved SELT, or a degree taught in English, or a nationality exemption.
No public interest grounds for refusal
You must not have any unspent criminal convictions, outstanding NHS debts over £500, or other public interest factors against you.
Document checklist
VisaVault generates a personalised version of this list for your exact circumstances.
Valid passport
Current passport. Also include any expired passports covering the 5-year qualifying period.
All BRP cards from current and previous visas
Evidence of the full 5-year continuous lawful residence period — keep every BRP card you have ever held.
Life in the UK test pass notification
The letter issued by the test provider confirming you passed. Must be within the last 5 years at point of application.
English language evidence
SELT certificate showing B1 level, transcript of a UK/majority English-speaking country degree, or nationality exemption evidence.
Evidence of continuous residence
Payslips, bank statements, utility bills, and tenancy agreements covering the full 5-year period.
Absence records
A table of all absences from the UK (date left, date returned, destination, reason) during the qualifying period.
Current visa or leave to remain documentation
Your most recent BRP or vignette confirming your current lawful status.
Employment records (if applying on work route)
Letter from employer confirming current employment, P60s, and last 6 months of payslips.
Marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
Required if applying as a partner or dependant spouse on the Family route.
TB test certificate (if required)
If you spent time outside the UK during the qualifying period from a listed country, a valid TB test may be needed.
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Question 1 of 3
Which visa type are you applying for?
Costs and processing times
ILR application fee
£2,885
Life in the UK test
£50
English language test (approx.)
£150–£200
Priority service (optional)
£500 additional
VisaVault document pack
£499 one-off
Typical processing time
6 months standard; 5 working days with priority service
Frequently asked questions
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