UK Visa SponsorsUpdated: ...
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UK Visa SponsorsWork through every requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain and see how close you are to applying. Tick items off as you go — your progress is saved in this browser.
Most routes need 5 years of continuous residence (3 years for Global Talent and Innovator Founder). You can apply up to 28 days before you reach it.
Work out your earliest dateNo more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period across your whole qualifying period.
Check your absencesNo gaps, overstaying or time on the wrong route between visas during the qualifying period.
A 24-question test you must pass before applying. Keep the unique reference number from your pass notification.
Book the test on GOV.UKUsually at least CEFR level B1 in speaking and listening, unless you are exempt (for example a degree taught in English, or a national of a majority English-speaking country).
Check the level for your routeYour employer must still hold a valid sponsor licence and confirm you are in the same job, or an eligible new one on the same route.
Your pay must meet both the going rate for your occupation code and the minimum salary floor that applies at settlement.
Check the going rateConfirming your role, salary and that they still need you in the job. It is usually dated within the last three months.
A valid passport, plus any older passports that cover your time in the UK so your travel history lines up.
Your eVisa (UKVI account) or biometric residence permit. Set up your UKVI account now if you have not already.
Usually six months of payslips with bank statements that match, showing the salary your sponsor reported.
Your Life in the UK pass notification and your English qualification, or evidence that you are exempt.
The dates of every trip outside the UK during the qualifying period. Our absence calculator can export this as a CSV.
Build your travel recordNo unspent criminal convictions and no serious or recent immigration breaches. Minor matters may still need to be declared.
Partners and children settling at the same time usually need their own application, documents and fee.
Set aside the ILR application fee plus the cost of enrolling your biometrics. A same-day priority service costs extra.
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Tick each requirement once you have it sorted. This is a preparation aid, not an eligibility decision.
Not sure about your dates?
ILR 180-Day Absence Calculator
Find your earliest application date and check your absences
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called settlement, lets you live and work in the UK without time limits. Most people apply after five years on a qualifying route. Beyond simply completing the time, you need to prove continuous residence, pass the Life in the UK Test, meet the English language requirement, and gather the right documents. This checklist pulls those requirements together so nothing is missed before you pay the fee and submit.
