Have you been living in the UK for five years and wondering what comes next? Are you ready to settle down as well as enjoy the benefits of living here permanently? If so, applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) could be your next step.

ILR gives you the right to stay in the UK without time limits. However, the application process can seem complicated and overwhelming if you are doing it for the first time. The good news is that you do not have to go through it alone. 

In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about applying for ILR after living in the UK for five years. You will learn about the steps you need to follow, the documents you need to collect and how to avoid common mistakes. We will also show you why working with an experienced immigration lawyer in the UK can make a big difference. So let’s get started and make your ILR application easy to understand!

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

ILR is a permanent status that generally allows you to live and work in the UK without restrictions. In fact, It also gives you access to benefits as well as services. However, most people apply for ILR after living in the UK for five years on a visa such as a Skilled Worker Visa, Spouse Visa or other eligible routes.

Who Can Apply for ILR After 5 Years?

You can apply for ILR if:

• You have lived in the UK continuously for five years on an eligible visa.

• You fulfil the financial criteria for your visa type.

• You have passed a very important test known as the Life in the UK Test.

• You meet the English language requirements.

However, if you are unsure about your eligibility a UK immigration lawyer can help assess your situation.

Steps to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

If you are ready to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, it is very important to follow the steps carefully. Below we will explain each step in detail to make the process easier to understand:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying always confirm that you meet all of the requirements. It includes checking your visa type, financial documents as well as proof of continuous residence in the UK.

2. Gather Your Documents

You will need several documents, such as:

• Passport and current visa

• Proof of address for the last five years

• Employment or financial records

• Life in the UK Test certificate

3. Complete the Application Form

The ILR application is submitted online. You need to always fill in all the required details and then upload the necessary documents.

4. Pay the Fee

The ILR application fee is £2,885 (as of 2025). You need to make sure you have the funds ready when applying.

5. Book a Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application you will need to attend a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo.

6. Wait for a Decision

The Home Office will review your application as well as documents. However, processing times can vary, but it usually takes a few months.

Common Challenges When Applying for ILR

• Missing documents

• Failing the Life in the UK Test

• Errors on the application form

These issues can easily delay or even lead to a rejected application. To avoid problems, it is a good idea to work with indefinite leave to remain lawyers who have experience handling ILR cases.

Why Should You Work With an Immigration Lawyer?

ILR can feel like a big and complicated task. There are many steps to follow and it is easy to make mistakes if you are not sure what to do. This is where an immigration lawyer in the UK can help. Here’s how they can help:

1. They Check Your Eligibility

One of the first things an immigration lawyer will do is check if you are eligible to apply for ILR. This step is very important because applying when you don’t meet the requirements could lead to your application being rejected.

2. They Help You Collect the Right Documents

One of the trickiest parts of the ILR application is gathering all the documents you need. Missing or incorrect documents can cause delays or even lead to a refusal.

3. They Guide You Through the Application Form

The ILR application form can be long as well as detailed, with many questions that need accurate answers. An immigration lawyer will explain each part of the form in simple terms. This makes the process much smoother and gives you peace of mind that everything has been done correctly.

Get Expert Help With Your ILR Application

At Intime Immigration Solicitors, we understand that applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain can feel overwhelming. That’s why we aim to ensure the process is smooth as well as stress-free for you. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers has helped countless individuals and families successfully apply for ILR and we are ready to do the same for you.

Contact us today for expert advice as well as support and make your ILR application simple, stress-free and successful!