Service
Settlement and indefinite leave to remain
Advice on qualifying for indefinite leave to remain, including continuous residence, absences and the Life in the UK requirement.
Settlement is the point at which your right to live in the UK stops depending on a time-limited visa. The qualifying period and conditions vary by route, and the detail matters more here than almost anywhere else.
Most difficulties come down to continuous residence: an absence that ran long, a gap between visas, or time on a route that does not count.
Continuous residence and absences
Most settlement routes limit how long you can spend outside the UK during the qualifying period, both in any twelve-month window and in total.
Work out your absences early, from your own records rather than from memory. If they exceed the limit, there may be options, but they need identifying well before you apply.
The Life in the UK test
Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK test and meet an English language requirement, subject to limited exemptions. Both should be completed before the application is submitted, not alongside it.
Time on more than one route
Combining time across routes is possible in some circumstances and not in others. If your leave has changed category, bring the full history to the first consultation so we can map it properly.
Common questions
Questions we are asked most often
General information only. Advice on your circumstances needs a proper look at your case.
When can I apply for settlement?
The qualifying period depends on your route and is usually five years, though some routes differ. We will calculate your earliest eligibility date from your actual immigration history.
What happens if I have exceeded the absence limits?
That depends on the reason for the absences and the route you are on. Some absences may be disregarded in defined circumstances. It is worth taking advice before assuming the position is lost.
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Talk it through with an adviser
A first consultation gives you a clear view of the routes open to you and what each one would involve. You are under no obligation to go further.