Indefinite Leave to Remain – The Mackenzie Friends

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Your Path to Permanent Settlement

Expert guidance for individuals and families applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain — ensuring your settlement application is accurate, complete, and stress-free.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — Settle in the UK Permanently

Take the final step in your UK immigration journey with confidence. At The McKenzie Friend, we provide expert guidance to help individuals and families secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — ensuring your application is complete, compliant, and stress-free.

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom without immigration restrictions. It’s a key milestone for many people who have built their lives in the UK — a path to stability, freedom, and eventually British citizenship.

Our service ensures that your application meets Home Office requirements, avoiding common errors and delays. We help you prepare your documents, complete the online form, and submit a strong case for approval.

Who Can Apply for ILR?

You may be eligible for ILR if you have lived lawfully in the UK for a specific period under one of the following visa categories:

Spouse or partner visa (after 5 years of residence)
Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visa (after 5 years)
Ancestry visa (after 5 years)
Private life route (after 10 years)
Refugee or humanitarian protection (after 5 years)
Long residence route — continuous lawful stay for 10 years or more

We carefully review your visa history, absences, and documents to ensure you meet all the eligibility rules before submitting your ILR application.

Step-by-Step Support

Our ILR assistance is designed to take the stress out of the process. We provide clear, structured support at every stage:

Eligibility Assessment: We confirm whether you qualify and identify the correct ILR route.
Document Review: We provide a detailed checklist and review your evidence for accuracy and completeness.
Form Completion: We guide you through the online application (SET(M), SET(O), or other forms).
Life in the UK & English Tests: We help you prepare for and meet the mandatory test requirements.
Submission & Follow-Up: We assist with uploading your evidence, paying the fee, and tracking the decision.

Documents You’ll Need

Current and previous passports
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Proof of lawful residence (payslips, tenancy, council tax, etc.)
Life in the UK Test certificate
English language qualification (if required)
Relationship or employment evidence (depending on visa route)

Processing Times & Home Office Fees

Most ILR applications are processed within 3 to 6 months, though premium “Super Priority” services are available for faster decisions. The standard Home Office fee (as of 2025) is £2,885 per applicant.

Why Choose The McKenzie Friend?

Affordable fixed-fee support — no hourly rates or hidden costs
Step-by-step guidance from eligibility to approval
Document review and correction before submission
Professional presentation of your application
Support available online and nationwide

“The McKenzie Friend made my ILR process so easy. They checked everything for me, explained every part of the form, and made sure my case was presented perfectly. I got my approval in 4 weeks!”

— N. Ahmed, Manchester

After ILR — Your Next Steps

Once your ILR is granted, you’ll have the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely. You may later apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen). We can assist with your citizenship application when the time comes.

Start Your ILR Application Today

Take the final step toward permanent settlement in the UK. Book a free consultation and let our experienced McKenzie Friends help you prepare your ILR case with clarity, accuracy, and care.

Book a Free Consultation

The McKenzie Friend provides professional document preparation and guidance for ILR applications. We can also refer clients to OISC-regulated advisers if formal representation or legal advice is required.

Contact

We offer a free 30‑minute consultation to understand your case and recommend next steps.

Office

155 Maybury Road, Woking, Surrey, GU215JR

Contact

info@mckenziefriend.net

Open Hours

Monday-Sunday 9 am - 8 pm

Frequently Asked Questions — Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Below are some of the most common questions people ask when preparing for their Indefinite Leave to Remain application. These answers provide general guidance to help you understand the process and what to expect.

How long do I need to live in the UK before applying?

Most ILR applicants qualify after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK under an eligible visa route. Some may qualify sooner (e.g. 2 years for certain settlement visas) or later (10 years under long residence). We’ll confirm your exact qualifying date before submission.

Can I apply if I’ve been out of the UK for holidays or work?

Yes, but there are strict rules. You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying period. We help you calculate your absences to ensure compliance.

Do I need to pass the Life in the UK Test?

Yes — this is a mandatory test for most ILR applicants, proving your knowledge of British culture, history, and values. We’ll help you prepare with trusted resources and official materials.

What happens if my visa expires while waiting for a decision?

Once you’ve submitted your ILR application before your visa expiry date, your lawful status continues automatically under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 until a decision is made.

Can my dependants apply with me?

Yes. Spouses, civil partners, and children can usually apply as your dependants if they meet the residence and visa requirements. Each applicant must submit a separate form and pay the corresponding fee.

Will ILR be revoked if I leave the UK?

If you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years continuously, your ILR status may lapse. However, you can often apply for a Returning Resident Visa to restore your settlement rights.

What if my ILR application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may have the right to an Administrative Review or to reapply with corrected information. We can help identify what went wrong and prepare a stronger case for resubmission.

Can I apply for citizenship after ILR?

Yes — after holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation (immediately if you’re married to a British citizen). We can assist with your citizenship application too.

Still Have Questions?

Our team offers one-to-one ILR guidance and full application support. Book a free consultation to discuss your situation and ensure your settlement application is handled with care.