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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s permanent residence status, allowing foreign nationals to live and work in the UK without time restrictions.?For most overseas professionals, ILR is the long-term goal after holding a UK work visa. However, the time required to qualify for ILR depends on the type of work visa, length of lawful residence, and compliance with immigration rules.
This article explains how long it takes to get ILR after different UK work visas, which visas count toward settlement, and the key conditions applicants must meet.
What Is ILR?
ILR grants permanent residence in the UK and is issued by the UK Home Office.
With ILR, you can:
• Live and work in the UK without visa restrictions
• Change employers freely
• Access public benefits (if eligible)
• Apply for British citizenship after meeting residence requirements
Standard ILR Timeline After UK Work Visas
Skilled Worker Visa
ILR after 5 years
• Most Skilled Worker visa holders qualify after 5 continuous years
• Time can include eligible previous work visas (e.g. Tier 2 General)
• Employment must remain sponsored throughout the qualifying period
Health and Care Worker Visa
ILR after 5 years
• Follows the same settlement rules as the Skilled Worker route
• Must remain employed in an eligible health or care role
Global Talent Visa
ILR after 3 or 5 years
• 3 years for certain endorsement routes
• 5 years for others, depending on the endorsing body
This is one of the fastest ILR pathways in the UK.
Innovator Founder Visa
ILR after 3 years
Applicants may qualify if they:
• Meet business performance requirements
• Demonstrate innovation, growth, or job creation
Scale-up Worker Visa
ILR after 5 years
• Initial sponsored period followed by unsponsored employment
• Must meet earnings and continuity requirements
Visas That Do Not Lead Directly to ILR
Time spent on the following visas does not count toward ILR:
• Graduate Route visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme
• Visitor visas
• Short-term or temporary work routes
However, holders may later switch to an ILR-eligible work visa.
Continuous Residence Requirement
To qualify for ILR, you must meet the continuous residence rule:
• No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
• Absences must be lawful and properly recorded
• Excessive absences can reset your ILR clock
Other Key ILR Requirements
In addition to meeting the time requirement, applicants must:
• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Meet the English language requirement
• Continue in qualifying employment (if required)
• Have a clean immigration and criminal record
When Can You Apply for ILR?
Most applicants can submit an ILR application:
• Up to 28 days before completing the required qualifying period
Applying earlier than this may result in refusal.
Key Takeaway
For most UK work visa holders, ILR is available after 5 years of lawful and continuous residence.?Some visas, such as Global Talent and Innovator Founder, offer faster routes in as little as 3 years.?Maintaining compliance with visa conditions and residence rules is essential to securing ILR without delays.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.?UK immigration rules may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult official UK government guidance before applying for ILR.
December 23, 2025
