Is ILR still 5 years old?
Asked by: Skylar Paucek | Last update: June 27, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (33 votes)
As of May 2026, the standard route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is transitioning from 5 years to a 10-year baseline as part of a new "earned settlement" model. While some routes still allow for 3–5 years for high earners or specific visas, most migrants will face longer, merit-based, or contribution-based timelines rather than automatic 5-year settlement.
Is ILR now 10 years or 5 years?
Under the new earned settlement framework:
The baseline qualifying period for ILR has increased to 10 years for most migrants. The flexible 10-year long residence route has been abolished, removing the option to aggregate time across mixed visa categories for those without a direct 5-year (now extended) pathway.
What are the new rules for indefinite leave to remain in 2026?
From April 2026, the UK government is implementing major changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), transitioning to an "earned settlement" model that generally extends the standard qualifying period from 5 to 10 years. Key reforms include abolishing the 10-year long residence route, introducing stricter, contribution-based criteria (higher income/English levels), and shifting to a phased rollout.
Does ILR ever expire?
Although ILR status does not expire on its own, there are instances in which your status can be lost or revoked. It is important to understand the regulations in place to avoid losing your Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK so you can continue to live freely.
Can a child apply for ILR after 5 years?
Children and young adults
Otherwise you can apply for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of your private life if all of the following are true: you arrived in the UK as a child. you've lived in the UK for 5 continuous years on a relevant visa. you got your most recent visa on the basis of your private life.
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How long is the ILR waiting time for 2026?
The ILR processing time UK experience in 2026 is running longer than in previous years. Applications that would typically be decided in 2 to 3 months are taking 5 to 6 months or more across several categories. ECAA applications and certain Skilled Worker categories are specifically affected.
Which is better, settled status or ILR?
Those with Settled Status generally have greater flexibility when it comes to long absences, but it's still essential to keep accurate records of travel. ILR holders must be particularly careful, as an absence of more than two years can result in status being lost.
What is the new ILR proposal?
The UK government proposed major reforms in late 2025 (expected to take shape from April 2026) to introduce an "Earned Settlement" model, which generally increases the standard Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period from 5 to 10 years. These changes are designed to restrict settlement routes, requiring applicants to meet stricter contribution criteria, including high-level English, employment, and high earnings.
Will indefinite leave to remain be removed?
On 22 September 2025, the Reform UK Party announced its immigration plan. According to Nigel Farage, Reform will abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain status if elected, with the knock-on effect of saving the UK 234 billion over several decades.
How much is indefinite leave to remain in 2026?
The government has published the new immigration and nationality fees which will come into effect from 8 April 2026. There are increases across the board, with most fees increasing by 6 or 7%. The application fee for indefinite leave to remain is going up by £197, from £3,029 to £3,226.
How long after ILR can you get citizenship?
You can usually apply for citizenship 12 months after you get indefinite leave to remain (or 'indefinite leave to enter') unless you're married to a British citizen. If you don't have either of those, you can check if you're eligible for indefinite leave to remain on GOV.UK.
Can I lose my Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK?
Despite its name, Indefinite Leave to Remain or 'permanent residence' can be lost by staying outside the UK for two years or more. It is possible to lose ILR in other ways, such as when ILR is revoked or following deportation from the UK.
What happens to PR after 5 years?
Does your Australian PR expire after 5 years? Short answer: 👉 Your permanent residency does NOT expire if you stay in Australia. What actually expires is your travel facility. If you plan to travel overseas after 5 years, you'll need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia.
What happens if I don't apply for ILR after 5 years?
What happens if you do not apply for ILR after five years on a UK Spouse Visa? If your Family Visa is due to expire and you have been in the UK for nearly five years but do not want to apply for ILR, you can either switch to a different visa or leave the UK.
Who is eligible for ILR 5 year route?
Eligibility for ILR after five years usually requires you to hold Skilled Worker visas and to live continuously and lawfully in the UK. This is defined as you: having continuously held Skilled Worker visas in the UK, which may be across multiple jobs and/or employers, and across any number of Skilled Worker visas; and.
Is my child British if I have indefinite leave to remain?
From the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme in August 2018 to 30 June 2021, a child born in the UK to an EEA national parent will also be British if the parent had indefinite leave to remain (including settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme).
Is ILR increasing to 10 years?
The Home Office is planning major changes to eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The standard baseline for qualifying for ILR will be increased from five years to ten, and the mandatory criteria for qualifying for ILR will be significantly tightened.
Why is ILR taking so long?
Home Office processing delays in priority or super-priority service timeframes may be due to reasons such as: Additional identity checking. The Home Office decide an ILR interview is necessary. The Home Office decides additional information is required.
What is the fastest way to get ILR in the UK?
Applying for a faster decision. You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement ('indefinite leave to remain') application. Using the 'priority service' means you'll usually get a decision within 5 working days, or 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK.
What are the disadvantages of ILR?
Limitations of ILR
No voting rights in UK national elections. Limited access to certain benefits. Less security than citizenship: Although indefinite leave provides more security than limited leave to remain, it does not offer the same protection as British citizenship.
Is ILR equal to British citizenship?
Those who have been granted ILR no longer have any time limit on their rights to reside and work in the UK, and there is no requirement that they must apply for British citizenship. As ILR would be lost after living outside the UK for two years, however, some decide to apply to Naturalise as a British citizen.
Does ILR have to be renewed?
While Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) does not expire at the end of a given period in the way that a visa does, you may need to replace your Biometric Residence Card with an eVisa or re-apply for ILR if you lose it because you have been away.
What is the foreseeable future in ILR?
The term “foreseeable future” is not defined precisely in the Rules, but in practice it means a reasonable and genuine expectation that the employment will continue beyond the immediate or short term, typically, for at least several months, and with no known end date at the time of the application.