- Info@hermeslegal.co.uk
- +44 (0) 333 240 7989
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of permanent residency in the UK. It allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions—and is the final step before applying for British citizenship. For many, ILR marks the end of a long immigration journey and the beginning of true stability.
ILR is available to individuals who have lawfully lived in the UK for a specific period, typically 5 years, although some routes allow earlier settlement (e.g., Global Talent or Innovator visas). Applicants must also demonstrate integration into UK life and continued compliance with immigration rules.
Key eligibility criteria include:
Length of Lawful Residence – Usually 5 continuous years under eligible visa routes (e.g. Spouse, Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, Ancestry).
Absence Limits – You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying stay.
Knowledge of Language & Life in the UK – You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement.
Good Character Requirement – No serious criminal convictions or breaches of immigration law.
ILR grants you the right to stay in the UK permanently and access public benefits (if eligible). However, if you spend more than 2 years outside the UK, your ILR may lapse.
At Hermes Legal, we understand how important ILR is to you and your family. We provide expert support to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and supported by strong evidence—maximising your chances of success.
We offer a full range of UK immigration services designed to support individuals, families, and businesses. From visa applications to appeals and asylum, our legal experts provide clear, strategic advice to help you navigate every stage of the immigration process with confidence.
We offer legal assistance for asylum seekers, overstayers, and those making fresh or long-residence claims, protecting your rights under UK immigration law.
We provide expert support for spouse, fiancé, child, and partner visas, as well as guidance on securing indefinite leave to remain and UK citizenship.
We support professionals and businesses with UK work visas, including skilled worker, innovator, start-up, and expansion visas, ensuring smooth, compliant entry.
We help challenge visa refusals through judicial reviews, and appeals, ensuring your case is heard with strong legal representation.
We assist travelers with UK visit visa applications and Electronic Travel Authorizations, including tourist visas, family visits, and business travel permits, ensuring seamless, compliant entry.
We help challenge visa refusals through judicial reviews, and appeals, ensuring your case is heard with strong legal representation.
If you’re considering a human rights claim or facing removal from the UK, it’s natural to have questions. We’ve compiled answers to the most common concerns to help you better understand your rights, the legal process, and how Hermes Legal can support your case with clarity and care.
Overstaying means remaining in the UK after your visa or leave to remain has expired, without renewing or switching to a new status.
Yes, in some cases. You may be eligible to make a human rights claim, long residence application, or fresh claim depending on your situation.
You must have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years to apply under this route, even if some or all of that time was without status.
Yes, it can impact future applications, but strong legal representation can help you explain and overcome this in many cases.
Having a British or long-resident child may strengthen your case under Article 8 (family and private life). We can advise based on your full circumstances.
Hermes Legal is a trusted UK-based immigration services firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex immigration processes with confidence.
© Copyright 2025. Hermes Legal Immigration Services. Marketing & Branding by AkbarMedia
