Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Indefinite Leave to Remain is the United Kingdom's form of permanent residency, granting a foreign national the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions. ILR is typically available after five years of lawful residence under most visa categories, though some routes require shorter or longer qualifying periods. Holders of ILR can apply for British citizenship after holding the status for twelve months. ILR can be lost if the holder spends more than two consecutive years outside the United Kingdom.