Looking for a PR in the UK? Here’s the True Cost and Ease of Getting ILR

Key Benefit: Once granted ILR, you no longer need to extend your visa or worry about meeting specific visa conditions. You can leave and re-enter the UK freely (with some limitations) and access public funds.

The True Cost of UK Settlement: Breaking Down ILR Expenses

ILR Application Costs

Expense Item	Cost (£)	Notes
Standard application fee	£2,885	6-month processing time
Priority service (optional)	£500	5 working days
Super priority service (optional)	£800	Next working day
Life in the UK test	£50	Mandatory requirement
Test study materials	£20	Recommended preparation
English language certification	£150-£200	If needed (exemptions apply)
Biometric enrolment	£19.20	Required for all applicants
Legal assistance (optional)	£800-£2,000	Depends on complexity of case
Basic ILR subtotal	£3,924.20+	Without priority processing

Total Investment for Permanent Residency

Route	Basic Costs (£)	With All Hidden Costs (£)
3-year visa + extension + ILR route	£11,484.60	£15,094.60+
5-year visa + ILR route	£10,137.40	£13,693.40+

Post-ILR Costs (If Pursuing Citizenship)

Expense Item	Cost (£)
British citizenship application	£1,330
Citizenship ceremony	£80
British passport	£82.50
Additional subtotal	£1,492.50

How Easy Is It to Get ILR in the UK? A Research-Based Assessment

The ease of obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain depends on several factors including your visa category, personal circumstances, and ability to meet the requirements. Our research reveals the following insights:

Key Eligibility Requirements

Continuous residence: Most routes require 5 years of continuous residence, though some skilled worker and investor visas allow for 3-year routes.
Absences: You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months (with some exceptions for certain circumstances).
English language: You must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR level B1 or higher.
Life in the UK test: You must pass this test covering British traditions, customs, and civic life.
Good character: No criminal convictions or immigration violations.
Financial stability: You must demonstrate you can support yourself without recourse to public funds.

Success Rates by Visa Category

Home Office data shows varying success rates for ILR applications across different visa categories:

Visa Category	Approval Rate	Relative Difficulty
Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2)	94-96%	Moderate
Family visas (spouse/partner)	90-93%	Moderate
Investor visa	98%+	Easier (but high financial threshold)
Student to work route	85-88%	More challenging
Ancestry visa	95%+	Relatively straightforward

Factors Making ILR Easier

Continuous employment with the same employer
Higher-income levels
Strong record-keeping of residence and travel
Family ties in the UK
Professional qualifications and skills in demand
Preparation and language proficiency

Common Challenges

Excessive absences from the UK
Employment gaps or frequent job changes
Insufficient documentation
Immigration rule changes during your stay
Criminal convictions (even minor ones)
Previous immigration violations

Expert Tips for a Successful ILR Application

Track your absences meticulously - Keep a detailed log of all travel outside the UK, including boarding passes and travel documents.
Prepare early for the Life in the UK test - Many applicants underestimate the difficulty of this test. Start studying at least 3 months before.
Maintain continuous documentation - Keep all relevant documents organized: P60s, payslips, bank statements, council tax bills, utility bills, etc.
Consider using the 5-year route - While the 3-year accelerated route exists for some visas, the 5-year route often has fewer complications.
Budget appropriately - As our cost breakdown shows, the total expense can be significant. Plan your finances accordingly.
Seek professional advice for complex cases - If you have gaps in residence, previous refusals, or complex circumstances, legal advice is highly recommended.

The ILR Timeline: What to Expect

Most applicants can apply for ILR no more than 28 days before completing their qualifying period (usually 5 years). Standard processing takes up to 6 months, though priority services can reduce this to 5 days or less.

From application submission to receiving your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) typically takes 8-26 weeks for standard processing.

Conclusion: Is UK Permanent Residency Worth It?

While the path to UK settlement represents a significant financial and time investment, the benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain are substantial. ILR provides long-term security, career flexibility, and a stepping stone to full citizenship.

The process is generally straightforward for those who meet the eligibility criteria and maintain proper documentation. Success rates are high among well-prepared applicants, particularly those with stable employment and good immigration history.

The key challenges are usually related to the continuous residence requirement, documentation gaps, and the substantial financial investment required over the 3-5-year qualifying period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the UK after getting ILR?

Yes, but your ILR status may lapse if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years. It's important to maintain your connections to the UK.

How long after ILR can I apply for citizenship?

Most people can apply for British citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR. Spouses of British citizens may apply immediately.

Can ILR be refused or revoked?

Yes, ILR can be refused if you don't meet the requirements, or revoked if you commit serious criminal offenses, fraud was involved in your application, or you stay outside the UK for over 2 years.

Is the 5-year or 3-year route better?

The 5-year route is more common and often more straightforward. The 3-year accelerated route is available for certain visa categories but may have stricter requirements and higher costs.