Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)
For people who have completed the qualifying period on an eligible route and want to settle permanently in the UK.
The Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) is a UK settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£3,029 per person) and processing time (~8 weeks (priority options available)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) is for
For people who have completed the qualifying period on an eligible route and want to settle permanently in the UK.
Is permanent residence; opens the path to naturalisation as a British citizen.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) - eligibility criteria
- Completed the qualifying period (usually 5 years) on an eligible route
- Continuous residence within the absence limits
- Passed the Life in the UK Test
- Met the English language requirement (B1 or higher)
- No serious immigration or criminal breaches
Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) (United Kingdom) is ~£3,029 per person, with an indicative processing time of ~8 weeks (priority options available). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Indefinite (permanent) |
| Work rights | Work freely with no restrictions |
| Study rights | Study freely |
| Government fee | ~£3,029 per person |
| Processing time | ~8 weeks (priority options available) |
| Route to PR | Is permanent residence; opens the path to naturalisation as a British citizen. |
Pathway & next steps
Is permanent residence; opens the path to naturalisation as a British citizen.
Many applicants also compare Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker visa, Family Partner · Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM), Citizenship · Naturalisation as a British citizen. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) pitfalls we fix
Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) cost?
The Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) government fee is ~£3,029 per person. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~8 weeks (priority options available). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) lead to permanent residence?
Is permanent residence; opens the path to naturalisation as a British citizen.
Can I work on the Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)?
Work rights: Work freely with no restrictions.
Who can apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)?
For people who have completed the qualifying period on an eligible route and want to settle permanently in the UK.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority