What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, is a status that allows individuals to reside, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. Achieving ILR provides the right to live in the UK permanently, with the ability to apply for British citizenship. It also allows for eligibility to apply for public benefits. If you are a Turkish Worker or Businessperson, your family members, such as your partner or children, can also apply for ILR if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Fees and Decision Timeframe for ILR Applications

• The fee for each applicant seeking ILR is £2,885, which includes the collection of biometric information such as fingerprints and photographs. If your partner is extending their visa, their application fee is £1,048, and they will need to pay the healthcare surcharge. Typically, you will receive a decision within six months. However, the processing time may extend if additional verification of documents is required, if an interview is needed, or due to personal circumstances like a criminal record. During the application process, it is crucial not to travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man as doing so will result in the withdrawal of your application.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for ILR?

• To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, you must meet several requirements. You need to have a strong command of the English language and pass the Life in the UK test. Additionally, you must have resided and worked in the UK for the last five years without relying on public funds and should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during these five years. If you hold a Turkish Businessperson visa, you must continue to operate your business.

Required Documentation for ILR Application

• Applicants must provide a current passport or another valid travel identification. If your current passport does not show that you have lived legally in the UK for the past five years, you must provide previous passports as proof. Additionally, you will need to present the unique reference code that proves you passed the English language requirement.

Specific Requirements for Turkish Businesspersons

• If you are applying as a Turkish Businessperson, you must demonstrate that you are actively managing a business. This can be shown through invoices, business bank statements, proof of National Insurance contributions if applicable, advertising materials, and evidence of renting or owning business premises.

Can Your Family Members Apply for ILR?

• Your family members, including your partner and children, can apply for ILR if they meet specific criteria. Your partner must have been granted leave as your dependent and must have lived in the UK with you continuously for five years. They also need to meet the language and Life in the UK test requirements.

Necessary Documents for Family Members

• Each family member must submit a current passport or other valid travel identification and two passport-sized colour photographs. Proof of your relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, and evidence that they will live with you permanently, such as letters from your child’s school or doctor, are also required. If you are the sole parent, you need to provide proof of sole responsibility for children under 21 through written permission or relevant legal documents.

• Your children can apply for ILR if they have been granted leave as your dependents and apply simultaneously with both parents or if both parents are already settled. They must not be married, in a civil partnership, have formed an independent family unit, or be leading an independent life. If they are 18 or older, they must meet the language and Life in the UK test requirements.
• In some cases, your child may also be eligible if you are their only living parent, if you have sole responsibility for them, if there are compelling reasons to allow them to stay in the UK, or if their other parent is legally in the UK. If you already hold ILR, your child may still apply if their other parent is extending a Turkish visa.

• Once your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain is approved, you gain several rights and privileges. You can work, run a business, study, and use public services such as healthcare and schools. Additionally, you can apply for public funds (benefits) and pensions. After holding ILR for a minimum of 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.