NAM
NAM Solicitors
Your Legal Partner
We advise on all ILR applications — through work, family, long residence and other qualifying routes. We carry out a precise eligibility assessment before advising you to apply, checking your continuous residence, absences, salary history and good character position.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also called settlement — grants you the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions. Once granted, it is held for life (subject to certain absence rules). Eligibility depends on your visa category, period of continuous residence, absence record, English language and Life in the UK test compliance.
We do not guarantee the outcome of any ILR application.
Most Skilled Worker visa holders become eligible for ILR after 5 years of continuous lawful residence, subject to meeting the salary threshold at the time of the ILR application, continuous employment with a licensed sponsor and an absence record not exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period. From April 2026, the minimum salary for Skilled Worker ILR is £38,700 (or the going rate, if higher).
We check your 5-year residence, absences, salary compliance, CoS history and sponsor status before advising you to apply. We also advise if you need an extension first.
For those on the Health and Care Worker route. We advise on the salary requirements and any specific documentation required for your role.
Available after 3 or 5 years on the Global Talent route depending on your endorsement category and track record.
If you have changed employer, role or salary during your qualifying period, we advise on whether this affects your ILR eligibility before you apply.
Those on a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or fiancé(e) visa may apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous leave under the family route, subject to the relationship, financial and English language requirements continuing to be met. The correct application form depends on whether you are applying as a partner or a child.
We check the 5-year qualifying period, your financial position, English language compliance and relationship evidence before advising you to apply.
Where your British or settled partner has died during the qualifying period, different requirements apply. We advise on the specific evidence required.
Those whose relationship has broken down because of domestic violence may be able to apply for ILR outside the normal 5-year route under the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession.
Advice on ILR applications for dependent children included on a parent's application or making a separate application in their own right.
Those with 10 continuous years of lawful residence in the UK may apply for ILR under the long residence route regardless of their visa category. Absences must not exceed 540 days in the qualifying period (with no more than 180 days in any 12-month period). We calculate your qualifying period carefully, including any gaps in leave and periods of unlawful residence.
We calculate your qualifying period precisely, check your absence record and advise on any gaps or issues before you make the application.
For those who cannot meet the 10-year ILR requirements but who have spent 20 continuous years in the UK — or who have compelling circumstances under Article 8 ECHR.
Written quote provided before work begins. The HO ILR fee of £3,226 is payable to the Home Office and is non-refundable on refusal.
The current Home Office ILR application fee is £3,226 (updated 8 April 2026). This is payable directly to the Home Office and is separate from our professional charges. The fee is generally non-refundable if your application is refused.
Contact us to discuss your eligibility and settlement application.