My Journey to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK: Guide
As I sat down to pen this, the weight of my freshly acquired Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in the UK hadn’t fully sunk in. This journey, from the anticipation-filled visa application days to the triumphant moment of securing ILR, has been nothing short of transformative. Today, I wish to share my personal voyage, sprinkled with insights that might guide many others treading the same path.
The ILR & 180 day Rule
Achieving ILR isn’t just about crossing days off a calendar. It’s about staying informed, being proactive, and meticulously planning every decision that might impact your status. Among the many facets of this journey, the 180-day absence rule was a beacon that I constantly navigated by.Â
This rule mandates that one shouldn’t be outside of the UK for more than 180 days during any 12-month phase within the continuous residency period.
Eligible Visa Types
During my research, understanding which visa types are eligible for ILR became crucial. Please note these list is not comprehensive. There are other factors on each of this VISA routes that are also important to factor in. Please find the brief overview below.
Tier 1 Visas:
- Entrepreneur: A £50,000 investment translates to 3 years of continuous residency, while a £200,000 investment stretches it to 5 years.
- Investor: A £10 million investment requires 2 years, while a £5 million investment dictates 3 years.
Tier 2 (General) Visa: Necessitates 5 years of continuous residency. It’s crucial to note that you can apply for ILR 28 days prior to reaching the 5-year mark. For our calculator’s purposes, please enter the date after completing your 5 years continuous stay period.
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion): Demands 3 years of continuous residency.
Tier 2 (Sportsperson): Also stipulates 3 years of continuous stay.
Family Visas: Standardly requires 5 years of continuous residency.
The Tools that Eased the Way
Embracing technology was my lifeline. Our 180-day absence calculator was indispensable in ensuring I never overstepped the absence boundary. You can even use this tool to track/plan you upcoming leave from UK without breaking the 180 day rule required for the ILR elgibility.
Moreover, the ‘Life in the UK’ test, a seemingly daunting hurdle, now became approachable with the Free Life in the UK Mock test available on our website.
Try these free tools which will definitely ease your way in getting the ILR without much hassles.
I hope my narrative offers both general guidance and inspiration to many others. However, always speak to an immigration advisor or lawyer to discuss your personal situations which could be exceptional.Â
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