GovWire

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You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if you have:

• protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection)
• Discretionary Leave
• Section 67 Leave

Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. Its also called settlement. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if youre eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.

Check if youre eligible for indefinite leave to remain.

Family members

Your family members may also be able to apply.

Partners and children in the UK

If theyre already in the UK as your dependant, they can apply to stay in the UK with you if theyre eligible. This includes children born in the UK.

Check if your family member is eligible.

If your application is successful, your family members will usually have permission to stay in the UK for the same length of time as you.

Partners and children outside the UK

Your family members may be able to apply to be reunited with you in the UK if your family was formed before you fled your country.

If you formed your family after you left, they must first apply for a visa to join you in the UK. This also applies if theyre not eligible to apply as your partner or child.

If you care for an adult relative

Your adult dependent relative can apply if all the following are true:

• theyre over 18
• they have a family visa as an adult dependent relative
• you have protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection)

They must apply separately - you cannot include them on your application.

Fees

Theres no fee if you have protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection) or Section 67 Leave. This will also apply to your partner or child.

If you have Discretionary Leave it costs 2,885 for you and each other person you include in your application. Youll each need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - theres no fee for this.

Getting a decision

Youll usually get a decision within 6 months.

If you have Discretionary Leave and you paid to use the super priority service, youll get a decision within 2 working days. Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You cannot use the super priority service if you have protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection) or Section 67 Leave.

Youll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

• if your supporting documents need to be verified
• if you need to attend an interview
• because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If your application is approved

You can do the following:

• work
• run a business
• study
• use public services, such as healthcare and schools
• apply for public funds (benefits) and pensions
• apply for British citizenship, usually after a minimum of 12 months

Travelling outside the UK

You can travel outside the UK using a Home Office travel document.

You can lose your indefinite leave to remain if you:

• travel back to the country you sought asylum from
• stay outside the UK for more than 2 years - you may need to apply before you can return to the UK

If your application for indefinite leave to remain is refused

If you have protection status (permission to stay as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection) or Discretionary Leave, you might still be able to stay in the UK. Your decision letter will explain what youve been offered instead of indefinite leave to remain.

If you have Section 67 leave, you will need to apply for another form of leave (for example, a visa) to stay in the UK.