ILR Calculator

What Is the ILR Calculator?

IAS’ ILR Calculator helps you quickly and easily calculate your timeline, telling you the earliest possible date you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain based on the information provided. The calculator is completely free to use and does not require a login.

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can be stressful, particularly where absences, visa changes, renewals or timing issues are involved. Our ILR calculator is designed to help you estimate the earliest possible date you may become eligible to apply for settlement under current Home Office rules.

Calculations account for:

• Your date of entry into the UK
• Your visa route
• Absences from the UK
• Visa renewals or route changes
• Whether you plan to apply up to 28 days early

The calculator is designed as a planning tool for individuals on work, family, long residence and private life routes. For expert advice on ILR eligibility, continuous residence, absences, or complex immigration histories, contact IAS today on +44 (0)333 414 9244.

Limitations

Our ILR calculator tool is not an official government tool and has been developed by IAS immigration lawyers using official Home Office guidance and Appendix Continuous Residence.

Results are estimates based on current Immigration Rules and Home Office policy guidance. Immigration rules can change quickly and individual circumstances vary significantly. We therefore recommend obtaining a manual review of your timeline, eligibility, suitability and route compatibility from an expert immigration solicitor before relying on the result.

Certain major immigration rule changes may temporarily affect the calculator’s accuracy. While IAS updates the calculator following significant rule changes, there may occasionally be a short delay between a policy change taking effect and the calculator being updated.

It is always recommended to seek advice before making an Indefinite Leave to Remain application. Often, shortly after a major immigration announcement or Home Office policy update it is more important still, and you should not rely solely on the results of the ILR calculator.

How to Use the ILR Calculator (Step by Step)

The ILR calculator has six main inputs. Here is what each one means and what information you should enter.

Step 1 – Choose Your ILR Route

The first step is selecting the immigration route you intend to use for your ILR application. The calculator covers several visa routes that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain. 

If you have switched visa categories, spent long periods outside the UK, or have a complex immigration history, it is recommended to speak to an IAS immigration adviser before relying on the result.

If you’ve held only one visa

You can select your visa route from the dropdown menu. If you have held only one UK visa and that was the permission you entered the country on, you can tick the box, “entry visa”. If you remain on that visa type, for example a Skilled Worker visa, you can also tick, “current visa” (as below):

If your visa is not shown in the dropdown

If the visa you entered on or your current visa is not listed in the dropdown, you may select “Other”. You should select “Private Life” if you are applying under the Private Life route. 

What counts as ‘other’?

“Other” refers to visa categories that can form part of your continuous lawful residence in the UK. For Long Residence applications, most forms of lawful immigration permission can potentially count towards the 10-year qualifying period.

However, time spent in the UK as a Visitor, on immigration bail, or outside the Immigration Rules will not normally count towards Long Residence. Temporary permissions such as ETAs and standard visitor permission also do not count towards the 10-year route.

Some periods that do not qualify for Long Residence may still be relevant under the Private Life route, depending on your circumstances.

What is the Private Life route?

The Private Life route is designed for individuals who have lived in the UK for a significant period and who face substantial obstacles to integration outside the UK. This route follows different residence and eligibility rules from standard work and family settlement routes.

Entering visa dates

For the highest level of accuracy, you should enter the exact date your visa was granted and the exact date it is due to expire. Checking your e-visa, BRP, passport stamps, or immigration records will provide the most reliable figures. 

What to do if I have renewed (extended) the same visa

If you have renewed the same visa type, or switched between compatible routes (for example, a Skilled Worker visa extension or switched from a Tier 2 visa to a Skilled Worker visa), you can enter it either as one continuous period or as separate entries in the calculator. If you’ve held a combination of grants within the same route, you can count it as the same period, or if unsure, input each separately. 

The results will be different however if you switch the visa category, for example, moving from a Worker visa to a Family visa category. 

What if I switched visas?

Time on a different visa can reset the ILR clock, so it is important to differentiate between the visas you’ve held. Switching to an incompatible route (for example Skilled Worker to Spouse visa) can reset the ILR clock, meaning time spent on the previous route may no longer count toward settlement under that category.

What if I’ve held more than one UK visa?

If you have held more than one visa in the UK, you should include each qualifying visa and the periods you held it for. By qualifying visa, this means visa permission that forms part of your continuous lawful residence in the UK. In most cases, this means you have continuously held valid immigration permission without periods of overstaying or gaps in lawful status.

Correctly Completing the Form for Multiple Visas

If you came to the UK on a Youth Mobility visa, Student visa or High Potential Individual visa, for example and later switched to a Spouse visa, you would complete the form as follows:

What is the Long Residence Route?

Long Residence is based on ten years of continuous lawful residence in the UK under a combination of qualifying visa categories. This route is commonly used by individuals who have switched between visa routes over a long period and whose settlement clock may otherwise have restarted.

The Long Residence route is best used if you have been in the UK for a long time, uninterrupted and your visa durations have been relatively short. The calculator is designed to estimate the earliest potential route to settlement based on the information entered. 

Step 2 – Listing Your Absence Periods

Absences from the UK can affect both your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain and the earliest date you can apply. The ILR calculator uses your travel history to assess whether you meet the continuous residence requirements under current Home Office rules. For many visa routes, this includes the 180-day absence rule, which limits how much time you can spend outside the UK during qualifying periods.

For accuracy, you should include all absences from the UK during your qualifying residence period, including:

• Departure date
• Return date
• Reason for travel

For the highest level of accuracy, refer to passport stamps, travel confirmations, boarding passes or other records where possible rather than estimates.

Fill in the form as accurately as possible, like below:

Step 3 – State When You Plan to Apply for ILR

Select “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether you intend to apply for ILR at the earliest available opportunity.

Under current Home Office rules, many applicants can submit their ILR application up to 28 days before completing their full qualifying residence period. Selecting “Yes” allows the calculator to factor this into your estimated application date.

Step 4 – English Language & Life in the UK Test

You will be asked whether you have passed the English language requirement and the Life in the UK Test.

These are mandatory requirements for most ILR applications unless you are exempt. Selecting “Yes”, “No” or “Unsure” does not normally affect your qualifying date calculation, but helps identify whether you may still need to complete additional requirements before applying for settlement.

In most cases, applicants must:

• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Meet the current English language requirement at B1 CEFR level or above

Some applicants may be exempt from one or both requirements due to age, nationality, or medical circumstances. If you are unsure, IAS can advise you before you apply.

Step 5 – Select Your Age Range

Select the age range that applies to the applicant at the time the ILR application will be submitted.

Age is important because Indefinite Leave to Remain rules can differ for adults and children. Certain requirements, including the English language requirement and Life in the UK Test, may not apply to children or applicants within specific age groups.

Children applying for ILR may also qualify under different rules depending on their visa category, their parents’ immigration status, and how long they have lived in the UK.

Step 6 – Add Any Dependants Included in the Application

Select the number of dependents who may apply for ILR with you, including your partner and/or children. This section helps estimate the wider application timeline and overall settlement planning for your family. Dependents on eligible visa routes can often apply for ILR at the same time as the main applicant, provided they meet the relevant residence and eligibility requirements. For child dependants, eligibility can depend on factors such as:

• The child’s age
• Length of residence in the UK
• Whether both parents are settled or applying together
• The immigration route held by the main applicant

If you are unsure whether your dependents qualify to apply with you, IAS can advise on family settlement eligibility and timing.

When the ILR Clock Resets

Switching to a different visa category can reset the qualifying period for ILR.

For example, if you switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Spouse visa, your ILR timeline will normally reset under the family route. This means your qualifying period will usually restart from the date your first spouse visa was granted.

Even if you previously spent several years on a Skilled Worker visa, that time would not normally count toward ILR under the spouse route.

However, individuals who have spent long periods lawfully living in the UK may instead qualify under the 10-year Long Residence route. This may look something like this:

This may look like:

• Student visa (3 years)
• Graduate visa (2 years)
• Skilled Worker visa (2 years)
• Spouse visa (3 years)

This could potentially allow an ILR application after 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, even though the work and family settlement clocks reset individually.

What Does the ILR Calculator Result Mean?

The ILR calculator result shows the earliest estimated date you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain based on the information you entered.

The calculation takes into account your visa route, qualifying residence period, absences from the UK, visa renewals, and whether you intend to apply within the permitted 28-day early application window.

If the calculator identifies an absence issue, this usually means that one or more rolling 12-month periods during your qualifying residence exceed the permitted 180-day absence limit. This can potentially break continuous residence and affect your ILR eligibility.

The result should be treated as a planning guide only and not as legal confirmation of eligibility. The calculator does not assess suitability requirements such as:

• Criminal convictions
• Immigration breaches
• Good character requirements
• Deception issues
• Unpaid NHS debt
• Complex visa compatibility issues

Once you receive your result, the next step is usually to prepare your supporting documents and confirm your eligibility with an immigration adviser before submitting your application.

Which ILR Route Applies to You?

ILR on the Work Route (Skilled Worker Calculator)

Many work visa categories lead to settlement after five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. This includes routes such as:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• Scale-up Worker visa
• Innovator Founder visa
• UK Ancestry visa
• International Sportsperson visa
• Global Talent visa

For most applicants, the qualifying period is five years, although some Global Talent applicants can qualify after three years depending on their endorsement pathway. Innovator Founder visa holders may also be eligible after 3 years. 

Applicants must usually still meet the relevant salary and sponsorship requirements at the time they apply for ILR. For many Skilled Worker applicants, this currently means meeting salary requirements of at least £41,700 or the applicable going rate for the role, whichever is higher.

Time previously spent on Tier 2 (General) permission can usually be combined with Skilled Worker residence, as these are considered compatible routes for settlement purposes.

ILR on the Family Route (Spouse Visa Calculator)

The family route applies mainly to partners and spouses of British citizens or settled persons. In most cases, applicants become eligible for ILR after completing five years on the spouse or partner route.

Both married couples and unmarried partners in durable relationships can qualify, provided the relationship requirements are met. Switching from a work route to a family route will usually reset the ILR qualifying period. For example, time spent on a Skilled Worker visa would not normally count toward the five-year spouse visa route once the switch has taken place.

Dependants and children may also qualify for settlement alongside the main applicant depending on their immigration history and residence period. If you are on a Dependent visa, you should select Skilled Worker Dependent visa, Health and Care Worker visa or other. Dependent visas are not considered part of the Family visa. 

ILR via Long Residence (10-Year Calculator)

The Long Residence route allows applicants to qualify for ILR after ten years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. This route is particularly useful for individuals who have switched between different visa categories over a long period of time and whose five-year settlement clock may have reset.

Unlike work and family routes, Long Residence can include time spent across multiple visa categories, provided residence has remained lawful and continuous. Periods as a Visitor, on immigration bail, or outside the Immigration Rules will not normally count toward the qualifying period.

Small gaps in lawful status may occasionally be disregarded in limited circumstances under current Home Office guidance, although overstaying and lengthy gaps can still break continuous residence.

ILR via Private Life

The Private Life route is designed for individuals who have lived in the UK for significant periods and who face substantial obstacles to leaving the country. The route follows different residence and eligibility rules from standard work and family settlement routes.

Some applicants may qualify after five or ten years on the Private Life route depending on when permission was granted and the specific route they are on. Certain children and young people may qualify earlier depending on their age and residence history. Applicants with Discretionary Leave to Remain may also qualify for settlement after six years in some circumstances.

What Else Do You Need to Apply for ILR?

Meeting the qualifying residence period is only one part of a successful ILR application. Applicants must also satisfy a number of additional Home Office requirements before settlement can be granted.

Most applicants aged between 18 and 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test before applying. The test must be booked separately and the pass notification should be included with the ILR application.

Applicants must also meet the English language requirement. For most current ILR routes, this means demonstrating English language ability at B1 CEFR level or above through an approved English test, a qualifying degree taught in English, or certain UK academic qualifications.

Suitability requirements are also important. Criminal convictions, immigration breaches, deception issues, unpaid NHS debt, or non-compliance with previous visa conditions can all lead to refusal even where the residence period has been completed.

For work route applicants, salary and sponsorship requirements must usually still be met at the point of application.

Typical supporting documents include:

• Current and previous passports
• BRP or eVisa evidence
• Payslips and employer letters
• Absence evidence and travel history
• Life in the UK Test pass notification
• English language evidence

How Much Does ILR Cost in 2026?

As of 2026, the standard ILR application fee is £3,226 per applicant.

For families applying together, costs can increase significantly. A family of four may pay more than £12,000 in Home Office application fees alone, excluding legal fees or optional priority services. Considering the visa application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge paid before reaching ILR, the overall immigration journey to British citizenship can be extremely expensive.

British citizenship applications also require a separate fee, with a standard adult naturalisation application currently costing £1,709.

You do not need to apply for British citizenship immediately after receiving ILR. However, ILR will usually lapse after more than 2 continuous years outside the UK  British citizenship does not lapse through absence in the same way, which is why many people eventually choose to naturalise once eligible.

Applicants may also need to pay additional charges for:

• UKVCAS biometric appointments
• Priority or super priority processing
• Translation or document certification
• Immigration legal advice

Priority processing services are usually available at additional cost. The priority service aims to provide a decision within 5 working days and costs £500, while the super priority service, where available, costs £1000.

It is important to remember that ILR application fees are generally non-refundable if the application is refused or rejected, making accuracy and preparation extremely important.

ILR Rule Changes 2026

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

The UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed major future reforms to the settlement system, including changes to how long many migrants may need to wait before becoming eligible for ILR. 

One of the main proposals is the introduction of an “Earned Settlement” model, replacing the current automatic five-year settlement pathway for many work visa routes.

Under the proposed model:

• The standard settlement period could increase from five years to ten years
• Faster settlement may be available based on salary, English language ability, and contributions such as volunteering
• Family visa holders with British or settled partners are expected to remain on a five-year route
• English language requirements may increase from B1 to B2 level
• Adult dependants may no longer automatically qualify alongside the main applicant

At present, these proposals are not yet law and the current ILR rules remain in force. Applicants who are already approaching eligibility under the current five-year system may wish to apply as soon as they qualify in order to avoid potential future changes.