Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent residency, is a type of immigration status granted to people who have been residing in the UK for a specified period and want to stay in the country without any restrictions on their stay. ILR is often seen as a step toward full British citizenship, as it grants individuals many of the same rights, including the ability to work, study, and access healthcare, without the need for regular visa renewals or further immigration controls.

ILR is usually awarded to those who have been residing in the UK for a reasonable period under a qualifying visa or immigration route, such as a work visa, family visa, or humanitarian protection status. It gives the individual the right to remain in the UK without any time limits, but subject to certain conditions.

Qualification for ILR

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, applicants must have met several eligibility criteria, such as:

1. Residency Requirements: Generally, one must have lived in the UK for a continuous period of at least 5 years. The period, however, varies on the visa route under which one entered the UK.

   2. Absences from the UK: The applicants should not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any one 12-month period within the 5 years prior to making an application. Prolonged absences would affect the application but there are exemptions, such as for people abroad for work purposes.

3. English Language Knowledge: Candidates must have good knowledge of the English language. This can normally be demonstrated by passing an approved English language test or by having a degree taught in English.
4. Life in the UK Test: They should pass the test of Life in the UK based on the knowledge about British history, culture, and society. There are 24 multiple-choice questions, and a person needs to have at least 75%.
5. Character Requirement: Applicants must be free from criminal offenses and adhere to the laws of the UK. Severe criminal offenses may cause denial of the ILR application.
6. Continuous Legal Stay: The applicant should have been in the UK with proper immigration status throughout the qualifying period. Any gap in the applicant’s legal stay or overstay of a visa may bar him from acquiring ILR.

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