ILR Calculator UK 2026 — Check Your Eligibility Date
Use our free ILR eligibility calculator to find out exactly when you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Enter your visa type and UK entry date to get your qualifying date, 180-day absence check, and full cost breakdown instantly.
- Your earliest ILR eligibility date based on your visa route
- The qualifying period that applies to your route
- Total cost estimate including the ILR fee, biometric enrolment, and test fees
- B1 English and Life in the UK test cost included where required
⚠️ 2026 Earned Settlement Update
The UK government has announced plans to extend the ILR qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years under a new "Earned Settlement" policy. As of May 2026 this has not yet passed into law. If you are currently in your qualifying period, apply as soon as you are eligible under existing rules. Read more →
EU citizen with Settled Status? You do not need to apply for ILR. Settled Status is the equivalent — and it was free. Use our citizenship planner to find your citizenship eligibility date instead.
ILR Eligibility & Cost Calculator
Enter your details to find out when you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and get an estimated breakdown of the total cost.
Number of applicants
Tests already completed
Enter your UK entry date above to see your ILR eligibility date and cost estimate.
Also check your 180-day absences
Enter your travel history to see if any trips breach the limit
What is ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain gives you a permanent right to live and work in the UK with no time limit on your stay. It is sometimes called settlement. ILR is different from British citizenship — you do not get a British passport, and ILR can lapse if you spend too long outside the UK.
For most visa routes, you must hold ILR for at least 12 months before you can apply for British citizenship. Getting ILR is the step between a time-limited visa and becoming a British citizen.
ILR qualifying periods by visa route
The number of years you must live in the UK before applying for ILR depends on your visa type:
| Visa route | Qualifying period |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker / Tier 2 | 5 years |
| Family visa (spouse of British citizen) | 5 years |
| UK Ancestry | 5 years |
| Health & Care Worker | 5 years |
| Global Talent | 3 years |
| Innovator Founder | 3 years |
| Long Residence | 10 years |
The 180-day absence rule explained
During your qualifying period, you must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any single rolling 12-month window. This is not a calendar year — it means any consecutive 365-day period is checked.
Short trips add up quickly. Business travel, family visits, and holidays all count. A single long trip or several short ones can breach this rule. Use our 180-day absence calculator to check every rolling window in your travel history.
Example
If you left the UK on 1 January 2024 and returned on 1 July 2024, that is 181 days outside the UK in that window — a breach of the rule, even if all other periods were fine.
What the ILR application costs in 2026
| ILR application fee | £3,226 per person (from 8 April 2026) |
| Biometric enrolment (UKVCAS) | £19.20 per person |
| Life in the UK test | £50 per adult (if not already passed) |
| B1 English test | £150–£215 (Skilled Worker exempt) |
| Priority processing | Additional fee — check GOV.UK |
The ILR fee is not refunded if your application is refused. Use our ILR refusal risk checker before you apply.
ILR processing times 2026
Standard ILR processing currently takes around 6 months. You can pay for faster processing:
- Standard: around 6 months
- Priority: around 5 working days (additional fee applies)
- Super Priority: next working day decision (additional fee applies)
Processing times vary. Always check the GOV.UK processing times page before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 Earned Settlement change?
The UK government has announced plans to extend most ILR qualifying periods from 5 years to 10 years under a new "Earned Settlement" policy. As of May 2026 this has not yet passed into law. If you qualify under the current 5-year rules, apply as soon as you are eligible — do not wait.
How many years do I need to live in the UK before applying for ILR?
Most visa routes require 5 years of continuous residence. Global Talent and Innovator Founder holders qualify after 3 years. Long Residence applicants need 10 years of continuous lawful residence.
Can I apply for ILR early?
You can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before your qualifying date is complete. UKVI will not process applications submitted more than 28 days early.
What is the 180-day rule for ILR?
You must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying period. This applies to every possible 12-month window, not just the calendar year.
Is the ILR fee refunded if my application is refused?
No. The £3,226 ILR fee is not refunded if your application is refused. You must pay the full fee again if you reapply.
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test before applying for ILR?
Yes, most adult ILR applicants must have passed the Life in the UK test before submitting their application. Some exemptions apply — use our exemption checker to see if you qualify.
What happens to my ILR if I leave the UK for a long time?
ILR lapses if you spend 2 or more continuous years outside the UK. British citizenship does not lapse in the same way — which is one reason many people apply for citizenship as soon as they are eligible after getting ILR.
How long does ILR take to process in 2026?
Standard processing takes around 6 months. Priority processing takes around 5 working days. Super Priority gives a next-day decision. All options carry additional fees beyond the standard £3,226 application fee.
Related tools and guides
Last reviewed: May 2026 — based on GOV.UK guidance. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules before applying.