Settlement & Permanent Residence

Settlement — often referred to as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — is the immigration status that allows you to live, work and study in the United Kingdom without time restrictions. It is a significant milestone for many migrants, marking a transition from temporary visa status to long-term residence and forming the pathway to British citizenship for eligible applicants.

At Mowbray Advisory, we offer clear, OISC-regulated guidance on settlement routes, including Indefinite Leave to Remain, EEA permanent residence, long-residence applications and other pathways to lawful permanent status. We’ll help you understand your eligibility, prepare strong supporting evidence, and navigate the application process with confidence.

What is Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

Settlement, commonly called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), is an immigration status that gives you the right to remain in the UK without time limits. Once granted:

  • You can live and work in the UK indefinitely

  • You can study without visa time restrictions

  • You gain access to public services on the same basis as settled persons

  • You may be eligible to apply for British citizenship

This status is a key step for many long-term migrants and usually follows a period on qualifying visas.

Who Can Apply for Settlement?

You may be eligible for settlement (ILR or equivalent) if you have lived in the UK continuously under one of several qualifying routes, such as:

  • Skilled Worker visa (after the qualifying period)

  • Family visas (including spouse/partner and some dependant routes)

  • Long-Residence (10 years in the UK)

  • Refugee or humanitarian protection status

  • EEA permanent residence (pre-Brexit rights)

  • Other qualifying routes depending on your individual status

Eligibility criteria differ by route, including residence duration, absence limits, and good character requirements.

Key Requirements for Settlement

Continuous Residence

Most routes require you to show you’ve lived in the UK for a certain period with limited absences.

Absence Limits

Different routes apply different absence rules (e.g., fewer than allowed days outside the UK in the qualifying period).

Good Character

You must demonstrate good character, including compliance with immigration law and no serious criminal record.

Knowledge of Life in the UK

Certain categories require you to pass the Life in the UK test or demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

English Language Requirement

Some settlement applications require an English language qualification at the required level.

Each route has specific nuances, and we can assess your situation to determine which requirements apply.

Routes to Settlement & Permanent Residence

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

The most common route for non-EEA nationals. Typically based on a qualifying period on a temporary visa (e.g., 5 years on Skilled Worker), after which you can apply for ILR.

👉 See our detailed page: Indefinite Leave to Remain

EEA Permanent Residence

Pre-Brexit, EEA nationals could obtain permanent residence after a period of lawful residence. Some people may already hold this status or need advice on converting it to current permanent residence status.

👉 See our detailed page: EEA Permanent Residence & EU Settlement

10-Year Long Residence

A route for migrants who have lived continuously in the UK for at least 10 years under lawful status and meet absence and other criteria.

We can assess whether this route applies to your circumstances.

Application Process — Overview

While the specific steps vary by route, settlement applications generally involve:

  1. Assessing which settlement pathway applies to you

  2. Gathering required documents and evidence

  3. Completing the online application and paying fees

  4. Providing biometric information

  5. Awaiting a decision from UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)

Timescales vary depending on route and individual circumstances.

Common Challenges with Settlement Applications

Settlement applications are often delayed or refused due to:

  • Missing or inconsistent evidence of residence or absences

  • Failure to meet good character criteria

  • Incorrect or incomplete documentation

  • Unclear evidence of qualifying status

We help you anticipate and address these issues before submission.

How We Can Help

We support you at every stage of the settlement process:

  • Eligibility assessment — Identify the right settlement route

  • Evidence preparation — Help you gather and organise documents

  • Application review — Ensure completeness and accuracy

  • Submission and tracking — Manage the process with confidence

  • Post-decision support — Help with next steps after the outcome

You’ll work directly with your adviser from start to finish.

Speak to an Immigration Adviser

If you’re planning to apply for a Settlement & Permanent Residence and want to avoid unnecessary delays or common pitfalls, we can help.
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