Confirmed change ahead: Following its “Earned Settlement” consultation (closed 12 February 2026), the UK government has confirmed the standard ILR qualifying period will rise from 5 years to 10 years, expected from Autumn 2026. No official timetable has been published yet, and whether this applies to people already partway through their 5-year countdown is still being finalised. If you’re within a year or two of your 5-year mark, applying as soon as you’re eligible — rather than waiting — is the safer approach.
At a Glance
UK ILR — the numbers that matter
Application Fee
£3,226 per person (from 8 April 2026) — each dependant pays the same amount separately. No Immigration Health Surcharge applies to ILR itself.
Absence Limit
No more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying residence.
English Requirement Rising
Currently B1 (CEFR) for most routes — confirmed to rise to B2 in Speaking and Listening from 26 March 2027.
Life & Benefits of UK Settlement
The point where the visa clock stops
ILR removes the time-limit and sponsorship dependency of a Skilled Worker visa entirely — no more visa renewals, no more tying your right to stay to a single employer, and full access to public funds and the NHS on the same footing as a British citizen. It’s also the direct route to British citizenship, typically available 12 months after ILR is granted. For nurses who’ve built a life in the UK over several years, ILR is the point where the entire relationship with the Home Office changes — from permission to remain, to a right to remain.
How UK ILR Eligibility Is Calculated
Not points-scored — criteria-based
Continuous Qualifying Residence
Currently 5 years on a Skilled Worker (or predecessor Tier 2) visa, with absences kept within the 180-day rolling rule.
Continued Sponsorship
Maintaining valid Skilled Worker sponsorship (or equivalent) throughout the qualifying period.
Salary Threshold
Meeting the minimum salary requirement applicable to your visa route at the time of application.
Life in the UK Test
A standard citizenship-and-culture test required for most applicants.
English Language Requirement
Evidenced through your original visa English requirement (OET/IELTS for nurses) or equivalent — currently B1, rising to B2 from March 2027.
Good Character
No relevant criminal record or immigration breaches.
What ILR Actually Costs
£3,226 per applicant is the core fee — every dependant included in the application pays this same amount individually, with no discount for children or family groups. On top of this, biometric enrolment costs £19.20. Faster processing is available for an extra fee: priority service (£500) targets a decision within 5 working days, and super priority (£1,000) targets within 24–48 hours. The fee is non-refundable once processing begins, even if the application is refused — which is exactly why getting the qualifying period, absences, and documentation right the first time matters.