If you’ve lived in the UK for five years or more, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. The criteria for this immigration route includes not spending more than 180 days outside of the UK in a year. You must have lived in the UK continuously for the past five years. There are also five-year settlement routes for Spouse, Civil Partner, and Unmarried Partner. These routes will open for applications on 22 August 2022.
The 5 year route is a much easier route to settle in the UK than the 10 year route. All you have to do is apply for ILR after five years in the UK and meet the requirements of the Home Office. The 5 year route to settlement has minimum income requirements, such as PS18,600 a year and the ability to provide for your children.
One of the most important requirements for ILR is the 180-day rule. This rule states that you must not leave the UK for more than 180 days in a twelve-month period. This does not apply to short trips abroad that you took to work or visit family members. However, you must make sure that any absences are consistent with your immigration permission or your entitlement to annual leave.
There are a few other criteria for the 10 year route. Usually, you need to have been residing in the UK for a decade. If you have not completed this requirement, your application will be rejected.
