Overview
Indefinite Leave to Remain is the foundation of your long-term future in the UK — the point at which you are no longer subject to immigration control, can work freely in any role, and are one step away from British citizenship. It is also an application where errors, missing documents, or a misunderstanding of your absences from the UK can cost you years. Marsl Sharifi is an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor who handles ILR applications personally, reviews your travel history in detail, and prepares an evidence bundle that leaves nothing to chance.
Who this service is for
- Skilled Worker (and former Tier 2 General) — after five years
- Spouse or partner visa route — after five years
- Long Residence — after ten years of continuous lawful residence
- Innovator Founder and other business routes
- Domestic Violence concession
- Bereaved partner route
- Discretionary and exceptional circumstances cases
What you'll need
- Valid passport and all previous passports covering the qualifying period
- Biometric Residence Permit (if held)
- Evidence of your immigration leave throughout the qualifying period (visa stamps, BRPs, approval letters)
- Detailed travel history for the full qualifying period
- Payslips, P60s, and employer letters (for employment-based routes)
- Life in the UK test pass notification
- English language evidence (SELT certificate or exempt)
- Proof of current UK address
Fees
Marsl's professional fees for a standard ILR application are £1,800 + VAT. More complex cases — for example, those involving significant absences, gaps in immigration leave, or a previous refusal — are quoted individually.
The UKVI application fee is currently £2,885 for most ILR categories (confirm at the point of application — this figure changes).
A full written fee agreement is provided before any work begins, in line with the SRA Transparency Rules.
The process, step by step
- Step 1
Eligibility and absence review
Marsl examines your full immigration history and travel record to confirm you meet the qualifying period and absence limits. This is often the most critical step.
- Step 2
Life in the UK test confirmation
If you have not yet passed the test, Marsl will advise on timing so your application can proceed without delay.
- Step 3
Application preparation
Marsl completes the SET(O) or relevant application form, prepares the evidence bundle, and drafts a covering letter addressing any complex points in your history.
- Step 4
Biometrics appointment
You attend a UKVCAS appointment in the UK to enrol biometrics and submit documents. Marsl will prepare you in advance.
- Step 5
Decision
Standard processing is currently around 6 months. Super Priority (next working day decision) is available at the time of writing. Marsl will advise on current availability and costs.
- Step 6
Grant of ILR
Marsl advises on next steps, including your eligibility timeline for British citizenship.
What has changed (2024–26): proposals to extend the qualifying period
The May 2025 Immigration White Paper proposes extending the standard qualifying period for settlement from five years to ten years for most routes. This is a proposal, not yet law, and must pass through Parliament before it takes effect.
However, if it is enacted, anyone who has not yet applied under the current five-year rule could face a significantly longer wait. Settlement grants are currently at record highs, suggesting many people are already acting on this.
If you are approaching or have passed your five-year qualifying date, taking advice now — while the current rules are in force — is prudent. Marsl can assess your position and tell you whether you are ready to apply.