If you need help with any type of UK visa, settlement (ILR), or British citizenship application, give us a call at 0203 959 7755 (Mon - Fri - 09:30 - 17:30) to schedule a consultation today.

Obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years of refugee status is a significant milestone towards settling in the United Kingdom. However, it is very important to understand the eligibility criteria and navigate the application process efficiently. Applicants must carefully review each requirement and gather the necessary evidence to support their application.

Applying for ILR as a refugee can be a complex process and seeking professional immigration advice is highly recommended. Consulting with an experienced immigration solicitor can significantly increase your chances of a successful ILR application as a refugee.

If you are considering applying for ILR based on you refugee status, contact our immigration solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for help with ILR application.

Table of Contents

  1. What is ILR as a refugee?
  2. Benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain
  3. What are the requirements for the ILR as a refugee?
  4. What documents are required for the ILR application as a refugee?
  5. What is the process for applying for ILR after 5 years of refugee status?
  6. When can a refugee apply for ILR?
  7. How long does it take to process an ILR application for refugees?
  8. Indefinite leave to remain priority service
  9. How much does it cost for ILR as a refugee?
  10. How can our solicitors help with your ILR application?
  11. Frequently asked questions
  12. Contact immigration solicitors in London

What is ILR as a refugee?

After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK with refugee status, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain as a refugee to settle in the UK.

Obtaining indefinite leave to remain after 5 years of refugee status provides individuals with the security and stability they need to build their lives in the UK without any time restrictions. By meeting the eligibility criteria, you can take advantage of the many benefits and rights that come with ILR status.

Indefinite leave to remain is a significant milestone on the path to British citizenship. After holding ILR for a specified period, individuals may have the opportunity to apply for naturalization and become British citizens.

If you require expert guidance and support throughout your indefinite leave to remain application process, contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755. Our team of experienced immigration solicitors is here to provide you with professional assistance and ensure a smooth and successful ILR application process.

Benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite leave to remain offers numerous benefits to individuals who have lived in the UK for 5 years with refugee status. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Freedom to live, work, and study in the UK without a visa
  • Access to public funds and social benefits
  • Opportunity to apply for British citizenship after a certain period
  • Greater job prospects and career opportunities
  • Access to healthcare and education services

With ILR status, you can fully integrate into British society and enjoy the rights and privileges that come with settlement in the UK.

What are the requirements for the ILR as a refugee?

To be eligible for ILR after 5 years of refugee status, there are specific criteria that must be met. The requirements and qualifications necessary to apply for ILR under this category are as follows:

  • You must have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years under refugee status
  • You must have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection by the UK government
  • You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the five-year period
  • You must have maintained good character and not have any criminal convictions

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is important when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Failure to satisfy any of the conditions may result in a rejection of the ILR application. Seeking professional guidance and support from a reputable immigration solicitor, such as Moeen & Co. Solicitors, can significantly increase the chances of a successful ILR application.

What documents are required for the ILR application as a refugee?

Applying for ILR as a refugee requires submitting various supporting documents to prove your eligibility. It is essential to have a complete and well-organised document package to ensure a successful ILR application.

When applying for ILR after living in the UK legally for 5 years with refugee status, you'll need to provide:

  1. valid passport or travel document
  2. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) 
  3. documentation showing your refugee status granted by the Home Office
  4. evidence of continuous residence in the UK for five years

Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.

What is the process for applying for ILR after 5 years of refugee status?

Applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years of refugee status is a step-by-step process that involves several requirements and documents. 

To apply for ILR as a refugee, the applicant must follow these steps:

  1. Gather the Required Documents
  2. Complete the ILR Application Form Online
  3. Pay the Application Fees
  4. Submit Your Application
  5. Follow Up on the Application

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before starting your ILR application, gather all the necessary documents, such as your valid passport, evidence of continuous residence in the UK, and any other supporting documentation required for your specific circumstances. Ensuring you have all the required evidence will streamline your ILR application process.

Step 2: Complete the ILR Application Form Online

Once you have gathered all the required documents, carefully complete the correct ILR application form. Pay close attention to accuracy and completeness, as any errors or missing information can lead to delays or even a refusal. Our team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors is experienced in assisting individuals with their ILR applications and can provide valuable guidance to ensure your forms are completed correctly.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fees

As part of the ILR application process, you will be required to pay the necessary fees. Failure to pay the correct fees may result in your application being rejected.

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and you should always check the most up-to-date information on the UK government's official website before applying for an ILR.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the documents, completed the application form online, and paid the fees, you are ready to submit your ILR application. Ensure that you have uploaded all the required documents and that they are organised. A well-prepared and organised application will improve your chances of a successful outcome and reduce the application processing time.

Step 5: Follow Up on the Application

After submitting your ILR application, it is important to stay informed about its progress. Keep track of any updates or requests for additional information from the Home Office. Our team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors can assist you with managing the application process, ensuring that all communication with the Home Office is handled promptly and effectively.

Immigration rules, requirements, and process may change, so it's important consult with an immigration solicitor to ensure you are following the most up-to-date process for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.    

When can a refugee apply for ILR?

As a refugee status holder in the UK, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain as a refugee up to 28 days before you complete your 5-year qualifying period. It's important to calculate this period carefully, starting from the date of your first entry into the UK or the date your initial leave to remain was granted, leading up to the date you're planning to submit your ILR application.

Applying before this 28-day period could lead to your application being refused, as you wouldn't meet the 5-year residency requirement. However, applying within this timeframe allows the Home Office to consider your application as meeting the continuous residence requirement, assuming all other conditions are met.

How long does it take to process an ILR application for refugees?

You should receive a decision on your ILR application within 6 months if applying for ILR after 5 years of refugee status using standard service. However, you may be able to use "Super Priority Service" to get a faster decision.

This is only an estimate, and actual processing times may vary. During peak periods or if additional checks are required, processing times can be longer.

All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.

Indefinite leave to remain priority service

If you require a decision on your ILR application urgently, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which offers faster processing times for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision on your ILR application within 24 hours or 5 working days, respectively.

To get a faster decision on your ILR application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the ILR application fee.

How much does it cost for ILR as a refugee?

The indefinite leave to remain application fee is currently £2,885 per applicant. You will need to pay an additional fee of £1,000 if applying using the "Super Priority Service" or £500 if applying using the "Priority Service".

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and you should always check the most up-to-date information on the UK government's official website before applying for a visa.

How can our solicitors help with your ILR application?

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, we are dedicated to providing expert legal advice and guidance throughout the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) process. Our experienced immigration solicitors understand the complexities of ILR applications and can help you navigate the requirements with ease.

Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:

  • Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for ILR, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your ILR application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
  • Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your ILR application forms accurately and submit them.
  • Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your ILR application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements.
  • Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
  • Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your ILR application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.

If you have any questions or want assistance with your ILR application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!

Frequently asked questions

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of settlement status in the UK that allows individuals to live and work in the country without any time restrictions. For refugees, ILR signifies the culmination of their journey towards stability and security after having lived in the UK for a specified period under refugee status.

Refugees who have lived continuously in the UK for at least five years under refugee status are typically eligible to apply for ILR. However, certain criteria regarding good character must be met.

If your ILR application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can appeal the decision if you believe there has been an error.

It's advisable to seek advice from an experienced immigration solicitor to understand the reasons for refusal and explore available options.

Hiring an immigration lawyer can significantly increase your chances of a successful application. They have expertise in navigating the complexities of UK immigration law, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all eligibility requirements.

To schedule a consultation with our immigration solicitor regarding your ILR as a health and care worker application, you can contact us by calling 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.

Contact Immigration Solicitors in London

If you need immigration advice or help with any type of UK visa application, British citizenship application or sponsorship licence application, contact our team of immigration solicitors in London on 0203 959 7755 or fill in our enquiry form to get reliable & confidential advice and help you need.

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

Client Reviews & Testimonials

Looking for a solicitor?

If you need legal advice or assistance with your legal matter, speak to our lawyer today.