ILR Application Documents Checklist
Unsure about documents needed for ILR application? Our ILR document checklist 2025 ensures you have everything required for a successful ILR application.
When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must submit various supporting documents, including your passport, BRP, Life in the UK test certificate, English language test certificate, proof of continuous residence, and more.
Missing or incorrect documents may lead to an ILR refusal. If you're unsure about the required documents for your ILR application, contact us today for advice.
Table of Contents
- What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
- What documents are required for an ILR application?
- Documents required for ILR as a skilled worker (5-year route)
- Documents needed for ILR as a spouse (5-year route)
- What counts as proof of continuous residence for ILR?
- Evidence of your knowledge of the English language
- Life in the UK test for ILR
- How can our solicitors help with your ILR application?
- Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors for Assistance
- FAQs: ILR documents checklist
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a way to settle in the UK that grants individuals the right to live and work in the UK without any restrictions.
After holding ILR for 1 year, individuals may have the opportunity to apply for naturalisation and become British citizens.
What documents are required for an ILR application?
You will need to provide:
- Your valid passport or travel document.
- Your BRP card, if you have one.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- An English language test certificate (if applicable).
- A UK degree taught in English (if applicable).
- Life in the UK test certificate.
- Evidence of continuous residence in the UK.
- A list of all absences from the UK during the qualifying period.
- Evidence of your employment or self-employment.
- Accommodation details (e.g., tenancy agreement).
- Evidence of finances (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
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.
Documents required for ILR as a skilled worker (5-year route)
When applying for ILR as a Skilled Worker under the 5-year route, you'll need to provide the following documents:
- Your valid passport or travel document.
- Your BRP card, if you have one.
- A letter from your employer confirming your ongoing employment, job title, and salary.
- Payslips and bank statements for the past 6 months to show that you are being paid the appropriate salary for your role.
- An English language test certificate (if applicable).
- Life in the UK test certificate.
- Documents proving your continuous residence in the UK for 5 years.
- A list of all absences from the UK during the 5-year period.
Ensure all documents are translated into English if needed and are submitted in the correct format.
Documents needed for ILR as a spouse (5-year route)
When applying for ILR after holding a Spouse visa for at least 5 years, you'll need to provide:
- Your valid passport.
- Your BRP card, if you have one.
- Marriage certificate (If it's not in English, include a certified translation.)
- Proof of genuine and subsisting relationship.
- Evidence of any children you have together (e.g., birth certificate).
- An English language test certificate (if applicable).
- Life in the UK test certificate.
- Evidence of 5 years of continuous residence in the UK under a spouse visa.
- A list of all absences from the UK during the qualifying period.
- Accommodation details (e.g., as rent agreement or mortgage documents).
- Evidence of finances (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
What counts as proof of continuous residence for ILR?
Evidence of continuous residence for an ILR application generally includes:
- Payslips, P60s forms or tax returns.
- Bank statements showing regular activity.
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas).
- Council tax bills.
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements.
- Correspondence from educational institutions.
- Correspondence from dentists or healthcare providers.
- Passport showing entry and exit stamp
- A list of all absences from the UK during the qualifying period.
The documents you submit must cover your entire period of residence in the UK.
These documents must demonstrate that you haven't exceeded the permitted absence limit for your specific immigration category.
Evidence of your knowledge of the English language
To prove your knowledge of the English language for an ILR application, you can provide one of the following:
- English language test certificate
- UK degree taught in English
- Degree from an English-speaking country (UK NARIC approved)
- Nationality of an English-speaking country
Exemptions may apply to applicants over 65 or with specific medical conditions.
Life in the UK test for ILR
ILR applicants must also pass the Life in the UK test, which evaluates knowledge of British traditions, laws, customs, and institutions.
As evidence of passing the Life in the UK test, you must submit:
- Life in the UK Test Pass Certificate
ILR applicants aged under 18 years, or 65 years or older on the date of their application are exempt from the knowledge of life in the UK requirement.
How can our solicitors help with your ILR application?
Our team of immigration solicitors in Hayes, London can provide valuable assistance with ILR applications in several ways:
- We can help you understand the ILR requirements and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- If you have complex issues, such as gaps in residence, our solicitor can offer legal strategies to address these.
- We can assist in gathering and organising the necessary documents, ensuring nothing is missing or incorrect.
- We will accurately fill in and submit your ILR application forms on time.
- We carry out all the legal work until the decision of your ILR application is received from the Home Office.
- By ensuring the ILR application is complete and accurate, our solicitor can help avoid delays or unnecessary rejections.
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!
Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors for Assistance
If you need professional help and advice, contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors. Call us on 0203 959 7755 to book a consultation. Let us guide you through the ILR application process smoothly and efficiently.
There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:
- Phone - Call us on 0203 959 7755
- Email us - info@moeenco.com
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Visit our office - Room 1, The Winning Box, 27-37 Station Road, Hayes UB3 4DX
We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre.
FAQs: ILR documents checklist
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK? Here's a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to guide you through the essential documents you need for your application.
You should include:
- a list of all absences from the UK, with dates and reasons for travel.
- travel tickets.
- letters from your employer explaining work-related absences.
As evidence of your living arrangements, you can provide:
- rental agreements.
- mortgage documents.
- utility bills (electricity, water, gas) with your name and address.
- An accommodation inspection report (if applicable).
If you're living with someone else, a letter from them confirming your residence may be needed.
Yes, bank statements are often required to prove your financial stability, especially if your visa category requires a minimum income threshold or sufficient funds.
Missing, incorrect, or inconsistent documents can result in your ILR application being refused.
It's important to provide all required documents in the correct format to avoid delays or rejections.
If you're unsure about which documents are needed to support your ILR application, it's advisable to consult an immigration solicitor.
To get assistance with your ILR application, call our immigration solicitors today at 0203 959 7755 or fill in the online contact form.
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.
