Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK – 5-Year & 10-Year Routes

Gaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a significant milestone for anyone living in the UK on a visa. It grants the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions, and is a key step toward British citizenship. At ORBIT Legal Consultancy, we offer expert support through all ILR pathways—whether you’ve been here for 5 or 10 years.

Each route has different requirements depending on your visa history, length of stay, and personal circumstances. Our team helps you choose the right path, prepares your application, and ensures you meet all Home Office criteria.

🔹 ILR – 5-Year Route (For Skilled Workers and Sponsored Visa Holders)

If you’ve spent five continuous years in the UK under a qualifying work visa (such as Skilled Worker, Tier 2, Innovator, or Global Talent), you may be eligible for ILR under the 5-Year Route.

This is one of the most straightforward ILR options—but strict rules apply. You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, and your employer must still sponsor your role if applicable. You’ll also need to pass the Life in the UK test and prove sufficient English language skills.

At ORBIT Legal Consultancy, we assist with:

  • Verifying your continuous employment and visa status

  • Ensuring your salary meets the ILR threshold

  • Reviewing travel records and absences

  • Preparing and submitting the SET(O) application form

🔹 ILR – 10-Year Long Residence Route (For Lawful, Mixed Visa Histories)

The 10-Year Long Residence Route allows individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for at least ten continuous years to apply for ILR—even if their visas have changed over time.

Whether you’ve been a student, spouse, worker, or under humanitarian protection, what matters is unbroken lawful residence. You must also show that your absences from the UK were limited (no more than 540 days in total and no single absence over 180 days) and for acceptable reasons.

ORBIT will help you:

  • Review your full immigration timeline across visa categories

  • Calculate eligible periods and explain gaps or exceptions

  • Collect documentation to prove continuous residence

  • Complete your SET(LR) application with confidence

Ready to apply for ILR?

Apply Now