If you have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing 5 years in this category. ILR, also referred to as settlement, allows you to remain permanently without immigration restrictions.
Once granted ILR, you can live, work, and study freely. You may also be eligible to access certain public benefits, depending on your circumstances. Immigration rules can change, so it is important to ensure your application meets the latest requirements.
Yes, individuals granted refugee status can apply for ILR after completing the required residence period. This also applies to those with humanitarian protection, who are typically granted 5 years’ permission to stay before becoming eligible for settlement.
This route is designed for individuals who cannot safely return to their home country and have established their life over time under protection status.
To qualify for ILR under the refugee route, you must meet the following conditions:
Meeting these requirements is essential to ensure your eligibility for settlement.
To be eligible, you must have spent a continuous 5-year period in the country with one of the following statuses:
Your status must remain valid throughout this qualifying period.
When applying for ILR, you will need to submit supporting documents, including:
Providing accurate and complete documentation helps avoid delays or refusal.
There is no application fee if you have protection status (refugee status or humanitarian protection) or Section 67 leave. This exemption also applies to your partner or child included in the application.
If you hold Discretionary Leave, the application fee is £2,885 per person. Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photograph) is required, but there is no additional fee for this process.
The standard processing time for ILR applications under the refugee route is approximately 6 months.
If you are applying under Discretionary Leave and choose the super priority service, a decision is typically made within 2 working days. Working days are Monday to Friday and exclude bank holidays.
Individuals granted refugee status may apply for their immediate family members to join them. This process is known as Family Reunion, allowing eligible dependants to live together.
If your ILR application is refused, the outcome will depend on your current status:
Your decision letter will outline the next steps and available options.
Applications should normally be submitted during the last month of your existing permission to stay, ensuring you complete the full 5-year qualifying period.
To qualify for ILR, your refugee status or humanitarian protection must still be valid at the time of application. If your status has been revoked or voluntarily given up, you may no longer be eligible under this route.
