Get a quote

ILR document checklist

This indicative list shows what you usually need for indefinite leave to remain (ILR): your passports, your BRP or eVisa share code, a list of every trip abroad, a Life in the UK test pass and your route’s own evidence. For Skilled Worker that is a sponsor’s letter; as a partner, relationship and income proof; on long residence, proof of 10 years’ lawful residence. Choose your route for your list. It is not advice on your application.

Oak desk by a sash window with a closed navy folder and a brass pen tray

Your checklist

Which route are you applying on?

On another route, such as Global Talent, Innovator Founder or UK Ancestry? Ask us for your list.

1. Identity and immigration status 5 items

2. Your time in the UK and trips abroad 7 items

3. For your route 7 items

4. Life in the UK test and English 4 items

5. When you apply 3 items

This is an indicative list based on GOV.UK and the Immigration Rules as of 20 October 2026, not legal advice on your application. GOV.UK says you will be told which documents you need when you apply, and the Home Office decides every application.

For applications made on or after 26 March 2027, the English level for settlement rises from B1 to B2 on most routes, including Skilled Worker, partner and long residence (Statement of Changes HC 1691, 5 March 2026).

The government has proposed “earned settlement”, which would make 10 years the usual qualifying period for ILR. As of 20 October 2026 it is not in force and no start date has been published.

On this page
  1. Before you gather documents
  2. Who will check your documents
  3. Questions people ask
  4. Sources

Before you gather documents

  • Check your date first. On most routes you can apply up to 28 days before your qualifying period ends, and GOV.UK says an earlier application may be refused. Our ILR calculator gives your earliest date and checks your days outside the UK against the 180-day rule.
  • Do not let your visa run out. Apply before your current permission ends. If it would end before you qualify, you usually need to extend it first.
  • Partners: check the figures. The financial requirement applies again at the ILR stage on the 5-year route. Our spouse visa financial requirement calculator checks your income and savings.
  • Rules can change. The government has proposed “earned settlement”, which would make 10 years the usual qualifying period. As of 20 October 2026 it is not in force and no start date has been published.

How we handle ILR applications, and what we charge: indefinite leave to remain.

Who will check your documents

Oliverta Mediu, Partner — Immigration & Family

Oliverta Mediu

Partner — Immigration & Family

Immigration work is carried out by our team of solicitors, legal advisers and paralegals, supervised by Partner Oliverta Mediu.

About Oliverta

Questions people ask

What documents do I need for ILR?

Most people need their passport, their BRP or eVisa share code, a list of trips abroad and, if aged 18 to 64 (18 to 65 on long residence), a Life in the UK test pass. The rest depends on your route: a sponsor’s letter on Skilled Worker, relationship and income evidence as a partner, proof of 10 years without gaps on long residence. GOV.UK says you will be told the final list when you apply.

What are the requirements for ILR?

Under the current rules: the qualifying period for your route (5 years on most routes, 10 years on long residence), no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months on most routes, the Life in the UK test and English unless you are exempt, and your route’s own conditions, such as the Skilled Worker salary rule or the partner financial requirement. Our ILR calculator works out your date.

How much does ILR cost?

The Home Office fee is £3,226 for each person applying (GOV.UK, checked 20 October 2026). The Life in the UK test costs £50, and an English test, if you need one, is extra. Legal fees are separate.

Do I need original documents?

You apply online. GOV.UK says you will be told which documents you need, and how to provide them, when you apply. Documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation.

Is this list everything I will need?

No list can be. It covers what GOV.UK sets out for each route, but your own history may need more, for example a gap between visas or a long trip abroad. A solicitor can check your documents before you apply.

Sources

Checked on GOV.UK on 20 October 2026.

Want a solicitor to check your documents before you apply?

Contact us 020 7063 9040 London0116 393 0334 Leicester Phone lines open weekdays, 9am to 6pm

This checklist is general information about UK immigration law as of 20 October 2026, not advice on your application. The Home Office decides every application, and the rules change often.