Applying for ILR
Once you have passed the Life in the UK test, you can start the process of filing your application for ILR.

Forms
The forms on which you have to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK can be found online and are listed below.

Each form has a set of guidance notes. Make sure you read these while completing your form. They contain detailed instructions on how to successfully complete your application.
Choosing the correct form is very important. However, if you have been required to take the Life in the UK Test, then chances are you’ll only need to use one of two possible forms.

1. SET(M) - For applying as a spouse, civil partner, same sex or unmarried partner of a person present and settled in the UK
   
2. SET(O) – For all other applications

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Form and guide SET(M) - indefinite leave to remain as the spouse, civil partner, same sex or unmarried partner of a person present and settled here

- Form SET(M)

- SET(M) guidance

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Form and guide SET(O) - indefinite leave to remain in one of the categories listed below
Indefinite leave to remain in one of the following categories:
• Work permit holder
• Highly skilled migrant
• Representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation
• Private servant in a diplomatic household
• Domestic worker in a private household
• Overseas government employee
• Minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order
• Member of the operational ground staff of an overseas-owned airline
• Person with United Kingdom ancestry
• Writer, composer or artist
• Long residence in the UK
• Foreign or Commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Forces
• Other purposes/reasons not covered by other application forms

- Form SET(O)

- SET(O) guidance

For other Home Office forms visit http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/ukresidency/settlement/applicationtypes/

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Waiting times
Note that these are not official statistics or agreed response times, and must be used as guidance only.

The Home Office advises that you should not to make any non-urgent travel arrangements until your passport(s) or travel document(s) have been returned.

Postal Applications
70% of postal applications are decided within 4 weeks (20 working days)
90% within 14 weeks (70 working days).



Applications made in person
You can pay an extra fee to make your application in person. 98% of these applications are decided within 24 hours.

Warning
Once you have been granted permanent residence (ILR) you may stay in the UK indefinitely so long as they do not leave the country for extended periods. The law states that you should not leave the UK for a period of over two years.

There is a risk that you may lose your permanent residence permit if you are absent from the UK for more than two years.

If you have been away for more than two years, then you must obtain entry clearance before attempting to enter the UK. If you don’t do this then there is a risk that you will be denied entry to the UK. You can apply for entry clearance at any British diplomatic post.

You may still be able to return to the United Kingdom to live if, for example, you have strong family ties here or have lived here most of your life.