Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) & British Citizenship Application Support
If you are ready to apply your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - Congratulations!
This represents one of the most significant milestones in your immigration journey. Securing ILR grants you the right to live and work in the United Kingdom without immigration restrictions and provides a clear pathway towards British citizenship.
The application process, however, can be rather tedious, confusing and often what you read online is contradicting but don’t worry, we have plenty of experience with these applications and are here to help!
For an initial discussion and a no-obligation quote, get in touch with us today by simply scheduling a discovery call with one of our Immigration Solicitors.
or send your enquiry to ask@dragonargent.com
Our Immigration Solicitors review and advice on your ILR application with thorough preparation and attention to detail.
The Home Office enforces strict eligibility requirements, including minimum periods of residence, continuous lawful residence, compliance with visa conditions and demonstration of knowledge of the English language and life in the UK. Even minor errors in timing, documentation or presentation of evidence can lead to refusal, often resulting in unnecessary costs and lengthy delays to your settlement plans.
We are highly experienced in advising on and preparing ILR applications. We deliver practical legal guidance that is understandable and tailored to your application. From the initial assessment through to the final decision, we provide dedicated support, enabling you to approach your application with confidence and to focus on securing your future in the UK.
Our process typically includes:
Initial consultation (free of charge);
Eligibility assessment;
Evidence gathering and case preparation;
Application drafting and review;
Application submission;
Monitoring and ongoing support.
Meet our Immigration Solicitors
Head of Employment & Immigration
Employment & Immigration Solicitor
Client testimonial:
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Dragon Argent for my UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa application, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! From start to finish, the team was incredibly well-organized and knowledgeable, making what could have been a daunting process feel seamless and straightforward.
Sara, in particular, was outstanding. Her expertise and attention to detail were evident throughout, and she guided me every step of the way. She took the time to answer all my questions and address any concerns I had, ensuring I felt confident and prepared for the application process.
Thanks to their thorough preparation and support, everything went smoothly, and I received my ILR approval without any issues. If you’re looking for a professional and reliable law firm to assist with your visa application, I highly recommend reaching out to them. Thank you once again, Sara, and the whole team at Dragon Argent for making this experience so positive!”
Julian Neilson
Common ILR Routes We Assist With
We advise on a wide range of ILR categories, including but not limited to:
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Work Visa Holders
Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and other employment-based routes leading to settlement.
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Family Routes
Spouses, partners, parents and dependent children applying on the basis of family life in the UK.
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Long Residence
Individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for 10-20 continuous years and are eligible to apply for settlement on this basis.
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UK Ancestry
Applicants who have lived in the UK for five years on an ancestry visa.
Why Dragon Argent?
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Specialist Expertise
Our team possesses extensive knowledge of the ever-changing Immigration Rules and Home Office policy guidance. This enables us to identify the most appropriate settlement route for your circumstances and anticipate and mitigate against challenges before they arise.
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Tailored Legal Advice
We recognise your situation may be different to the next. We take time to assess your specific and personal circumstances in detail and provide bespoke, practical advice designed to put your application in the right position to be accepted. We ensure you remain fully informed about the progress of your case each step of the process.
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Comprehensive Application Preparation
We offer full support in gathering, reviewing and presenting the documentation required for your application and route to ILR in the precise format expected by the Home Office. This typically includes employment and salary records, financial evidence, proof of residence in the UK, and confirmation of English language ability and Life in the UK test results (this is not an exhaustive list).
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Risk Management
By identifying potential weaknesses or gaps in your case at an early stage, we are able to implement effective solutions to address them prior to submitting your application, thereby reducing the likelihood of refusal and avoiding unnecessary costs or delays or resubmitting an application.
British Citizenship – The Next Step After ILR
For many, Indefinite Leave to Remain is not the end of the immigration journey but the beginning of a new chapter. Once you hold ILR, you may become eligible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. This provides additional benefits, including the right to hold a British passport, unrestricted travel and residence rights across the UK.
The requirements for naturalisation include:
grant of ILR;
a qualifying period of residence in the UK;
good character;
demonstration of language and Life in the UK knowledge.
Please note, the rules are very detailed and often changing / being updated. This is why it is important to work with a professional that knows what they are doing.
With our guidance, you can move smoothly from ILR to British citizenship, ensuring your long-term status in the United Kingdom.
Be Prepared for Your Future in the UK
With our dedicated legal support, you can approach your ILR application with clarity and confidence. Book a call with us today to find out how we can help you with your application!
Be Prepared for Your Future in the UK
With our dedicated legal support, you can approach your ILR application with clarity and confidence. Book a call with us today to find out how we can help you with your application!
ILR & British Citizenship FAQs
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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of permanent residence that allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. It’s often the final step before becoming eligible for British citizenship.
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Most visa holders can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. However, certain routes like long residence (10 years) or Accelerated routes (e.g., Innovator Founder Visa) may vary.
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You must demonstrate:
Continuous lawful residence in the UK;
Compliance with visa conditions;
No serious breaches of immigration or criminal laws;
Proof of English language ability; and
Passing the Life in the UK Test.
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Generally, you must wait 12 months after receiving ILR before applying for British citizenship — unless you’re married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply as soon as you hold ILR.
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Documents typically include:
Passport and biometric residence permit;
Proof of continuous residence (e.g., bills, tenancy agreements);
Employment or financial records;
Life in the UK test certificate;
English language qualification.
(Exact requirements depend on your visa route.)
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Common reasons include:
Gaps in lawful residence;
Missing or incorrect documentation;
Not meeting salary or visa conditions;
Failing the Life in the UK or English test;
Submitting the application too early or too late.
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ILR decisions usually take up to 6 months, while British citizenship applications typically take 3–6 months. Priority services may be available for faster processing.
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Yes. You can lose ILR if you leave the UK for more than 2 years, commit serious offences, or breach UK immigration rules.
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British citizenship grants you the right to vote, apply for a British passport, and travel or live freely in the UK without immigration control. It also provides greater security and access to more benefits and opportunities.
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An experienced immigration solicitor helps you:
Assess your eligibility accurately;
Avoid costly mistakes;
Prepare strong supporting evidence;
Navigate complex Home Office requirements;
Improve your chances of a successful outcome.
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