If you plan to live in the UK long term, you will likely come across two terms quite early on: Settled Status and Indefinite Leave to Remain.
They both relate to permanent residency, but they apply to different people and follow different systems.
This guide explains what Settled Status and Indefinite Leave to Remain mean in practice, how they differ, who each one is for, and how they fit into the wider process of settling in the UK.
What is Settled Status?
Settled Status is a form of permanent residency in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. It is available to eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, as well as some family members.
If you have Settled Status, you can:
- Live in the UK without a time limit
- Work or study without immigration restrictions
- Use healthcare and public services
- Leave the UK and return, as long as you follow the absence rules
Most people qualify after living in the UK continuously for five years. In some cases, people are first granted Pre-Settled Status, then move to Settled Status once they reach the five-year point.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is another way to gain permanent residency. It mainly applies to people who came to the UK on non-EU visas, such as work visas, family visas, or other long-term routes.
ILR allows you to:
- Stay in the UK permanently
- Work without visa restrictions
- Access public services
- Travel in and out of the UK, within certain limits
Unlike Settled Status, ILR is never automatic. Many people choose to apply for ILR once they meet the rules for their visa route.
These rules usually depend on how long you have lived in the UK and whether you meet any income, work, or language requirements.
What is the difference between Settled Status and ILR?
Settled Status and ILR lead to a similar outcome, but they come from different immigration systems.
The main differences are:
- Settled Status is part of the EU Settlement Scheme, while ILR applies to most other visa routes
- The eligibility rules and application processes are not the same
- The rules about how long you can spend outside the UK can differ
Both statuses mark the point where you no longer need to renew a visa. This is sometimes described as having the right to remain, meaning you can stay in the UK without a time limit.
How do you apply for ILR?
You can apply for ILR once you meet the conditions for your specific visa route.
An ILR application usually involves:
- Living in the UK for a qualifying period
- Meeting income or employment requirements, if they apply to your visa
- Having a good immigration and criminal record
- Passing the Life in the UK test
- Meeting English language requirements, if required
The exact details depend on your visa type. Because of this, it is important to check the guidance that applies to your situation before you apply.
Which status do you need before UK citizenship?
In most cases, you must hold permanent status before applying for UK citizenship. This usually means having either Settled Status or Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Many people also need to hold this status for a period of time before applying, often 12 months. The timing rules can change depending on your circumstances, such as whether you are married to a British citizen.
If citizenship is part of your long-term plan, understanding this stage early can make the process feel more manageable.
Things to think about when settling in the UK
Reaching permanent status is an important step, but it comes with new responsibilities.
It can help to consider:
- How long you plan to spend outside the UK each year
- Whether your family members need their own immigration status
- Keeping clear records of where you live and when you travel
For families, status questions can extend to children too. If a child is born in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa for them separately, depending on your own status.
