Common questions
ILR planning FAQs
Settlement is route-specific. These answers explain sensible next checks, not individual immigration advice or a prediction of a Home Office decision.
Dates and calculators
Can the calculator confirm that I am eligible for ILR?
No. It estimates a date from the information entered and highlights issues to investigate. It cannot verify the legal category of past leave, your identity or travel history, a sponsor’s evidence, suitability matters or whether a rule has changed. Use it as a checklist, then read the relevant GOV.UK route guidance and Immigration Rules.
Is five years in the UK automatically enough?
No. Several routes commonly involve five years, but they have different qualifying-permission, continuous-residence and application-date requirements. A calendar anniversary is not enough on its own.
When can I apply?
The permitted application window is route-specific. Check the current route guidance before submitting; applying too early can create a serious problem. Our timing guide explains the planning distinction.
Can I combine time from different visas?
Only where the relevant settlement rule allows it. Record every grant and route switch, then check the precise permitted combination instead of assuming that all lawful time counts.
Absences and continuous residence
Does the 180-day rule apply to everyone in exactly the same way?
No. The route, qualifying period and dates can affect the applicable rule and transitional provisions. Review our 180-day guide and official continuous residence guidance before treating a total as decisive.
How should I count a trip?
Work from travel evidence, not memory. Keep a trip-by-trip record with departure and return dates, destination and purpose; the treatment of travel days and rolling windows must be checked against the applicable guidance.
What if an absence seems too long?
Do not alter or omit it. Preserve evidence and check whether an exception, discretion or historic provision could be relevant. Borderline or complicated histories are a sensible point to obtain regulated immigration advice.
Evidence, tests and application
Do I need both Life in the UK and English evidence?
They are separate requirements unless an exemption applies. Confirm the current evidence route and exemption wording for your application rather than assuming an earlier visa certificate will be accepted.
Does priority service make an application stronger?
No. Where offered, priority changes handling speed, not eligibility, evidence requirements or the decision test. Availability and published targets can change.
Can I travel after applying?
Do not assume that travel is harmless. Read the current instructions supplied for your own in-country application before making plans.
Where can I check a reported rule change?
Start with the current Immigration Rules, route guidance and any Statement of Changes. Our updates page labels proposals separately from rules in force.
Need a route-specific starting point? Visit all guides, or read about our independent status on About ILR Calculator UK.