Key Eligibility Criteria for Work-Related Settlement

To secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through any employment-based category, applicants must demonstrate compliance with the following requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI):

• Five years of lawful residence in the UK under an eligible visa category.

• Compliance with absence restrictions, meaning no more than 180 days spent outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period within those five years.

• Proficiency in the English language, unless exempt under UKVI regulations.

• Successful completion of the Life in the UK Test, unless specific exemptions apply.

Each settlement category may impose additional requirements, such as minimum income thresholds, business investment criteria, or sponsorship obligations, which must also be satisfied.

Important Information on UK Settlement

Achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain grants individuals the freedom to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. However, settled status will lapse if you remain outside the UK for over 2 years. In such cases, applicants may need to apply for a Returning Resident Visa to re-enter and restore their status.

ILR is also a prerequisite for British citizenship, as naturalisation requires applicants to hold settled status before applying for a UK passport.

Exemptions and Flexibility

Certain applicants are not required to meet the English language requirement or take the Life in the UK Test, including:

• Individuals under 18 or over 65 years old.

• Applicants who are unable to fulfil requirements due to a physical or mental condition (subject to Home Office discretion).

If you are currently in the UK but unable to meet the English language criteria, you may have the option to extend your visa to give yourself time to meet the necessary requirements.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, we specialize exclusively in delivering comprehensive immigration services tailored to the needs of individuals, employees, and skilled professionals across diverse industries and businesses of all scales, ensuring seamless pathways to work-related settlement in the UK.

Whether you require strategic guidance on the complexities of UK Immigration Rules, a meticulous evaluation of your eligibility for work-based settlement, or expert assistance in preparing a robust application for indefinite leave to enter or remain, our seasoned immigration barristers are here to navigate every step of the process.

We take pride in our client-centric approach, combining accessibility with proactive solutions to address your unique circumstances. Our dedicated legal team is committed to delivering precise, transparent, and dependable immigration advice, extending comprehensive support not only to skilled workers but also to their family members, all within a professional yet personable framework.