The UK government has published guidance outlining nine categories of individuals who may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain in 2026. ILR, also known as settlement, grants the right to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions and serves as a pathway to British citizenship.
Nine Categories of Eligible Applicants
According to the official UK government guidance, the following groups may qualify for ILR:
- Workers on qualifying visas, including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Scale-up Worker, and Tier 1 visas.
- Family members with a partner, parent, child, or relative who is a British citizen or ILR holder.
- Individuals who have lived in the UK continuously for 10 years or more.
- Commonwealth citizens with five years on a UK Ancestry visa or holding right of abode.
- British National (Overseas) visa holders residing in the UK for at least five years.
- Refugees, persons with humanitarian protection, or those on Discretionary Leave.
- People returning to the UK who previously held ILR.
- Those who served in the British armed forces.
- Individuals with permission to stay as stateless persons.
Residency Requirements Vary by Visa Type
The minimum residency period before applying for ILR varies significantly. Most work visa holders must complete five years, while Tier 1 visa holders may qualify after two or three years. Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa holders are eligible after three years.
For family-based applications, the route depends on the specific visa and how the UK-based family member obtained settled status. Separate provisions exist for applicants whose partners have died or whose relationships ended due to domestic violence.
Special Cases and Alternative Routes
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are directed to apply for settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme rather than the standard ILR process. The government also noted that some Commonwealth citizens may be eligible for British citizenship directly, including through the Windrush scheme, instead of the ILR route.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that the UK had listed five categories of people eligible for visa fee waiver in 2026.
UK Visa Application Process
Legit.ng previously reported that the UK had explained its visa application process. Information published on the VFS Global Nigeria portal outlines two categories of centres: standard Visa Application Centres and Premium Application Centres, each with different locations and operating schedules. Three cities host the standard centres, operating Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00.
