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Settlement & status

UK ILR and settlement routes, mapped by status.

Indefinite Leave to Remain, status routes, and return to the UK. Confirm qualifying time and evidence early.

Explore routes Build an ILR checklist
Settlement route fees ILR checklist builder Guidance by stage
Residence Qualifying period and absence limits by route.
Continuity Status history must align across grants, records, and evidence.
Readiness Life in the UK, language evidence, and submission timing checks.

Settlement route flow

01
Confirm settlement basis

ILR, EUSS, right of abode, or returning resident pathway.

02
Check residence and absences

Calculate qualifying time and keep complete travel history evidence.

03
Final requirement checks

Verify route rules, tests, fees, and document consistency.

Rules change often. We refresh this guide when published updates are released, but always confirm requirements on the official page before you apply.
ILR (settlement) Main settlement route with qualifying residence and evidence checks.
EU Settlement Scheme Status route for eligible EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and family members.
Right of abode Entitlement route based on nationality and documentary evidence.
Returning Resident Route to return after losing settled status through long absence.

Settlement overview

Settlement routes include Indefinite Leave to Remain and status pathways. Requirements depend on your current route, length of residence, and absences.

Residence history

Track qualifying time and absences across passports and travel records.

Life in the UK

Prepare the Life in the UK test if required for your route.

Documents

Passports, BRP/eVisa status, and work or family evidence.

Settlement and status routes

Find the settlement or status route that matches your current permission.

All settlement route checklists

Open the full settlement routes hub and compare every detailed checklist.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Settlement after qualifying residence on an eligible route.

EU Settlement Scheme

Settled or pre-settled status based on UK residence timeline.

BNO (Hong Kong)

BNO route progression, extensions, and settlement pathway.

Right of abode

Proof of entitlement to live and work in the UK without restriction.

Stateless route

Applications where no state recognises the person as a national.

Returning Resident visa

Re-entry route for people who previously held settlement.