*, *::before, *::after { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; } :root { --navy: #0C1E3B; --navy-mid: #162D52; --gold: #C8A24E; --gold-light: #DEBA6A; --gold-glow: rgba(200,162,78,0.1); --cream: #FAF8F3; --white: #FFFFFF; --text: #1C2B3F; --text-mid: #4A5568; --text-light: #7A8599; --border: #E2DDD3; --green: #1B8A4D; --green-bg: #EEFBF3; --radius: 16px; --radius-sm: 10px; } html { scroll-behavior: smooth; } body { font-family: 'DM Sans', -apple-system, sans-serif; background: var(--cream); color: var(--text); line-height: 1.6; } /* HERO */ .hero { background: var(--navy); position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 48px 24px 80px; text-align: center; } .hero::before { content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0; background: radial-gradient(ellipse 700px 500px at 20% 30%, rgba(200,162,78,0.07), transparent), radial-gradient(ellipse 600px 600px at 80% 70%, rgba(30,58,104,0.4), transparent); } .hero::after { content: ''; position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0; height: 4px; background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--gold), var(--gold-light), var(--gold)); } .hero * { position: relative; z-index: 1; } .hero-badge { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: rgba(200,162,78,0.12); border: 1px solid rgba(200,162,78,0.2); color: var(--gold-light); font-size: 10px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 2.2px; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 7px 18px; border-radius: 100px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .hero h1 { font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-size: clamp(26px, 5vw, 40px); font-weight: 700; color: var(--white); line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12px; } .hero h1 span { color: var(--gold); } .hero-sub { font-size: 15px; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55); max-width: 500px; margin: 0 auto 16px; line-height: 1.7; } .hero-update { font-size: 11px; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.3); letter-spacing: 0.3px; } /* KEY FACTS — 3-column grid beneath hero */ .key-facts { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 1px; background: var(--border); border-radius: var(--radius) var(--radius) 0 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 640px; margin: -44px auto 0; position: relative; z-index: 2; box-shadow: 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.03), 0 8px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); } .kf-item { background: var(--white); padding: 20px 16px; text-align: center; } .kf-value { font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); margin-bottom: 4px; } .kf-value.green { color: var(--green); } .kf-label { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text-light); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.8px; line-height: 1.4; } /* AI ANSWER BLOCK — compact summary for AI engines + visual bridge between key-facts and card */ .ai-answer { background: var(--white); border-left: 4px solid var(--gold); padding: 16px 22px; margin: 0 auto; max-width: 640px; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.7; color: var(--text-mid); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); } .ai-answer strong { color: var(--navy); } .container { max-width: 640px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px; } /* CARD */ .calc-card { background: var(--white); border-radius: 0 0 var(--radius) var(--radius); border: 1px solid var(--border); border-top: none; box-shadow: 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.03), 0 12px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); margin-top: 0; overflow: hidden; animation: fadeUp 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16,1,0.3,1) forwards; } @keyframes fadeUp { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(20px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } } .calc-body { padding: 32px 32px 0; } .section-label { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1.8px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--text-light); margin-bottom: 18px; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; } .section-label::after { content: ''; flex: 1; height: 1px; background: var(--border); } .field { margin-bottom: 22px; } .field-label { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: baseline; margin-bottom: 8px; } .field-label label { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text); } .field-label .hint { font-size: 12px; color: var(--text-light); } .select-wrap { position: relative; } .select-wrap select { width: 100%; padding: 14px 44px 14px 16px; font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; color: var(--text); background: var(--white); border: 1.5px solid var(--border); border-radius: var(--radius-sm); outline: none; appearance: none; cursor: pointer; transition: border-color 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s; } .select-wrap select:focus { border-color: var(--gold); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(200,162,78,0.12); } .select-wrap::after { content: ''; position: absolute; right: 16px; top: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%); border: 5px solid transparent; border-top: 6px solid var(--text-light); pointer-events: none; } .stepper { display: flex; border: 1.5px solid var(--border); border-radius: var(--radius-sm); overflow: hidden; transition: border-color 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s; } .stepper:focus-within { border-color: var(--gold); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(200,162,78,0.12); } .stepper-btn { width: 52px; height: 50px; border: none; background: var(--cream); color: var(--text); font-size: 20px; cursor: pointer; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; transition: all 0.15s; flex-shrink: 0; user-select: none; } .stepper-btn:hover { background: var(--gold-glow); color: var(--gold); } .stepper-btn:active { transform: scale(0.94); } .stepper input { flex: 1; text-align: center; border: none; outline: none; font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--text); padding: 14px 4px; background: transparent; min-width: 0; } .check-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; padding: 14px 16px; border: 1.5px solid var(--border); border-radius: var(--radius-sm); cursor: pointer; transition: all 0.2s; margin-bottom: 10px; user-select: none; } .check-row:hover { border-color: #C8C3B8; background: var(--cream); } .check-row.active { border-color: var(--gold); background: var(--gold-glow); } .check-row input[type="checkbox"] { width: 18px; height: 18px; accent-color: var(--gold); cursor: pointer; flex-shrink: 0; } .check-row .check-info { flex: 1; } .check-row .check-label { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text); } .check-row .check-desc { font-size: 12px; color: var(--text-light); margin-top: 2px; } .check-row .check-price { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); white-space: nowrap; } .divider { height: 1px; background: var(--border); margin: 24px 0; } .btn-calc { width: 100%; padding: 17px 24px; background: var(--navy); color: var(--white); font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; border: none; border-radius: var(--radius-sm); cursor: pointer; transition: all 0.25s; } .btn-calc:hover { background: var(--navy-mid); transform: translateY(-1px); box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(12,30,59,0.25); } .btn-calc:active { transform: translateY(0); } /* RESULTS */ .results { margin-top: 28px; max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; opacity: 0; transition: all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16,1,0.3,1); } .results.show { max-height: 800px; opacity: 1; } .results-label { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 1.8px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--text-light); margin-bottom: 14px; } .result-item { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 11px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(226,221,211,0.5); } .result-item:last-of-type { border-bottom: none; } .ri-label { font-size: 14px; color: var(--text-mid); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; } .ri-count { background: var(--cream); font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: 100px; color: var(--text); } .ri-amount { font-size: 15px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text); font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; } .ri-amount.zero { color: var(--text-light); font-weight: 400; } /* TOTAL BAR */ .total-bar { background: var(--navy); display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 28px 32px; } .total-bar .tb-label { font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.5px; } .total-bar .tb-amount { font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-size: clamp(28px,5vw,36px); font-weight: 700; color: var(--gold); line-height: 1; } .ihs-note { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; padding: 12px 32px; background: var(--green-bg); border-top: 1px solid rgba(27,138,77,0.15); } .ihs-note svg { width: 16px; height: 16px; fill: var(--green); flex-shrink: 0; } .ihs-note span { font-size: 12px; color: var(--green); font-weight: 600; } /* CONTENT SECTIONS */ .content-section { padding: 48px 0 8px; } .content-section h2 { font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); margin-bottom: 16px; } .content-section h3 { font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--text); margin: 28px 0 10px; } .content-section p, .content-section .answer-block { font-size: 15px; color: var(--text-mid); line-height: 1.75; margin-bottom: 14px; } /* SPEAKABLE / AI-EXTRACTABLE ANSWER BLOCKS */ .speakable-block { background: #F7F5F0; border-radius: var(--radius-sm); padding: 18px 22px; margin: 16px 0 20px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.75; color: var(--text); border-left: 3px solid var(--gold); } .speakable-block strong { color: var(--navy); } /* QUICK REFERENCE TABLE */ .ref-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0 24px; font-size: 14px; } .ref-table th { text-align: left; padding: 12px 16px; background: var(--navy); color: var(--white); font-weight: 600; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-transform: uppercase; } .ref-table th:first-child { border-radius: 8px 0 0 0; } .ref-table th:last-child { border-radius: 0 8px 0 0; } .ref-table td { padding: 12px 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); color: var(--text-mid); } .ref-table tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .ref-table tr:nth-child(even) td { background: #FAFAF7; } .ref-table .price { font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); white-space: nowrap; } /* FAQ */ .faq-section { padding: 32px 0 48px; } .faq-section h2 { font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: center; } .faq-item { border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: var(--radius-sm); margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: hidden; background: var(--white); } .faq-item:hover { box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.04); } .faq-q { padding: 18px 20px; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text); cursor: pointer; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 12px; user-select: none; } .faq-q::after { content: '+'; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 300; color: var(--gold); transition: transform 0.3s; flex-shrink: 0; } .faq-item.open .faq-q::after { content: '−'; } .faq-a { max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.35s ease, padding 0.35s ease; } .faq-item.open .faq-a { max-height: 400px; padding: 0 20px 18px; } .faq-a p { font-size: 14px; color: var(--text-mid); line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 8px; } /* CTA */ .cta-banner { background: var(--navy); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 36px 32px; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 48px; position: relative; overflow: hidden; } .cta-banner::before { content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0; background: radial-gradient(circle at 30% 50%, rgba(200,162,78,0.08), transparent); } .cta-banner * { position: relative; } .cta-banner h3 { font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif; font-size: 22px; color: var(--white); margin-bottom: 10px; } .cta-banner p { font-size: 14px; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6); margin-bottom: 20px; line-height: 1.6; } .cta-btn { display: inline-block; padding: 14px 32px; background: var(--gold); color: var(--navy); font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 8px; transition: all 0.2s; } .cta-btn:hover { background: var(--gold-light); transform: translateY(-1px); box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(200,162,78,0.3); } .page-footer { text-align: center; padding: 24px 20px 40px; font-size: 12px; color: var(--text-light); line-height: 1.8; border-top: 1px solid var(--border); } .page-footer a { color: var(--gold); font-weight: 600; text-decoration: none; } .page-footer a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } @media (max-width: 560px) { .calc-body { padding: 24px 20px 0; } .total-bar { padding: 22px 20px; } .ihs-note { padding: 10px 20px; } .key-facts { grid-template-columns: 1fr; margin-top: -36px; } .kf-item { padding: 14px 16px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; } .kf-value { margin-bottom: 0; font-size: 20px; } }
const ILR=3029,PRIORITY=500,SUPER=1000,LIFE_TEST=50; const spouseEl=document.getElementById('spouse'),childrenEl=document.getElementById('children'), priorityEl=document.getElementById('priority'),superEl=document.getElementById('superPriority'), lifeEl=document.getElementById('lifeTest'), resultsEl=document.getElementById('results'),calcBtn=document.getElementById('calcBtn'); document.getElementById('dec').addEventListener('click',()=>{const v=parseInt(childrenEl.value);if(v>0)childrenEl.value=v-1;}); document.getElementById('inc').addEventListener('click',()=>{const v=parseInt(childrenEl.value);if(v{if(priorityEl.checked)superEl.checked=false;toggleActive();}); superEl.addEventListener('change',()=>{if(superEl.checked)priorityEl.checked=false;toggleActive();}); lifeEl.addEventListener('change',toggleActive); function toggleActive(){ document.getElementById('priorityRow').classList.toggle('active',priorityEl.checked); document.getElementById('superRow').classList.toggle('active',superEl.checked); document.getElementById('lifeTestRow').classList.toggle('active',lifeEl.checked); } function fmt(n){return'£'+n.toLocaleString('en-GB',{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2});} function setAmt(id,v){const e=document.getElementById(id);e.textContent=fmt(v);e.className='ri-amount'+(v===0?' zero':'');} function showRow(id,s){document.getElementById(id).style.display=s?'flex':'none';} function calculate(){ const hs=spouseEl.value==='yes'?1:0,nc=parseInt(childrenEl.value)||0,tp=1+hs+nc; const mc=ILR,sc=hs*ILR,cc=nc*ILR; const pc=priorityEl.checked?tp*PRIORITY:(superEl.checked?tp*SUPER:0); const la=1+hs,lc=lifeEl.checked?la*LIFE_TEST:0; const total=mc+sc+cc+pc+lc; setAmt('r_main',mc); setAmt('r_spouse',sc); document.getElementById('rc_spouse').textContent='×'+hs; setAmt('r_child',cc); document.getElementById('rc_child').textContent='×'+nc; const hp=priorityEl.checked||superEl.checked; showRow('row_priority',hp); if(hp){setAmt('r_pri',pc);document.getElementById('rc_pri').textContent='×'+tp;} showRow('row_life',lifeEl.checked); if(lifeEl.checked){setAmt('r_life',lc);document.getElementById('rc_life').textContent='×'+la;} document.getElementById('totalAmount').textContent=fmt(total); resultsEl.classList.add('show'); calcBtn.textContent='✓ Cost Updated'; calcBtn.style.background='#1a3a5c'; setTimeout(()=>{calcBtn.textContent='Calculate Total Cost';calcBtn.style.background='';},1500); } calcBtn.addEventListener('click',calculate); calculate(); document.querySelectorAll('.faq-q').forEach(q=>{ q.addEventListener('click',()=>{ const item=q.parentElement,isOpen=item.classList.contains('open'); document.querySelectorAll('.faq-item').forEach(i=>i.classList.remove('open')); if(!isOpen)item.classList.add('open'); }); });
UK Immigration — Free Calculator Tool
ILR Cost Calculator 2026
Calculate the total cost of your Indefinite Leave to Remain application — including dependants, priority processing, and all Home Office fees.
Verified against GOV.UK · Updated March 2026
£3,029
ILR Fee
Per Person
Per Person
Free
Biometric
Enrolment
Enrolment
Exempt
Health
Surcharge
Surcharge
The ILR application fee in 2026 is £3,029 per person — including dependants and children. Biometrics are free. No IHS required. Priority processing: £500 (5-day) or £1,000 (next-day). From 26 March 2027, the English requirement increases from B1 to B2 (Statement of Changes, 5 March 2026).
Applicants
As dependant
No — Main applicant only Yes — Include spouse / partner
Optional Services
✓ Biometric Enrolment
Fingerprints & photo — included free in application fee
Free
Cost Breakdown
Main Applicant ILR Fee ×1 £3,029.00
Spouse / Partner ×0 £0.00
Children ×0 £0.00
Priority / Super Priority ×0 £0.00
Life in the UK Test ×0 £0.00
No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required for ILR applications
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an immigration status in the United Kingdom that grants permanent residency. Also known as settlement or settled status, ILR allows holders to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. It removes the need for visa renewals and serves as the final step before applying for British citizenship through naturalisation.
ILR is available to individuals who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period on an eligible visa. Most applicants become eligible after 5 years of continuous lawful residence, though some routes (such as Global Talent) allow applications after 3 years. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship (naturalisation fee: £1,735 including ceremony).
How Much Does ILR Cost in 2026?
The Home Office ILR application fee is £3,029 per person as of 2026. This fee applies equally to main applicants and every dependant, including children. There are no reduced rates for minors or family groups. Biometric enrolment is free — fingerprints and photo are included at no extra charge. ILR applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Complete ILR Fee Table 2026
| Fee Component | Cost | Per | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILR Application Fee | £3,029.00 | Per person | Mandatory |
| Biometric Enrolment | Free | Per person | Included |
| Priority Service (5 days) | £500.00 | Per person | Optional |
| Super Priority (next day) | £1,000.00 | Per person | Optional |
| Life in the UK Test | £50.00 | Per adult | Most adults |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £0 | — | Exempt |
ILR Cost Examples by Family Size
Single applicant: £3,029 (ILR fee) + £50 (Life in UK test) = £3,079.
Couple (2 adults): £6,058 + £100 = £6,158.
Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children): £12,116 + £100 = £12,216.
Biometric enrolment is free. These are minimum costs before any optional priority processing or legal fees.
Couple (2 adults): £6,058 + £100 = £6,158.
Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children): £12,116 + £100 = £12,216.
Biometric enrolment is free. These are minimum costs before any optional priority processing or legal fees.
ILR Requirements in 2026
To qualify for ILR in 2026, you generally need: 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on an eligible visa (such as Skilled Worker or Spouse visa), no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, a pass in the Life in the UK Test, B1 English language proficiency (currently), and you must meet the good character requirement. Some visa routes (Global Talent, Innovator Founder) allow earlier eligibility after 3 years. Biometric enrolment is free.
You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before reaching your qualifying residence period. Your stay must have been lawful throughout the entire qualifying period — any period without valid leave may disqualify you. You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man while your ILR application is pending, or it will be withdrawn.
New B2 English Language Requirement from March 2027
Important change confirmed: According to the Statement of Changes published on 5 March 2026, where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must (unless an exemption applies) show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2 (up from the current B1 requirement). This means applicants planning to apply for ILR from 26 March 2027 onwards will need to demonstrate a higher standard of English — equivalent to upper-intermediate level. If you are approaching your ILR eligibility date, applying before 26 March 2027 means you only need to meet the current B1 standard.
Processing Times
Standard processing: up to 6 months. Priority Service: aims for a decision within 5 working days (additional £500/person). Super Priority: aims for a decision by the next working day after biometrics (additional £1,000/person). Processing time starts after your biometric appointment, not when you submit the online form. Priority availability is limited and varies by route and location.
ILR Rule Changes: 2025 White Paper & 2026 Statement of Changes
The UK Government's May 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed extending the ILR qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years under an "earned settlement" model, with additional proposed requirements including minimum personal income of £12,570 for 3–5 years and community contribution. These broader proposals remain subject to consultation and have not yet been fully implemented. Dependants of British citizens are expected to retain the 5-year pathway.
Confirmed change (5 March 2026): The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules published on 5 March 2026 confirms that ILR applicants with an application date on or after 26 March 2027 must demonstrate English language ability at B2 level (upper-intermediate) in speaking and listening, up from the current B1 requirement. Exemptions may apply. This is the first concrete rule change flowing from the White Paper proposals.
What Happens After You Get ILR?
After receiving ILR, you can live and work in the UK permanently without visa restrictions. You gain access to public funds and benefits. After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation (fee: £1,735 including ceremony). ILR status can lapse if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK. EU Settlement Scheme holders have a 5-year absence allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions About ILR Costs
How much is the ILR application fee in 2026?
The standard Home Office ILR application fee is £3,029 per person. This applies to all routes including Skilled Worker, Spouse/Partner, and Long Residence. Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photo) is free — included in the application. The fee took effect from 9 April 2025 and remains current.
Do children pay the same ILR fee as adults?
Yes. Every dependant, including children of any age, must pay the full £3,029 application fee. There are no discounts or reduced rates for minors. A family of four would pay £12,116 in application fees alone.
Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for ILR?
No. ILR applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge because ILR grants permanent settlement status in the UK. The IHS only applies to temporary visa categories. This is one of the financial advantages of settlement.
Can I pay the ILR fee in instalments?
No. The Home Office requires the full fee to be paid in a single transaction at the time of online submission. Your application will not be processed until payment has cleared. There is no instalment plan available.
Is the ILR fee refundable if my application is refused?
Generally no. The fee is non-refundable once biometrics have been enrolled. Refunds may be available only if you withdraw before biometrics, or the application is rejected as invalid before processing. Priority and super priority fees are usually refunded only if the service target is missed for reasons outside your control.
How long does it take to get an ILR decision?
Standard processing takes up to 6 months. Priority Service (£500 extra) aims for 5 working days. Super Priority (£1,000 extra) aims for next-working-day decisions after biometrics. Processing time starts after your biometric appointment, not when you submit the online form.
What are the requirements for ILR in 2026?
You need: 5 years continuous residence on an eligible visa, no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, a pass in the Life in the UK Test, B1 English language proficiency (B2 required from 26 March 2027 per the Statement of Changes published 5 March 2026), and you must meet the good character requirement. Biometrics are free. Some routes (Global Talent, Innovator Founder) allow earlier eligibility after 3 years.
Will ILR rules change in 2026 or 2027?
Yes — a key change is already confirmed. The Statement of Changes published on 5 March 2026 requires that ILR applications dated on or after 26 March 2027 must demonstrate English at B2 level (up from B1). The broader 2025 White Paper proposals (extending qualifying period from 5 to 10 years under "earned settlement") were subject to consultation and are not yet fully implemented. Dependants of British citizens are expected to retain the 5-year pathway.
How much does ILR cost for a family of four?
A family of four pays a minimum of £12,116 in Home Office application fees (£3,029 × 4). Biometrics are free. Adding Life in the UK tests for two adults (£50 × 2 = £100), the base total is approximately £12,216 before any optional priority processing or legal fees.
Can I get an ILR fee waiver?
Fee waivers for ILR are exceptionally rare. They are generally only considered for applicants on a human rights route who can provide extensive, compelling evidence of destitution. For the vast majority of applicants on work, family, or long residence routes, a fee waiver is not a realistic option.
What happens after I get ILR?
With ILR you can live and work in the UK permanently, access public funds, and after 12 months apply for British citizenship (£1,735). ILR status can lapse if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK. EU Settlement Scheme holders have a 5-year absence allowance.
Is ILR the same as British citizenship?
No. ILR gives permanent residency but not full citizenship rights such as voting in general elections or holding a British passport. ILR is the stepping stone to British citizenship — you can apply for naturalisation after holding ILR for at least 12 months, provided you meet additional residency and other requirements.
