You made up your mind about wanting to study in the UK but now there are various questions that linger : What after you finish your studies? How easy is it to get PR and what are the steps towards it? 

Well you don’t have to worry, we have brought a step by step guide towards ILR but before we actually move towards the steps in order to apply for the ILR, let’s understand what it actually is. 

What is ILR?

ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is the closest thing to Permanent Residency (PR) in the United Kingdom. This means that you can live, work and study permanently in the UK without visa restrictions. After holding ILR for 12 months, most people can apply for British citizenship.

Now that we have got a grasp on what ILR is here are the steps towards getting it:

Step 1: Move to the UK on a Qualifying Visa

To eventually get PR in the United Kingdom, you have to first live legally in the UK on an eligible visa. A Bachelor's degree (3 years), a Master's degree (1 year) gives you 4 years towards the 5 needed for ILR. Switch to a Skilled Worker visa after graduation, work for 18 months, and you can apply to settle permanently in the UK.

Most common pathway: Skilled Worker Visa

Switch to Skilled Worker Visa 

Requirements from UK Home Office:

• Job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
• Minimum salary: £33,400/year (or going rate for job)
• English language level B2

Alternative Route : 10-Year Long Residence

• Any legal stay counts (student, graduate, work, etc.)
• Absence must not exceed 180 days per year

Step 2: Meet ILR Eligibility Requirements

Route 1: 5-Year Skilled Worker Route

You can apply after:

• Living 5 years on a qualifying visa (Skilled Worker)

Route 2: 10-Year Long Residence Route

You can apply after:

• 10 years continuous legal residence
• Includes student + graduate visas

Step 3: Core ILR Requirements

You must prove:

• Continuous residence in the UK
• Absence within allowed limits
• Pass Life in the UK Test (British history & culture)
• English language level B1 or higher (CEFR)
• Financial stability (employment/income)
• Good character (no serious criminal record)

Step 4: Documents Required for ILR Application

Prepare these documents:

• Valid passport + Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Proof of UK residence (tenancy, bills, bank statements)
• Employment proof + salary slips
• English test certificate OR UK degree taught in English
• Life in the UK Test pass certificate
• Travel history and absence records

Step 5: Apply for ILR

• Submit ILR application online
• Upload documents
• Attend biometrics appointment

Getting an ILR may feel very complicated at first but with the right guidance your journey becomes clear and achievable. 

Don’t wait any longer to embark on this journey! Visit Raffles Educare or contact us and take the first step towards your study abroad journey.