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ILR & Settlement — Tools Built Around the 5-Year Qualifying Period

Track absences automatically, monitor Life in the UK test status, calculate qualifying periods, and run a pre-submission eligibility check before filing SET(O), SET(M), Long Residence, or route-specific settlement applications.

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What the Platform Does

Tools built specifically for ILR & Settlement cases

  • Absence tracker with auto-calculated total days and ILR threshold warnings (180-day rule)
  • Qualifying period calculator from the first grant of leave on the qualifying route
  • Life in the UK test status tracking — passed, pending, or exempt
  • English language level check at B1 (or above) for ILR
  • Pre-submission audit against the specific ILR route requirements (SET(O), SET(M), Long Residence)
  • Supporting statement drafts for discretionary or complex ILR cases
Key Requirements

What applicants must meet

  • 5 years of continuous qualifying residence in the UK (route dependent)
  • No more than 180 days absent from the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period
  • Passed the Life in the UK test (unless exempt by age or disability)
  • English language at B1 level or above (unless exempt)
  • No serious criminal convictions or immigration breaches
  • Current leave must be valid at the date of the ILR application
What We Check For

Common refusal grounds — caught before submission

Excessive absences — more than 180 days in any single 12-month period of the qualifying period
Qualifying period not yet completed at the date of application
Life in the UK test not passed and no valid exemption
English language evidence below B1 level
Criminality or immigration breaches making the applicant unsuitable
Current leave expired before the ILR application was submitted
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many days can I be absent from the UK and still qualify for ILR?

You must not exceed 180 days absent in any rolling 12-month period during the 5-year qualifying period. The 12-month periods are assessed from any point in the qualifying period, not just the last 12 months.

When should I apply for ILR — exactly on the 5-year date?

You can apply up to 28 days before the 5-year qualifying period is complete. Applying early (before 28 days) means you will not have completed the qualifying period and the application will be refused.

Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test for ILR?

Yes, unless you are exempt. Exemptions apply if you are aged 65 or over, or have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from studying for or taking the test.

What is Long Residence ILR?

Long Residence ILR (under paragraph 276B) allows someone to apply for settlement after 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, regardless of the visa route. It requires continuous lawful leave throughout the 10-year period.

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