What Is a UK Investor Visa ILR and Who Is Eligible?
We recognise that securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a critical milestone for Tier 1 Investor Visa holders seeking permanent residency in the UK. ILR grants the right to live, work, and study without restriction, and enables family members to enjoy the same benefits. To qualify, applicants must meet rigorous investment, residence, and character standards established under UK immigration law. All ILR submissions via the Tier 1 Investor route must be made by 17 February 2028. Only individuals with active leave as a Tier 1 Investor are eligible to apply.
What Are the ILR Requirements for Investors Granted Their First Visa Before 6 November 2014?
- We guide clients holding visas granted before 6 November 2014 to maintain at least £1 million under their own control within the UK.
- At least 75% of these funds must be invested in share capital or loan capital of active, trading UK companies or government bonds, and the remainder either in UK assets or on deposit at regulated financial institutions.
- Investments must be made within the 12 months prior to the original visa application and kept throughout the qualifying period.
- Applicants can qualify by residing continuously for:
- Absences during this period must not exceed 180 days in any 12 months.
- If under 65, successful completion of both the Life in the UK test and an English language exam is essential.
- From 6 April 2022 onward, the minimum investment increases to £2 million, and from 6 April 2025, government bonds are no longer considered qualifying investments.
What Are the ILR Requirements for Visas Issued Between 6 November 2014 and 28 March 2019?
- For this period, at least £2 million must be held and invested in UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital of trading UK companies.
- Investments can be arranged up to 12 months before your initial visa application.
- Continuous residency for ILR is:
- Absences must not exceed 180 days per year; Life in the UK and English exams are required if you are under 65.
- Government bond investors must apply for ILR before 6 April 2025 or transfer investments to other qualifying assets by that date to ensure eligibility.
What Are the Requirements for Visas Granted On or After 29 March 2019?
- We advise applicants that a minimum investment of £2 million in share capital or loan capital of active, trading UK companies is necessary.
- The investment must be made within three months of either arriving in the UK or receiving leave.
- The qualifying residence period remains:
- Absences are limited to 180 days within any rolling 12-month period.
- Importantly, government bonds are not accepted as qualifying investments for new applicants.
When Should You Apply for ILR Settlement?
- We help clients apply up to 28 days before the required 2-, 3-, or 5-year qualifying period finishes.
- The qualifying period can be measured from either the application submission or the Home Office decision date, whichever is more advantageous for you.
What Is the Residence Requirement?
- Applicants must not exceed 180 days’ absence from the UK during any rolling 12-month period in the qualifying years.
- For visas issued before 11 January 2018, fixed calendar periods are used; for more recent grants, a rolling calculation applies.
What Is the ILR Application Process?
- We determine your eligibility and prepare all necessary financial documents and compliance material.
- Next, we complete the ILR application form and schedule your UKVCAS biometrics appointment for fingerprinting, photographs, and document submission.
- We handle all Home Office correspondence on your behalf until a decision is made. Standard applications may take up to 26 weeks, but priority service may deliver results faster.
- If you obtain ILR, we can guide you towards British citizenship after a further 12 months of residency.
Is It Possible to Apply for ILR From Outside the UK?
- Applications for Tier 1 Investor Visa ILR must be submitted within the UK. Overseas applications are not permitted under this route.
Why Work With Us?
We understand that securing a UK Investor Visa ILR is a demanding process, requiring meticulous documentation, verified financial records, and strict adherence to immigration regulations. Working with us ensures robust professional representation, maximising your chances of success and eliminating costly errors. We provide expert guidance on evolving rules, investment requirements, and deadlines, delivering peace of mind and clarity throughout the journey.
If you need detailed advice, bespoke support, or practical assistance for your UK Investor Visa ILR application, we invite you to contact us on 020 3865 6219 or leave a message. We specialise in UK settlement, Investor Visas, and all immigration matters; our team is ready to guide you from start to finish.