UK ILR Application Required Documents: The Complete 2026 Checklist

Introduction: Why Document Preparation Matters

Your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application represents five years of living and working in the UK. After all that time and investment, the last thing you want is a refusal or delay because of missing or incorrect documents.

This guide provides a complete checklist of documents required for ILR applications across all major routes, with specific requirements for each category and expert tips to avoid common mistakes.

Universal Requirements (All ILR Applications)

Regardless of which visa route you're applying from, these documents are required for every ILR application:

1. Identity Documents

Document	Requirements
Current passport	Valid with at least 1 blank page
Previous passports	All passports covering your 5-year qualifying period
Current BRP	Your current Biometric Residence Permit
Previous BRPs	If you've had multiple BRPs during your stay

⚠️ Important: If any passports are lost or stolen, provide:

• Police report (if reported)
• Letter explaining the circumstances
• Any available photocopies of the lost passport

2. Life in the UK Test Certificate

You must pass the Life in the UK test before applying for ILR. This is different from the English language test required for initial visa applications.

• Book at the official website: lifeintheuktest.gov.uk
• Keep your pass certificate safe — you'll need the original or a clear copy
• The certificate never expires once passed

3. English Language Evidence

You must prove English language ability at CEFR B1 level or above. Accepted evidence includes:

• ✅ Life in the UK test pass (counts as English evidence too)
• ✅ IELTS for UKVI (minimum 4.0 in each component)
• ✅ Trinity College London GESE or ISE
• ✅ Degree taught in English (must be verified by ECCTIS/UK ENIC)
• ✅ National of a majority English-speaking country

Exemptions apply if you're:

• 65 years or older at the time of application
• Have a physical or mental condition preventing you from taking the test

4. Proof of Continuous Residence

You must demonstrate you haven't broken continuous residence by spending too much time outside the UK:

• Maximum 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
• Maximum 540 days total over the 5-year period
• No single absence longer than 6 months (unless exceptional circumstances)

Evidence to provide:

• Travel history from passport stamps
• Flight bookings/boarding passes (if stamps unclear)
• Spreadsheet of all absences with dates and destinations

Skilled Worker / Tier 2 Route Documents

If you're applying for ILR after 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa (or former Tier 2 General), you'll need:

Employment Evidence

Document	Details
Employment letter	From current employer confirming job title, salary, start date, and that employment is ongoing
Payslips	Last 6 months (some provide 12 months for extra evidence)
Bank statements	Showing salary deposits for the last 6 months
P60s	For each tax year during your qualifying period
Contract of employment	Current contract showing terms and salary

Salary Requirements

You must have been paid at least the required salary threshold throughout your employment:

• Current general threshold: £38,700 per year (or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher)
• Health and Care Worker route: Lower threshold applies
• Historical thresholds apply for time spent before April 2024

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) History

While not always requested, having records of your CoS numbers can help if there are queries about your employment history.

Health and Care Worker Route Documents

If you're on the Health and Care Worker visa, requirements are similar to Skilled Worker but with some differences:

Additional Requirements

• Employer letter confirming you work for an NHS trust, social care organisation, or CQC-registered employer
• Professional registration (if applicable) — NMC for nurses, HCPC for allied health professionals, GMC for doctors
• Evidence of working in an eligible health/care occupation

Salary Evidence

Health and Care Workers benefit from lower salary thresholds, but you must still prove you've been paid the required amount consistently.

Family Route (Spouse/Partner) Documents

If you're applying for ILR as a spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person:

Relationship Evidence

Document	Details
Marriage/civil partnership certificate	Original or certified copy
Partner's passport or ID	Copy of bio data page
Partner's proof of status	British passport, ILR BRP, or naturalisation certificate

Cohabitation Evidence (if unmarried partners)

• Joint tenancy agreement or mortgage
• Joint utility bills
• Joint bank account statements
• Letters addressed to both names at same address

Financial Requirements

For family route ILR, you must show the relationship is genuine and subsisting, and that you can be adequately maintained without recourse to public funds.

Global Talent Route Documents

If you hold a Global Talent visa:

Required Documents

• Endorsement evidence — Original endorsement letter from the relevant endorsing body
• Evidence of continued work in your field (publications, contracts, media coverage, etc.)
• Self-employment evidence (if applicable) — Tax returns, invoices, contracts

Note on Qualifying Period

Global Talent visa holders may qualify for ILR after 3 years if they received a "fast track" endorsement, or 5 years for standard endorsements.

Innovator/Start-up Route Documents

Business Evidence

• Endorsement letters — All contact point assessments during your stay
• Companies House documents — Confirmation statement, accounts
• Business bank statements
• Evidence of business activity — Contracts, revenue, employees hired

Address and Residence Evidence

While not always mandatory, the following can support your application:

Address History

• Council tax bills for each address
• Utility bills (gas, electricity, water)
• Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
• Bank statements showing address

Tip: If you've moved frequently, prepare a clear address history with dates for each residence.

Additional Documents for Specific Situations

If You've Changed Employers

• Employment letters from each employer during your qualifying period
• P45s showing employment end dates
• Evidence of any gaps between employments

If You've Had Name Changes

• Deed poll document
• Marriage certificate (if name changed through marriage)
• Any other legal documents showing name change

If You've Had Criminal Convictions

• Court documents showing the offence, date, and sentence
• Character references (optional but helpful)
• Covering letter explaining circumstances

Read our detailed guide: How Criminal Convictions Affect Your ILR Application

If You've Had Extended Absences

• Evidence of exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, family bereavement, work assignment)
• Medical letters (if health-related)
• Employer letters (if work-related travel)

Document Specifications

All documents must meet these requirements:

Format Requirements

• Original documents preferred — Some can be copies, but originals are safer
• High-quality scans — At least 300 DPI, all text readable
• Full documents — Don't crop or cut off edges
• Colour scans — For passports and BRPs

Translation Requirements

Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by:

• Certified translation by a professional translator
• Translator's credentials, signature, and date
• Confirmation that it's an accurate translation
• Original document (or certified copy) alongside translation

Complete ILR Document Checklist

Use this checklist before submitting your application:

Identity & Status

• ☐ Current valid passport
• ☐ All previous passports (covering 5-year period)
• ☐ Current BRP
• ☐ Previous BRPs (if applicable)

English & Knowledge of Life in UK

• ☐ Life in the UK test pass certificate
• ☐ English language certificate (if using separate evidence)

Employment (Skilled Worker / Health & Care)

• ☐ Employment letter from current employer
• ☐ Last 6 months payslips
• ☐ Last 6 months bank statements
• ☐ P60s for each tax year
• ☐ Contract of employment

Residence

• ☐ Travel history / absence calculation
• ☐ Address history (optional but helpful)

Family Route (if applicable)

• ☐ Marriage/civil partnership certificate
• ☐ Partner's ID and immigration status
• ☐ Relationship evidence

Application

• ☐ Completed online application form
• ☐ Payment confirmation
• ☐ Biometric appointment booked

Common Document Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing Previous Passports

Even expired passports are needed. They contain entry/exit stamps that prove your travel history.

2. Bank Statements That Don't Match Payslips

If salary deposits don't match payslip amounts, provide an explanation (e.g., pension deductions, salary sacrifice schemes).

3. Gaps in Employment

Any gaps between jobs should be explained. Even a few days between CoS can cause questions.

4. Incorrect Absence Calculations

Use the Home Office's calculator and count days carefully. The day you leave and return both count as days outside the UK.

5. Poor Quality Scans

Blurry or cropped documents cause delays. Ensure all text is readable and all edges are visible.

Application Timeline & Fees (2026)

Item	Cost
ILR application fee	£2,885
Biometric enrolment	£19.20
Priority service (5 working days)	£500
Super priority (next working day)	£800

Standard processing time: Up to 6 months

Related Guides

• UK ILR for Dependants: Document Checklist
• Which Visa Types Count Toward ILR?
• How Criminal Convictions Affect Your Application
• Administrative Review: What to Do If Refused

Official Government Resources

For the most up-to-date official guidance, refer to these UK government pages:

• 🔗 Indefinite Leave to Remain Overview — gov.uk
• 🔗 Settle in the UK (ILR) — gov.uk
• 🔗 Skilled Worker Settlement — gov.uk
• 🔗 Health and Care Worker Settlement — gov.uk
• 🔗 Life in the UK Test — gov.uk
• 🔗 English Language Requirements — gov.uk
• 🔗 Continuous Residence Calculator — gov.uk

Need Help With Your Documents?

Preparing an ILR application can be overwhelming. Our services can help:

AI Document Check (Free) — Instant analysis of your documents for completeness, quality issues, and specification compliance. 1 free check per document daily.

Expert Review (£49) — Thorough review by immigration specialists who check your entire application package and provide personalised feedback.

Don't risk a refusal after 5 years of building your life in the UK. Get your documents checked before you apply.

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