UK ILR Processing Times: How Long Does It Take in 2026?

How Long Does ILR Take?

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a major milestone — and the wait for a decision can be incredibly stressful. If you've been waiting months without an answer, you're not alone. Here's what to realistically expect.

Official Processing Times

The Home Office states the following official processing times:

Application Type	Official Target
Standard ILR (in UK)	6 months
Super Priority (same day)	Next working day
Priority Service	5 working days

The 6-month target is just that — a target. Many applicants report waiting 8-12 months or more, especially for certain routes.

Processing Times by Route

Skilled Worker Route

Service	Typical Wait
Super Priority	1-2 working days
Priority	5-10 working days
Standard	4-8 months

Skilled Worker ILR is generally processed faster because the route is well-established and documentation is straightforward.

Spouse/Partner Route

Service	Typical Wait
Priority	5-15 working days
Standard	4-8 months

Spouse route applications may take longer if the relationship evidence needs verification.

Refugee Route (Asylum)

Service	Typical Wait
Standard	6-12+ months

Long Residence (10 Years)

Service	Typical Wait
Standard	6-12 months

Long residence applications require verification of continuous residence over 10 years, which takes time.

Parent Route

Service	Typical Wait
Standard	6-10 months

Private Life Route

Service	Typical Wait
Standard	6-12 months

Real Experience: Refugee ILR Timeline

Based on community reports, here's what refugee-route applicants often experience:

Typical Timeline:

Stage	Timeframe
Application submitted	Day 0
Biometrics appointment	2-6 weeks
Acknowledgement letter	1-2 weeks after biometrics
Background/security checks	Ongoing
Decision	6-12+ months from application

Your Situation (4 Months Wait)

If you applied in September and gave biometrics in October:

• 📅 4 months since application — Still within "normal" range
• 📅 ~3.5 months since biometrics — Processing has likely started
• ⏳ Expect decision — Possibly 2-4 more months

While stressful, a 4-month wait for refugee-route ILR is unfortunately normal. Many applicants wait 8-12 months.

Why Do Delays Happen?

Common Reasons for Delays:

• 🔍 Security checks: Especially for asylum/refugee routes
• 📋 Complex case history: Previous applications, appeals, or changes in status
• 📁 Missing documents: Home Office requesting additional evidence
• 👥 High volume: Backlogs in certain departments
• 🌍 Country-specific checks: Verification with overseas authorities
• ❓ Discrepancies: Information that doesn't match records

Refugee-Specific Delays:

Refugee-route applications often take longer because:

• Additional security screening
• Verification of original asylum claim
• Checking travel history since gaining refugee status
• Confirming conditions of refugee status haven't changed

What Can You Do While Waiting?

Before 6 Months:

• ✅ Wait patiently: Applications within 6 months are "on time"
• ✅ Check email regularly: Home Office may request documents
• ✅ Don't call repeatedly: It won't speed things up
• ✅ Keep documents ready: In case they ask for more

After 6 Months:

If your application has been pending for over 6 months:

1. Contact UKVI: Use the online contact form or phone
2. MP Escalation: Ask your local MP to make enquiries
3. Formal Complaint: Submit a formal complaint about delays
4. Legal Action: In extreme cases, consider judicial review (seek legal advice)

How to Contact Your MP:

1. Find your MP at members.parliament.uk
2. Email or write explaining your situation
3. Include: Your name, application reference, date applied, date of biometrics
4. Ask them to make enquiries with the Home Office

MP enquiries often speed things up as they create a formal record and require a response.

What Rights Do You Have While Waiting?

While your ILR application is pending:

• ✅ Your current visa remains valid (if you applied in time)
• ✅ Section 3C leave: If your visa expired after applying, you have legal status
• ✅ Right to work: Continues under Section 3C
• ✅ Right to rent: Landlords can verify your status

Priority and Super Priority Services

Are They Available for ILR?

Service	Cost	Availability
Super Priority (same day)	£1,000	Limited availability
Priority (5 days)	£500	Usually available
Standard	Included	Default

Note: Priority services must be selected when applying — you cannot upgrade a pending standard application.

Is Priority Worth It?

• ✅ Worth it if you need certainty quickly (job, travel, etc.)
• ✅ Worth it if you can afford the extra cost
• ❌ May not be available for all routes
• ❌ Doesn't guarantee approval — just faster decision

What Happens If You Travel While Waiting?

This depends on your current status:

• Valid visa: You can usually travel (check conditions)
• Section 3C leave: Travel may break your application — seek advice first
• Refugee status: Travel to certain countries may affect your claim

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 4 months too long for ILR?

No, 4 months is within normal range. The official target is 6 months, but many applications take longer.

Should I contact the Home Office after 4 months?

Generally no — wait until at least 6 months. Contacting before then rarely helps and may slow things down.

Why does refugee ILR take longer?

Additional security checks, verification of asylum records, and confirmation that circumstances haven't changed.

Can I work while waiting for ILR?

Yes, if you applied before your visa expired, Section 3C leave allows you to continue working.

What if my employer needs proof I can work?

They can use the Employer Checking Service to verify your right to work.

Will my ILR be backdated?

Your ILR will typically be granted from the date of decision, not the date you applied.

Can I apply for citizenship while waiting for ILR?

No, you must have ILR before applying for citizenship.

Community Experiences

Here's what others have reported (individual cases vary):

Route	Applied	Decision	Wait Time
Skilled Worker	Standard	Approved	5 months
Spouse	Standard	Approved	7 months
Refugee	Standard	Approved	10 months
Long Residence	Standard	Approved	11 months
Skilled Worker	Priority	Approved	6 days

Key Takeaways

• ⏱️ Official target: 6 months for standard ILR
• 📊 Reality: Many applications take 8-12+ months
• 🛂 Refugee route: Often takes longer due to security checks
• 📅 4 months wait: Still within normal range — don't panic
• 📧 After 6 months: Contact UKVI or your MP
• ✅ Section 3C: You can work/live legally while waiting
• 🚫 Don't travel: Especially on refugee status — seek advice first

Related Guides

• UK ILR Required Documents Checklist
• Which Visa Types Count Toward ILR?
• Administrative Review Processing Times
• British Citizenship Application Guide

Official Government Resources

• 🔗 Indefinite Leave to Remain — gov.uk
• 🔗 Visa Decision Wait Times — gov.uk
• 🔗 Contact UKVI — gov.uk
• 🔗 Find Your MP — UK Parliament
• 🔗 Employer Checking Service — gov.uk

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