In This Guide
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the ultimate goal for many international care workers in the UK. Also known as “settlement” or “permanent residency,” ILR gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, free from visa restrictions and without being tied to any specific employer.
As a Health and Care Worker visa holder, you can apply for ILR after 5 continuous years in the UK. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan for and achieve settlement.
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an immigration status that gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. Once you have ILR, you:
- Can work for any employer without needing a sponsor or work visa
- Can be self-employed or start your own business
- Can access public funds including benefits, tax credits, and social housing
- Can study freely and access student finance
- Can apply for British citizenship after 12 months with ILR
- Stay permanently in the UK without renewing your visa
ILR vs British Citizenship: ILR gives you permanent residency but not a British passport. After 12 months with ILR, you can apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, which gives you the right to a British passport and to vote in all UK elections.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for ILR as a care worker, you must meet all of the following requirements:
5 years of continuous residence
You must have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years on the Health and Care Worker visa (or a combination of qualifying visas including Skilled Worker/Tier 2). You must not have been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
Current employment with a licensed sponsor
At the time of your ILR application, you must still be employed by a licensed sponsor in an eligible role. The job must be the same one listed on your most recent visa or a new role that was reported to the Home Office.
Meet the salary threshold
Your salary must meet the minimum threshold in force at the time of your ILR application. This is the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for your specific occupation.
Pass the Life in the UK test
You must pass this test on British values, history, and traditions. The test costs £50 and consists of 24 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 75% (18 out of 24).
English language at B1 level
You must demonstrate English at B1 level, which you will have already done for your visa application. Your previous IELTS or equivalent test can be used.
No serious criminal convictions
You must not have any unspent criminal convictions. Minor offences may not prevent ILR, but serious convictions will result in refusal. The Home Office also considers your character and conduct.
The 5-Year Route to Settlement
Here is a typical timeline for a care worker’s journey to ILR:
Arrive and settle in
Start your care role, complete mandatory training (Care Certificate, manual handling, safeguarding), register for a National Insurance number, open a UK bank account, register with a GP.
Develop your career
Progress to NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care, take on additional responsibilities, build your UK work experience. Consider whether you want to switch to a better employer if needed.
Extend your visa if needed
If your initial visa was for less than 5 years, you will need to extend it. Apply for an extension through the same Health and Care Worker route. Begin preparing for the Life in the UK test.
Prepare for ILR
Study for and pass the Life in the UK test. Check your absence record (no more than 180 days absent in any 12-month period). Confirm your salary meets the current ILR threshold. Gather your supporting documents.
Apply for ILR
Submit your ILR application as soon as you reach the 5-year mark. Pay the £2,885 application fee. Attend a biometric appointment. Processing takes approximately 6 months for standard applications.
Absence rule: You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. Track your travel carefully. Short holidays are fine, but extended trips home could jeopardise your ILR application.
Life in the UK Test
The Life in the UK test is a mandatory requirement for ILR. Here is what you need to know:
24
Multiple choice questions
75%
Pass mark (18/24)
45 min
Time allowed
The test covers British values, history, traditions, government, and everyday life. Questions are based on the official handbook “Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents.”
Preparation tips:
- Buy and study the official handbook (available in bookshops and online)
- Take free practice tests online (many websites offer them)
- Focus on key dates, facts, and figures that are commonly tested
- Study for at least 2–4 weeks before booking your test
- You can retake the test as many times as needed (paying £50 each time)
The test costs £50 and is taken at approved test centres across the UK. Book at least 3 days in advance. You need to bring valid photo ID (passport or BRP). People aged 65 and over, or those with certain long-term conditions, may be exempt.
Salary Requirements at ILR Stage
At the ILR stage, your salary must meet the threshold in force at the time you apply. For Health and Care Worker visa holders in 2026, this means your salary must be at least £23,200 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher.
Important note on salary thresholds
Salary thresholds can change between when you first get your visa and when you apply for ILR. Plan ahead by aiming for a salary well above the minimum to give yourself a buffer against future threshold increases.
If your salary does not meet the threshold at ILR stage, you have two options: negotiate a pay rise with your current employer, or switch to an employer who pays more. Either way, plan this well before your ILR application date.
ILR Costs
| Fee | Amount (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ILR application fee | £2,885 | Per person |
| Life in the UK test | £50 | One-off (can retake) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £0 | Not required for ILR |
| Biometric enrolment | Included | In application fee |
| Total per person | £2,935 | Application + LitUK test |
Family costs: Each family member applying for ILR pays their own fee (£2,885 per person). For a family of four, this totals £11,540 plus Life in the UK test fees. Start saving early. Some employers contribute towards ILR fees.
Life After ILR
Once you receive ILR, your life in the UK changes significantly:
Important: ILR can be lost
If you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK, your ILR lapses. You would need to apply for a Returning Resident visa. If you plan to travel extensively, consider applying for British citizenship first, as citizenship cannot be lost in this way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get ILR as a care worker?
You can apply after 5 continuous years on the Health and Care Worker visa or a combination of qualifying visas (Skilled Worker/Tier 2). Time on qualifying routes adds up cumulatively.
What are the ILR requirements for care workers in 2026?
5 years continuous residence, Life in the UK test, B1 English, salary threshold compliance, no more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period, and no serious criminal convictions.
How much does it cost to apply for ILR?
£2,885 per person for the application fee plus £50 for the Life in the UK test. No IHS is required for ILR applications.
Does switching sponsors reset my ILR qualifying period?
No. Switching sponsors does not reset your 5-year clock as long as you remain on the same visa route without a break in lawful stay.
What happens after I get ILR?
You can work freely, access public funds, and after 12 months apply for British citizenship. ILR does not expire but can be lost if you spend more than 2 years outside the UK.
Can my family also get ILR?
Yes. Dependants who have been in the UK for 5 years on linked visas can apply at the same time. Each pays £2,885 and must meet their own Life in the UK and English requirements. See our dependant visa guide.