Refugee Settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain

For those who have escaped danger in their home country

A Refugee is someone who has fled from their country due to a fear of persecution because they are part of a particular social group. If the UK has granted asylum to that person, he or she becomes a Refugee and is granted five years' leave to remain here. After five years, he or she can apply for Refugee settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain.

A person with Humanitarian Protection has also fled their country because they are at risk of serious harm. He or she will be granted five years' leave to remain. After five years he or she can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Refugees and people with Humanitarian Protection do not have to take the tests that non-refugees have to take - the English Language and Life in the UK tests. The application is also free - there are no Home Office fees payable for Refugee Indefinite Leave to Remain applications.

A Refugee simply has to show that he or she has lived continuously in the UK for five years as a refugee without long absences abroad. The Home Office will however review the Refugee's circumstances and the situation in the Refugee's home country to check whether it is now possible for the Refugee to return.

Working with us on Refugee settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain

We will take a look at your documents to ensure you are eligible to apply for Refugee Indefinite Leave to Remain.

The UK government has tightened up the rules relating to Indefinite Leave to Remain in recent years and this can pose problems for Refugees or people with Humanitarian Protection. This is where our expertise can help.

If the Home Office think you entered the UK fraudulently or you have used false documents at any time during the past ten years, they can now refuse an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Of course, asylum seekers often enter the UK illegally and may be trying to hide their true identity. If this is you, we can advise.

How does the process work?

As you reach the five year point, it is a good idea to come and see us to talk about applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. We offer a free 20 minute consultation.

If you use our services, we will prepare and submit the application on your behalf. We will gather all the right evidence and ensure the Home Office understand your circumstances. If there are problems with the application, we will tell you. If we think your application will be refused, we will tell you and advise you not to proceed. We never take money from clients for hopeless applications unless they insist we do so.

"They are loyal to their profession, honest, reliable, trustworthy, extremely professional, at the same time the friendliest team to deal with – what more can one wish for?"

Ars Pog

The Home Office will then make a decision. If successful, you will be granted Refugee settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain. You will be eligible to apply for British Citizenship, either immediately or after 12 months. This is something we can discuss if you would like to know more.

If you have children, we can also discuss their status.

Frequently Asked Questions

My family is here with me. Can they apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Yes, if they came with you originally or came on the Family Reunion route.  

I have a criminal record, can I get Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Refugee?

It depends on what you have done, when it happened and what sentence you were given. Criminal convictions can be a reason to refuse an application for Refugee Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Get in touch
For those who have escaped danger in their home country
Find out more about Refugee and Humanitarian Protection. Call or email us today.
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    Mr E
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  • A BIG THANK YOU , for your help in helping me acquire my British settlement and British citizenship application successfully done. Your professionalism and kind warm attitude and nature made this process very easy and stress free. You took all my concerns away. 

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  • I would like to thank both of you, Sallie and Karen for your assistance in the way you handled my wife's Spouse Visa Extension to remain here with me in the United Kingdom. We will recommend The Immigration Legal Services here in Ipswich to anybody who wants to apply for a visa to come or remain here in the United Kingdom because the service they provided proved to be most reliable, simple and quick process. Much appreciated Sallie and Karen. Thanking you once again. We will be back again.
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