You can apply for UK ILR at 50 if you meet the eligibility requirements. The only age limit required to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is for the individuals to be 18 years old. Individuals looking to apply for an ILR in the UK must fulfill requirements like clearing the Life in the UK test, English language proficiency test, residency requirements, and other eligibility criteria. With an ILR, you can reside, work, or even pursue studies in the UK for an indefinite period of time.
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Requirements for UK ILR
There are no age restrictions for an ILR in the UK. However, you must fulfill the below requirements if you are aged above 18 years and are looking to apply for the ILR:
- Life in the UK Test: You must clear the test and have the “Life in the UK” certification
- Language proficiency requirements: You must have the minimum English language proficiency of at least B1 level
- Be of good character: You must not have a clear criminal record and be of good character.
- Absence limit: You must not have spent more than 180 days out of a 12-month period outside the UK.
- Visa-based requirements: Different types of UK visas have different requirements. You must fulfill the given criteria according to your UK visa.
- Residency requirements: You must reside in the UK for a continuous period. The residency period will vary depending on the type of UK Visa.
| UK Visa category | Qualifying ILR period |
| Spouse or civil partner of a British Citizen or person settled in the UK visa | 5 years (if the relationship is genuine and valid) |
| Unmarried partner | 5 years (if the relationship is genuine and valid) |
| EEA Family Permit | 5 years |
| UK Ancestry visa | 5 years |
| Innovator visa | 3 years |
| Global Talent visa | 3 years |
| Skilled Worker visa and Tier 2 (General) | 5 years |
| PBS visa dependants | 5 years |
| Retired Person visa | 5 years |
| Discretionary Leave to Remain | 6 years |
| Long residence | 10 years (continuous residency in the UK) |
| Returning resident | If settled in the UK before departing and returning back to the country within 3 years of departure |
| Domestic Worker in a Private Household | 5 Years |
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