1. Introduction: What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an immigration status in the UK that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely without the need for a visa. Proof of ILR is essential for accessing services, traveling, proving your right to work, and applying for citizenship. This guide provides details on how to demonstrate your ILR status, the types of documents considered valid proof, and how to verify ILR online.
2. Why You Need Proof of ILR
Having proof of ILR is crucial because it allows you to:
- Prove Your Right to Live and Work in the UK: Many employers and landlords require confirmation of your ILR status.
- Access Public Services: You may need proof of ILR for healthcare, banking, and other public services.
- Travel In and Out of the UK: You must demonstrate your ILR status to re-enter the UK after traveling abroad.
- Apply for British Citizenship: ILR is a key requirement for naturalization applications.
3. Types of Acceptable Proof for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Proof of ILR varies depending on when and how it was granted. Common forms of proof include:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Most modern ILR holders are issued a BRP showing their ILR status.
- Passport Stamp or Endorsement: Older ILR holders may have an ILR stamp or vignette in their passport.
- Digital Status (E-ILR): For those granted ILR digitally, proof is accessible online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
- Home Office Letter: A letter confirming ILR status from the Home Office may serve as supplementary proof.
4. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as Proof of ILR
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is the most common proof of ILR for those granted ILR in recent years. The BRP is a physical card that contains biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photo, along with the details of your ILR status.
- How to Obtain a BRP: When granted ILR, the UKVI typically issues a BRP automatically.
- Validity: While ILR itself is indefinite, the BRP card may have an expiry date and needs to be renewed accordingly.
5. Passport Stamp or Endorsement
Before BRPs became standard, ILR was often indicated by a stamp or vignette in the holder’s passport. This is still a valid proof of ILR, though it may need supplementary documentation if reapplying for proof or updating to a BRP.
- Examples of Passport Endorsements: A passport may include phrases like “Indefinite Leave to Enter/Remain,” indicating ILR status.
- Replacing Lost Passports: If your ILR proof is in a lost or expired passport, you may need to apply for an ILR replacement document.
6. Digital Status (E-ILR) as Proof of ILR
Since April 2022, some ILR holders receive a digital immigration status instead of a physical BRP. This digital status can be accessed online through the UKVI online system, allowing ILR holders to share and confirm their status without a physical document.
- Accessing Digital ILR: Log into the UKVI portal with your details to view and share your digital ILR status.
- Sharing Digital Proof: You can share your status with employers, landlords, and service providers by providing them a code through the UKVI “View and Prove” service.
7. Home Office ILR Confirmation Letter
When granted ILR, the Home Office may issue a confirmation letter along with your BRP or other ILR documentation. While not a primary proof, it can serve as supporting evidence in specific cases.
- Home Office Contact Details: Ensure you keep a copy of the Home Office letter, as it may be required for future updates or verifications.
- Applying for a Replacement Letter: Contact the Home Office if you need a replacement of your ILR confirmation letter.
8. How to Check Your ILR Status Online
For digital ILR holders, the UKVI “View and Prove” service provides online confirmation of ILR status. To access and share your ILR:
- Log into the UKVI portal: Use your passport or ID details.
- Access your immigration status: Once logged in, you can view your ILR status and a digital confirmation.
- Share Status: Generate a “share code” to provide to employers, landlords, or other relevant parties to confirm your ILR.
9. Applying for Proof of ILR if Lost or Expired
If you lose your ILR documentation or your BRP expires, you can apply for a replacement:
- Apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) Document: For those with an old passport ILR stamp, the NTL document replaces proof of your ILR.
- Replace Your BRP: Apply for a replacement BRP through the UKVI if your current BRP is lost, stolen, or damaged.
10. Travelling Abroad and Returning with ILR
ILR status allows you to travel freely, but be sure to keep your proof of ILR with you when re-entering the UK. Be mindful of the following:
- Absence from the UK: Staying outside the UK for more than two years can result in losing ILR. If this happens, you’ll need to apply for a Returning Resident Visa.
- Bring Your Proof of ILR: Present your BRP, ILR stamp, or digital ILR to border officials when re-entering the UK.
11. Indefinite Leave to Remain vs. British Citizenship
While ILR provides permanent residency, it is not the same as British citizenship:
- Permanent Residency: ILR holders have permanent residency but remain citizens of their home countries.
- Naturalization: ILR holders may apply for British citizenship through naturalization after meeting residency and other eligibility requirements.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I lose my ILR status? Yes, if you leave the UK for more than two years, you may lose ILR and need a Returning Resident Visa to regain entry.
- Can I work in the UK with ILR? Yes, ILR allows you to work in the UK without restriction.
- Is my BRP the same as ILR? The BRP is a physical card showing proof of your ILR status. ILR itself is your immigration status, while the BRP is just the documentation of that status.
13. Conclusion
Proof of Indefinite Leave to Remain is essential for exercising your rights in the UK, such as work, travel, and access to public services. Depending on when and how you obtained ILR, you may have different types of documentation, including a BRP, passport stamp, or digital status. Keeping your proof of ILR secure and accessible ensures you’re prepared for any situations that require verification of your residency status in the UK.