Indefinite leave to remain and citizenship solicitors in Leicester
Settling permanently in the UK and becoming a British citizen: the usual requirements, the common pitfalls, and when to take advice.
Last updated 27 September 2026. General information about the law in England and Wales, not legal advice on your situation.
This page is general information only. The government has announced significant changes to how long people must wait before settling, and how they qualify. Check the current rules for your route before applying.
Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also called settlement, lets you live in the UK without time limits. Most people qualify after a set period on a route that leads to settlement, such as a partner or skilled worker visa, and must meet the requirements of that route at the time they apply. Other routes to settlement include long residence and certain protection routes. Applicants usually need to pass the Life in the UK test and meet an English language requirement.
British citizenship
Most adults apply for naturalisation after holding settled status for a qualifying period, or straight away in some cases if married to a British citizen. The main requirements are residence (including limits on absences), good character, knowledge of language and life in the UK, and an intention to continue living here. Successful applicants attend a citizenship ceremony. Children may be registered as British in some circumstances, and some people are already British without realising it.
Common problems
Miscounted absences. Gaps in lawful residence. Old convictions or cautions, including minor ones. Tax discrepancies between what was declared to HMRC and what was shown in earlier applications. Applications made before the qualifying date. Fees are high and are not usually refunded on refusal, so checking eligibility first is worthwhile.
Getting help
If your history is straightforward, you may be able to apply yourself using the GOV.UK guidance. Take advice if you have any criminal record, immigration breach or long absences, or if you’re unsure how recent rule changes apply to you. Only SRA-regulated solicitors and advisers registered with the Immigration Advice Authority can give immigration advice as a business.
Common questions
What counts against me on good character?
Criminal convictions, immigration breaches, unpaid taxes or debts to the NHS, and deception in past applications can all be relevant. Disclose everything asked for; failing to disclose is itself treated seriously.
Do absences from the UK matter?
Yes. Both settlement and citizenship have rules on time spent outside the UK, and long or frequent absences can reset the clock or lead to refusal. Count your days carefully before applying.
Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?
Usually, for both settlement and citizenship, unless you're exempt, for example because of age or a long-term condition.
Immigration solicitors in Leicester
44 firms in Leicester and Leicestershire list immigration as an area of work on the SRA register. See all 44
458 Law
38 Market Street, Leicester LE1 6DP · part of a 12-office firm
AA Grewal and Aggarwal Solicitors
72 Nottingham Road, Leicester LE5 4GH · 2 local offices
Advantage Law Incorporating David Bendell & Co
Catherine House, Hinckley LE10 0JT · part of a 6-office firm
AGR Law
20 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN · part of a 2-office firm
Archer Maher Solicitors
St. Georges House, Leicester LE1 1QZ · 2 local offices · part of a 3-office firm