How do I contact the Home Office about my ILR application?

You can contact UKVI through the online contact form on GOV.UK, by telephone on 0300 123 2241 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm), through the paid enquiry service, or by asking your MP to make formal enquiries on your behalf.

How long should I wait before chasing my ILR application?

Standard ILR processing takes approximately 8 weeks. Do not contact the Home Office before this period has passed unless there are exceptional circumstances. After 8 weeks, you can make enquiries through the online form or telephone service.

Can my MP help speed up my ILR application?

Your MP can make formal enquiries to the Home Office on your behalf. While they cannot force a decision, MP enquiries are often prioritised and can be effective at getting a response on delayed applications. Contact your MP through their constituency office.

ILR Application: How to Contact the Home Office

The Home Office offers several contact methods for ILR enquiries. The main channels are the online contact form, telephone helpline, paid enquiry service, and MP enquiries. Response times vary from 1 day to several weeks depending on the channel. Do not contact before the standard 8-week processing time has passed.

When to Contact the Home Office

Standard ILR processing takes approximately 8 weeks from the date the Home Office receives your application. If you used a premium or super premium service, the timeframe is shorter. See our ILR processing time guide.

Do not contact the Home Office before the standard processing time has elapsed unless you have a genuine emergency (for example, you need to travel urgently). Premature enquiries can slow down processing.

Contact Methods

Online form: Use the GOV.UK UKVI contact page. This is the recommended method. You will receive a response by email, typically within 5 to 10 working days.
Telephone: Call 0300 123 2241 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm). Expect significant wait times. The call is charged at local rates.
Paid enquiry service: UKVI offers a paid telephone and email service with faster response times. Details are on GOV.UK.
MP enquiry: Write to your local MP explaining your situation. They can make formal enquiries to the Home Office, which are typically prioritised.

For general contact guidance, see our Home Office contact guide.

Using Your MP

MPs can be particularly effective for delayed applications. To use this route:

Find your MP at GOV.UK or parliament.uk.
Write a clear letter or email explaining your situation and including your application reference number.
Include copies of relevant documents (but not originals).
The MP's office will contact the Home Office directly.

Updating Your Application

If your circumstances change while your ILR application is pending (for example, change of address, new job, passport renewal), you should notify the Home Office through the online contact form. Include your application reference number.

If Your Application Is Taking Too Long

If significantly more than 8 weeks have passed:

Check that the Home Office received your application and biometrics.
Submit an online enquiry with your reference number.
Contact your MP if the online enquiry does not resolve the issue.
In extreme cases, a pre-action protocol letter from a solicitor can prompt action.

For common reasons for delays, see our processing time guide.

Your Rights While Waiting

While your ILR application is pending, your existing leave continues under Section 3C (if you applied before your visa expired). You can continue to work and live in the UK on the same terms as your previous visa.