Can my MP speed up my ILR application?

Your MP cannot directly speed up your ILR application, but they can raise an enquiry with the Home Office on your behalf. This often results in the Home Office reviewing your case and providing an update or explanation for the delay. In some cases, this attention can result in a quicker decision.

Do I need to be a British citizen to contact my MP?

No. You do not need to be a British citizen or even a registered voter. MPs represent everyone who lives in their constituency, regardless of nationality or immigration status. If you live in their constituency, they should help you.

What should I include when writing to my MP about ILR?

Include your full name, address, date of birth, Home Office reference number, the date you submitted your application, a clear description of the issue (delay, refusal, lost documents, etc.), and what outcome you are hoping for. Attach copies of key documents but never send originals.

Is there a fee for my MP to help with immigration?

No. MPs provide this service free of charge as part of their duty to represent their constituents. You should never pay anyone who claims to be arranging MP assistance for a fee.

How Your MP Can Help With Your ILR Application

Your local MP can raise enquiries with the Home Office about your ILR application. This is particularly useful when your application has been delayed beyond normal processing times, when you need an urgent decision, or when you have received an unfair refusal. MPs help constituents regardless of nationality or voting status. The service is free.

When to Contact Your MP

Your MP can help in several situations related to your ILR application:

Excessive delays: If your application has been pending significantly longer than the published processing times, your MP can ask the Home Office for an explanation and a timeline.
Lost documents: If the Home Office has lost your passport or other documents, an MP enquiry can help locate them or escalate the issue.
Urgent situations: If you need a decision urgently (for example, for medical treatment, employment, or travel), your MP can request that your case be expedited.
No response to enquiries: If you have contacted the Home Office yourself and received no response, your MP provides an alternative channel.
After a refusal: While your MP cannot overturn a decision, they can ask for clarification on the reasons and advise on next steps. See our ILR refusal guide for more options.

How to Find Your MP

You can find your MP by entering your postcode on the GOV.UK representatives page or the official Parliament website. Your MP is the one representing the constituency where you live, not where you work.

Most MPs hold regular constituency surgeries where you can meet them in person. You can also contact them by email, letter, or through their website. Email is usually the fastest method.

What to Include in Your Request

When writing to your MP, be clear and concise. Include the following:

Your personal details: Full name, date of birth, address, and nationality.
Home Office reference number: This is on your acknowledgement letter or BRP. Without it, the Home Office cannot locate your case.
Application details: What you applied for, when you applied, and which route (for example, Skilled Worker ILR or spouse visa ILR).
The problem: A clear, factual description of what has gone wrong or what you need help with.
What you have already done: List any attempts you have made to resolve the issue yourself (emails to the Home Office, calls to the helpline, etc.).
What you are asking for: Be specific. "I would like my MP to enquire about the delay" is better than "please help."

What Your MP Can and Cannot Do

It is important to have realistic expectations:

Can do: Raise a formal enquiry with the Home Office, request a timeline for your decision, ask for an explanation of delays, flag urgent circumstances, and help you understand your options.
Cannot do: Overturn a Home Office decision, guarantee a positive outcome, make the Home Office break its own rules, or act as your legal representative.

An MP enquiry works because the Home Office has a dedicated team that handles parliamentary correspondence. Cases flagged by MPs receive attention that individual enquiries may not.

The Process After You Contact Your MP

Here is what typically happens after you write to your MP:

Your MP's office acknowledges your request (usually within a few days).
They may ask you to sign a consent form allowing them to act on your behalf with the Home Office.
Your MP writes to the Home Office Minister or the relevant department, setting out your case and requesting action.
The Home Office responds to your MP, usually within 20 working days.
Your MP forwards the response to you with any additional advice.

The entire process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from your initial contact to receiving the Home Office's response through your MP.

Other Sources of Help

Your MP is not the only source of help with ILR issues. Consider these alternatives:

Immigration solicitor: For legal advice and representation, see our guide on ILR solicitor vs DIY.
Home Office contact: You can contact the Home Office directly through the Home Office contact guide.
Status tracking: Check the current status of your application using our ILR status tracking guide.
Administrative review: If your application was refused, you may be able to request an administrative review.