How long does an ILR application take in 2026?

Standard ILR processing takes up to 8 weeks in 2026. Priority service delivers a decision within 5 working days for approximately £500. Super priority provides a next-working-day decision for approximately £800.

Is priority processing available for ILR?

Yes. Priority processing is available for most ILR applications made inside the UK. Priority costs approximately £500 for a decision within 5 working days. Super priority costs approximately £800 for a next-working-day decision.

Can I travel while my ILR application is being processed?

It is generally advised not to travel outside the UK while your ILR application is pending. Leaving the UK could affect your application and your Section 3C leave (which allows you to remain in the UK while the application is decided).

What happens to my visa while my ILR application is processed?

If you apply for ILR before your current visa expires, your leave is automatically extended under Section 3C of the Immigration Act. This means you can continue to live and work in the UK while waiting for a decision.

What if my ILR application is taking longer than expected?

If your application exceeds the stated processing time, you can contact the Home Office through their online enquiry form. You can also ask your MP to intervene. If you paid for priority service and the deadline was missed, you may be entitled to a refund of the priority fee.

How will I receive my ILR decision?

If approved, you will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a digital status confirmation. The Home Office is transitioning to digital proof of status (eVisas). You will be notified by email when a decision has been made.

ILR Processing Time 2026

ILR applications take up to 8 weeks for standard processing in 2026, but priority services can deliver a decision in as little as one working day. This guide covers processing times, priority options, and what to do if your application is delayed.

Current Processing Times

ILR processing times in 2026 are:

Standard processing: Up to 8 weeks from when you submit your biometrics.
Priority: Decision within 5 working days. Cost: approximately £500.
Super priority: Decision by the next working day. Cost: approximately £800.

These times apply to applications made inside the UK. Most ILR applications are made from inside the UK, since you need to have been living here on a qualifying visa for a set period (usually 5 years).

For the full costs of ILR including processing fees, see our ILR cost breakdown.

The ILR Application Timeline

Step 1: Submit Your Application Online

You submit your ILR application online through the GOV.UK settlement page. You pay the application fee (£2,885) and any priority processing fee at this stage.

Step 2: Biometrics (within 1-2 weeks)

After submitting your application, you need to provide your biometrics. You can do this using the UK Immigration: ID Check app on your phone or by attending a UKVCAS centre. The processing clock starts from when your biometrics are received.

Step 3: Processing

The Home Office reviews your application. They check your residency record, verify your employment and financial information, confirm you have met the ILR requirements (including the Life in the UK test and English language requirement), and run security checks.

Step 4: Decision

You receive an email notification that a decision has been made. If approved, you will receive confirmation of your settled status. The Home Office is moving towards digital proof of status (eVisas) rather than physical BRP cards.

Priority vs Standard: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between standard and priority processing depends on your situation:

Standard (free): Choose this if you have time and want to minimise costs. Up to 8 weeks is manageable for most people, especially since your visa is automatically extended while you wait.
Priority (~£500): Choose this if you need a faster decision, for example if you have upcoming travel plans or a job that requires proof of settled status.
Super priority (~£800): Choose this if you need an urgent decision, for example if a job offer depends on your immigration status being confirmed immediately.

Note that priority services are not always available. Check availability when you begin your application.

What Happens While You Wait

While your ILR application is being processed:

Section 3C leave: If you applied before your current visa expired, your leave is automatically extended. You can continue to live and work in the UK on the same terms as your previous visa.
Travel: It is generally advised not to leave the UK while your ILR application is pending. Leaving could affect your Section 3C leave and your application.
Work: You can continue working as normal.
NHS access: You continue to have NHS access through your existing IHS payment.

Delays and Escalation

If your ILR application takes longer than the stated processing time:

Contact the Home Office: Use the online enquiry form on GOV.UK to ask for an update.
Contact your MP: Your Member of Parliament can make enquiries with the Home Office on your behalf. This is often effective at speeding things up.
Priority fee refund: If you paid for priority processing and the decision was not delivered within the stated timeframe, you may be entitled to a refund of the priority fee (not the application fee).

For help if your application is refused, see our visa refused guide.

After Your ILR Is Granted

Once you have ILR:

You can live and work in the UK permanently without visa restrictions.
You no longer pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
You can apply for British citizenship after 12 months (if eligible). The citizenship process takes approximately 6 months.
You should keep your ILR status active by not leaving the UK for more than 2 consecutive years.

For a comparison of processing times across all visa types, see our guides on Spouse Visa processing and Skilled Worker processing.