How long does ILR take to process in 2026?

Standard ILR processing in 2026 takes approximately 6 months for most routes. Priority service aims for 5 working days, and super priority provides a next-working-day decision. Actual times vary by route and individual circumstances.

Is ILR processing faster for some routes?

Processing times are broadly similar across routes, but some routes may be faster or slower depending on current Home Office workloads. Skilled Worker ILR applications have generally been processed within the 6-month target, while some family route applications have taken longer.

What can I do while waiting for my ILR decision?

While waiting, you can continue to work, study, and live in the UK as normal. If you applied before your previous visa expired, you have section 3C leave which preserves your existing conditions. You should avoid travelling outside the UK if possible, as re-entry can be complicated.

Can I speed up my ILR processing?

You can pay for priority (5 working days) or super priority (next-working-day) service when you submit your application. If you have already submitted a standard application, you generally cannot upgrade. Your MP can also make enquiries if your application is taking longer than expected.

ILR Processing Times in 2026: How Long Does It Take?

In 2026, standard ILR processing takes approximately 6 months for most routes. The priority service provides decisions within 5 working days, and the super priority service provides next-working-day decisions. Processing times vary by route, time of year, and individual circumstances. The Home Office publishes quarterly statistics on processing performance.

Current Processing Times by Route

The Home Office publishes processing time targets on GOV.UK. In 2026, the approximate timelines are:

Skilled Worker ILR: Around 6 months for standard applications. This route tends to be processed reliably within the target. See our Skilled Worker ILR guide.
Spouse visa ILR: Around 6 months, though some applicants report longer waits. See our spouse visa ILR guide.
Long residence ILR: Can take longer than 6 months as these applications require reviewing 10 years of evidence. See our long residence guide.
Parent route ILR: Around 6 months. See our parent route guide.
Refugee ILR: Processing times can be variable. See our refugee ILR guide.

Priority and Super Priority Options

If you need a faster decision, the Home Office offers paid expedited services:

Priority service: Decision within 5 working days of your biometric appointment. Available for most ILR routes. Costs an additional fee on top of the standard application.
Super priority service: Next-working-day decision at a premium walk-in centre. The most expensive option but provides immediate certainty.

For a full comparison, see our priority vs super priority guide.

What Affects Processing Speed

Several factors can affect how quickly your application is processed:

Completeness: Applications with missing documents are delayed while the Home Office requests additional evidence.
Complexity: Applications with gaps in residence, complicated employment histories, or criminal record issues take longer to assess.
Time of year: The Home Office receives more applications at certain times, which can create backlogs.
Security checks: Some applications are subject to additional security checks, which can add weeks or months.

Your Rights While Waiting

While your ILR application is being processed:

If you applied before your previous visa expired, you have section 3C leave. This means your existing leave continues on the same conditions.
You can continue to work under the conditions of your existing visa.
You should avoid unnecessary travel outside the UK. While section 3C leave allows you to remain in the UK, it does not guarantee re-entry if you leave.

Tracking Your Application

You can track the status of your ILR application through several channels. See our ILR status tracking guide for detailed instructions on checking your application status.

If your application is taking significantly longer than the published processing time, consider:

Contacting the Home Office directly
Asking your MP to make enquiries
Seeking advice from an immigration solicitor

Planning Around Processing Times

When deciding when to apply for ILR, factor in the processing time:

Apply as soon as you are eligible if you want to minimise the total time before you have settled status.
If you plan to travel, submit your application after returning and allow time for processing before any future travel.
If you have a specific deadline (such as a citizenship application date), work backwards from that date to determine when to apply for ILR.

For help calculating your eligible application date, see our qualifying period start date guide.