How can I check my ILR application status?

You can check your ILR application status through the UKVI online contact form, by calling the Home Office contact centre, or through your immigration solicitor if you used one. The online service requires your unique reference number from your application acknowledgement.

How long should I wait before checking my ILR status?

It is reasonable to check after the published processing time has passed. For standard applications, this is approximately 6 months. Checking too early will likely result in a standard response that your application is still being processed.

What does 'awaiting decision' mean on my ILR status?

Awaiting decision means your application has been received and is in the queue for a caseworker to assess. It does not tell you where you are in the queue. This status can remain unchanged for months during standard processing.

What should I do if my ILR application is delayed?

If your application is taking longer than the published processing time, contact the Home Office directly, ask your MP to make enquiries, or seek advice from an immigration solicitor. Keep working and living normally in the UK under your existing leave or section 3C leave.

How to Track Your ILR Application Status

You can track your ILR application through the UKVI online contact form, the Home Office phone line, or through your solicitor. Status updates are limited and often simply confirm that your application is being processed. If your application takes longer than the published processing time, contact the Home Office or ask your MP to intervene.

Ways to Check Your Status

There are several ways to check the status of your ILR application:

UKVI online: Use the UKVI contact page on GOV.UK to submit an enquiry. You will need your unique reference number.
Phone: Call the UKVI contact centre. Note that this is a paid service and wait times can be long.
Through your solicitor: If you used an immigration solicitor, they can make enquiries on your behalf.
Through your MP: Your MP can make formal enquiries with the Home Office about the progress of your application.

Understanding Status Updates

The status updates you receive are often limited:

Application received: Your application has been received and logged. This is confirmed by the acknowledgement email or letter.
Awaiting decision: Your application is in the queue. This does not indicate progress.
Under consideration: A caseworker may be reviewing your application, but this is not guaranteed.
Decision made: A decision has been made and you will be notified.

Expected Timelines

See our 2026 ILR processing times guide for current estimates. In general:

Standard service: approximately 6 months
Priority service: 5 working days
Super priority: next working day

If you chose the standard service, there is little point checking status before 4 months have passed. The response will likely be that your application is still being processed.

What to Do If Delayed

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

Contact UKVI: Submit a formal enquiry through the Home Office contact channels.
Contact your MP: Your MP can raise enquiries directly with the Home Office.
Seek legal advice: An immigration solicitor can advise on whether further action is appropriate.
Consider a pre-action protocol letter: In extreme cases, a solicitor can send a pre-action protocol letter threatening judicial review of the delay.

Your Rights While Waiting

While your ILR application is being processed, you continue to have rights:

If you applied before your visa expired, you have section 3C leave and can continue to work and live in the UK.
Your employer cannot dismiss you because your ILR is pending, provided you have valid leave or section 3C leave.
Avoid unnecessary travel outside the UK while waiting, as re-entry can be complicated.

After Your Decision

Once your ILR is granted, see our ILR rights and benefits guide for what changes. Your new status will be recorded digitally as an eVisa. You can view and prove your status through the GOV.UK immigration status service.