What is the difference between ILE and ILR?

Indefinite leave to enter (ILE) is granted before you arrive in the UK, typically as an entry clearance visa. Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is granted while you are already in the UK. Both give you permanent residence status with the same rights.

Who gets indefinite leave to enter?

ILE is typically granted to people joining settled family members in the UK who have already met the qualifying period abroad, returning residents who had ILR and were away for less than 2 years, and certain other categories where permanent status is granted from the outset.

Do ILE and ILR give the same rights?

Yes. Once you are in the UK with either ILE or ILR, your rights are identical. You can work, access public funds, and apply for citizenship on the same basis. The only difference is whether the status was granted before or after entry.

Does ILE lapse like ILR?

Yes. Both ILE and ILR lapse if you spend more than 2 continuous years outside the UK. The 2-year rule applies equally to both types of indefinite leave.

Indefinite Leave to Enter vs Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite leave to enter (ILE) and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) both grant permanent residence in the UK with identical rights. The only difference is when and where the status is granted: ILE is granted as entry clearance before arrival, while ILR is granted to people already in the UK. Both lapse after 2 years of continuous absence.

When ILE Is Granted

Indefinite leave to enter is granted in specific circumstances:

Returning residents: People who had ILR and have been abroad for less than 2 years may receive ILE when re-entering. See our returning residents guide.
Family reunion: Some family members joining settled persons in the UK may receive ILE.
Right of abode: Commonwealth citizens with the right of abode receive a different status, but it functions similarly.

When ILR Is Granted

ILR is the more common form and is granted when you have been living in the UK on a qualifying visa and apply for settlement:

After 5 years on the Skilled Worker route
After 5 years on the spouse visa route
After 10 years on the long residence route
After 5 years as a refugee

For the full list of ILR routes, see our complete ILR guide.

Rights and Entitlements

Once granted, both ILE and ILR provide identical rights:

Right to work without restriction
Access to public funds and benefits
Full NHS access without the Immigration Health Surcharge
Eligibility for British citizenship after the required holding period

For a full overview, see our ILR rights and benefits guide.

Losing Your Status

Both ILE and ILR can be lost in the same ways:

Absence: More than 2 continuous years outside the UK.
Deportation: For serious criminal offences.
Revocation: If obtained through fraud or deception.

For protection against loss of status, consider applying for British citizenship, which cannot be lost through absence.

On Your Documents

Your ILE or ILR status is recorded on your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or eVisa. You can view and prove your status through the GOV.UK immigration status service.

For practical purposes, employers, landlords, and banks treat ILE and ILR identically. Both give you the right to work and rent without restrictions.