Applying for Indefinite Leave to Enter
Our Immigration Solicitors understand that UK immigration terminology can be confusing for visa applicants and those hoping to settle in the UK. One such term is ‘Indefinite Leave to Enter.’ In this blog, our Immigration Solicitors explain what Indefinite Leave to Enter means and set out when you may be eligible to apply for it.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For immigration law advice call London-based OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
Our lawyers speak Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, French/Mauritian Creole, Spanish, Tamil Tagalog/Ilonggo, Urdu/Punjabi
What is Indefinite Leave to Enter?
Indefinite Leave to Enter gives you permission to enter the UK and stay indefinitely. Unlike a Work Visa, Student Visa or Family Visa, your stay is not time-limited or subject to visa conditions. Other advantages are:
- You do not need to pay the immigration health surcharge and you can use the NHS
- You can work in the UK and you are not limited to finding employment with an employer with a sponsor licence who will sponsor you on a job eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker Visa
- Your status in the UK is not dependent on your relationship. For example, with a Spouse Visa or Family Visa if your relationship ends you must leave the UK or secure an alternative visa or use a concession to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- A person with Indefinite Leave to Enter can sponsor their spouse or partner on a Family Visa provided they meet all the eligibility criteria, including the Spouse Visa financial requirement
The difference between Indefinite Leave to Enter and Indefinite Leave to Remain
The only difference between Indefinite Leave to Enter and Indefinite Leave to Remain is where you make your application from.
An application for Indefinite Leave to Remain is made from within the UK and an application for Indefinite Leave to Enter is made from overseas. Our Immigration Solicitors can help you with your application wherever you are applying from. To discuss your Indefinite Leave to Enter application contact us online.
Who can apply for Indefinite Leave to Enter?
You can apply from overseas for Indefinite Leave to Enter if you fall into one of these categories:
- You are overseas but have or had a UK Spouse Visa or Family Visa and you are a victim of transnational marriage abandonment. This is a form of domestic abuse. If you were in the UK, you would be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain using the domestic violence concession if your relationship ended because of domestic abuse - even if you did not meet the five-year UK residence requirement. The same rules apply if your spouse abandoned you overseas with no means to return to the UK on your Spouse Visa. The immigration rules allow you to apply to settle in the UK
- You had Indefinite Leave to Remain but have been absent from the UK for two years or more so you need a Returning Visa to re-enter the UK. This visa gives you Indefinite Leave to Enter
- You are a child under 18 and you have been adopted by someone who is either a British citizen or who has settled status in the UK
- You are eligible to apply to become a British citizen
- You are coming to the UK on an Adult Dependent Relative Visa
- You have exceptional circumstances and the Home Office can be persuaded that you should be given Indefinite Leave to Enter outside the immigration rules
In addition, some former members or dependants of armed forces personnel may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Enter.
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Enter
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Enter from outside the UK can be a challenge but our Immigration Solicitors are used to supporting Indefinite Leave to Enter and visa applicants and will explain clearly if you meet the eligibility criteria and advise on what documents are needed in support of your application. We will then guide and support you through the application process.
Life in the UK on Indefinite Leave to Enter
Once you have secured Indefinite Leave to Enter and arrived in the UK you can live, work and study in the UK. There are no visa conditions or renewals but you will need evidence of your Indefinite Leave to Enter status to prove your right to work and right to rent in the UK.
As you have indefinite status you do not need to take any further steps but you could decide to apply for British citizenship or, if your country of origin permits it, dual nationality. Our British Citizenship Solicitors can explain the application process and the paperwork needed and support you through your application.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For immigration law advice call London-based OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
Our lawyers speak Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, French/Mauritian Creole, Spanish, Tamil Tagalog/Ilonggo, Urdu/Punjabi
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