Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
A number of UK immigration categories lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as 'settlement'. Indefinite Leave to Remain is also often referred to as Permanent Residence (PR), however this is somewhat misleading as your ILR may be revoked in some circumstances, especially as a result of being absent from the UK for a period of two years or more.
UK visa categories that lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain include:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - duration
There is no time limit on Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, however it is important to note that you should not spend periods of more than two years outside the UK as this may lead to the loss of ILR.
Once you have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain you may also be eligible to apply for British naturalisation as a UK citizen.
Loss of IndefiniteLeave to Remain
There are a number of circumstances under which you may lose your Indefinite Leave To Remain. For example you may lose your ILR if you leave the UK and upon return are granted leave to enter other than for an indefinite period. For example, this may be because you mistakenly seek to enter as a visitor, or the immigration officer believes that you do not intend to reside in the UK.
Indefinite Leave To Remain may also be revoked if you commit an offence that could lead to you being deported from the UK, or for reasons of national security .
You may also lose Indefinite Leave To Remain by leaving the UK for a period of more than two years. However, in some circumstances you may reapply for indefinite leave to enter the UK.
British Overseas citizens, British subjects and British protected persons do not lose Indefinite Leave To Remain no matter how long they stay outside the UK.