ILR Ancestry Visa: Settling After 5 Years

Enter the start date of your UK Ancestry visa to find out when you can apply to settle.

After living in the UK on an Ancestry visa for five continuous years, you are allowed to apply for ILR. Once you have indefinite leave to remain, often called ILR, you can live or work here without a visa because you have permanent residence. You may send your form before the last day of your current permission. Under the official rules, you may apply up to 28 days before the end of your five years.

Does an Ancestry Visa Let Me Apply for ILR?

Yes, after five continuous years on the Ancestry visa you qualify to settle. Apply during the 28 days before your five years are complete, and you are less likely to face a gap before your current permission ends.

Your form may be refused if you send it more than 28 days before your five years are complete. Before you start your form, you can read the full ILR requirements.

Work and Money Rules for UK Ancestry ILR

To settle permanently, three conditions must still be met, and the Home Office needs proof that you meet them:

You remain a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
You have enough money for your own support and for any dependants listed on your application.
You intend to work in the UK and are able to do so.

With your form, include evidence of your money and nationality, and documents that show you are able and intend to work in the UK. Family members who rely on you for financial support, like a husband, wife, partner, or child, are called dependants.

Ancestry Visa ILR: English Language Changes

Which English level you must prove depends on when you send your settlement form. On 26 March 2027, the required grade under the immigration rules for UK Ancestry rises from level B1 to level B2.

At level B1, an intermediate grade, you can handle everyday conversations; at level B2, a higher grade, more detailed speaking and listening are required.

Application date	English level needed
Before 26 March 2027	B1
On or after 26 March 2027	B2

Are Trips Outside the UK Counted in the 180 Days?

Yes, there is a cap on time abroad during your five years. Over the five years, the usual rule is that time spent outside the UK must stay at or below 180 days in any 12 months.

The rule checks any rolling 12 months, not only a calendar year from January to December. Before you apply, reviewing the rules on ILR absences will help you confirm that holidays, family visits, and work trips all remained within 180 days.

Processing Time and Super Priority for UK Ancestry Visa

A super priority service for £1,000 is available from the Home Office on top of the main application fee if you need a faster decision. A weekday appointment with super priority usually brings a decision before the next working day ends.

The main ILR fee of £3,226 must be paid by every person applying before they choose how fast the form is processed. Each family member on your application also pays £3,226 if your dependants apply with you.

Service option	Cost per person
Standard ILR application	£3,226
Super priority upgrade	£1,000

You can find standard waiting times on the ILR processing time page. While you wait for the decision, do not travel abroad.