How Much Do I Need to Earn for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Applying for permanent settlement in the UK also referred to as indefinite leave to remain (ILR), is a significant point for any migrant. Acquiring ILR means you will no longer need to apply for further visas to remain in the UK, and after a further year, it is possible to apply for British citizenship. ILR is gained after living in the UK for a continuous number of years on a qualifying visa (remember, not all visas lead to permanent settlement in the UK). The continuous residence period which must be met to qualify for ILR depends on the visa type. In most cases, this is five years, but with the investor visa, it is possible to do this in two or three years, depending on the amount invested in the UK. In order to gain ILR, however, applicants also need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including a minimum monthly income. In this article, we will outline the financial requirements for those applying for ILR.

Financial Income requirements for ILR based on work or business visa

The salary income requirements which must be met to gain ILR in the UK depend on the type of work visa you hold, as follows:

ILR based on Skilled Worker visa

If you are applying for ILR having held a Skilled Worker visa for five or more years, you will need to meet the following financial requirements:

• an income of £25,600 per year, or;
• £10.10 per hour, or;
• the ‘going rate’ For your type of work.

In some cases, you may still be eligible if you earn a lower salary, including:

• if your occupation is on the list of healthcare and education shortage occupations
• if your occupation is on the list of all other shortage occupations
• if your occupation was on one of these lists when you applied for your Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General) visa

ILR based on International Sportsperson visa

The income requirement for those applying ILR under the International sportsperson route is £35,800 a year. The rules state that earnings can only be counted from the main job that you’re sponsored for and for up to 48 hours a week if you’re paid hourly.

ILR based on T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa

Under the T2 Minister of Religion route to ILR, applicants need to show they are being paid at least the same amount as a UK worker in the same type of role, and this must meet the UK’s national minimum wage requirements.

ILR based on Innovator visa

There is no minimum income for innovator visa holders applying for ILR, but they must be able to show they have grown their business, and this must be endorsed by an approved body. As the guidance for ILR in this route states, “If you meet the criteria, the body will give you an endorsement letter to show that you’re eligible for indefinite leave to remain”. The endorsement for business growth requirements can be found on the Home Office website.

ILR based on Tier 1 (Investor) or Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa

Entrepreneur visa holders can apply for ILR after just three years if they can show they have created the equivalent of 10 new full-time jobs that existed for 12 months OR generated £5 million business income in three years. Otherwise, they can apply for ILR after five years if they have created the equivalent of two new full-time jobs for a period of at least one year.

ILR based on investor visa

Again, there is no income requirement for the investor visa type to acquire ILR, but you must have invested sufficient funds in the UK. The more you have invested, the faster you can apply for ILR:

• Apply for ILR after two years: £10 million invested
• Apply for ILR after three years: £5 million invested
• Apply for ILR after five years: £2 million invested.

The rules state, “You must have invested those funds in share capital, loan capital or UK government bonds in active UK companies within three months of your ‘investor start date’”.

Financial requirements for ILR based on family connections

ILR based on spouse/partner visa under the family migration route

If applying for ILR having held a spouse/partner visa in the UK for five years, you will need to meet the financial requirements. These are the same as required when applying for a spouse visa. As such, you will need to show that you and your partner have a combined income of at least £18,600 per year – if you have children, this increases by £3,800 for your first child and £2,400 for each child after your first. The rules also confirm that if you are applying for ILR based on long residency (after ten years), you will not need to meet any income requirements.

ILR based on parent visa under the family migration route

Those applying for ILR after holding a parent visa under the family migration route need to show they have sufficient funds to support and house themselves and their dependant family members without relying on public funds.

ILR based on dependant visa

If you have been living in the UK for five years on a dependant visa (as a dependant of a person on a work visa), then you will need to show that you both have enough income to support yourselves and your dependants without relying on public funds.

Final words

This article provides an overview of some of the income requirements which must be met when applying for ILR. If you are considering applying for ILR in the coming months and you are unsure of the requirements, you will need to meet and whether you meet them, speak to an immigration Solicitor who will be able to confirm this for you. They will also be able to assist with preparing and submitting your application and any documents required. And if your finances are complex or you are concerned you may not meet the income or financial threshold required, they will advise on the best course of action.