Common Reasons ILR Applications Get Refused (2025 Guide)

Don’t let a simple mistake stop your settlement

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is one of the most important moments in your UK immigration journey. After years of living, working, or studying in the UK, ILR gives you the right to stay permanently — but even small mistakes can lead to refusal.

Every year, thousands of applications are rejected for errors that could have been avoided with proper preparation. This guide highlights the most common reasons ILR applications fail and how you can avoid them.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for:

• Skilled Worker, Family, and Long Residence applicants approaching ILR
• Graduates planning long-term settlement
• Anyone preparing for their first ILR application

If you’re getting ready to apply, understanding these mistakes early will help you avoid costly delays or refusals.

1. Applying too early

Timing is critical for ILR. You must complete five full years in the UK under an eligible visa (or 10 years under long residence) before applying.

Submitting even a few days too early will result in automatic refusal.

How to avoid it:
Apply within 28 days before your 5-year anniversary or exactly after 10 years of lawful residence. Check your visa issue date carefully.

2. Exceeding time outside the UK

You cannot have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying time. For long residence applications, you must not exceed 540 total days abroad in 10 years.

How to avoid it:
Keep accurate travel records and calculate absences before applying. Include evidence for any unavoidable long trips such as family emergencies or work assignments.

3. Missing documents

Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons for refusal. Missing proof of income, relationship evidence, or English language certificates can cause delays or rejection.

How to avoid it:
Use a document checklist and cross-check every requirement for your visa category. Submit recent, matching evidence — for example, payslips that correspond to your bank statements.

4. Incorrect salary or job details

For Skilled Worker ILR applicants, your job and salary must meet the current Home Office threshold (usually £38,700 or the going rate for your role).

If your employer provides incorrect details or your salary drops below the requirement, your application can be refused.

How to avoid it:
Ask your employer to confirm your salary and occupation code in writing. Double-check your Certificate of Sponsorship and contract before applying.

5. Failure to meet the English or Life in the UK test requirements

You must pass both the Life in the UK Test and the English language test (B1 or higher, unless exempt).

Many applicants assume their previous qualifications are valid, only to discover they no longer meet Home Office standards.

How to avoid it:
Book approved tests early using official providers listed on the gov.uk website. Keep your certificates safe — they are required at the ILR stage and for citizenship later.

6. Gaps in lawful residence

Even a short gap in your visa history can reset your ILR eligibility clock. This includes periods of overstaying, late renewals, or refused extensions.

How to avoid it:
Track your visa expiry dates and submit renewal or switch applications before your current visa ends. Keep proof of every application submission.

7. Not meeting the financial requirement (for family visas)

If you are applying under the spouse or partner route, you must show a minimum annual income of £29,000 (as of 2025). Incorrect or mismatched evidence often leads to refusal.

How to avoid it:
Submit six months of payslips and bank statements showing regular income. If you rely on savings, ensure they meet the required threshold under Home Office rules.

8. Submitting false or inconsistent information

Even unintentional errors can be treated as deception. If your information conflicts with previous applications, the Home Office may question your credibility.

How to avoid it:
Be consistent. Check all forms, employment letters, and documents for accuracy. Seek advice if unsure about past immigration history.

9. Poorly prepared supporting evidence

Weak or disorganised applications often face extra scrutiny. The Home Office needs clear, structured evidence that matches your eligibility criteria.

How to avoid it:
Organise your documents in logical sections. Include clear copies, correct dates, and explanatory letters where needed.

10. Ignoring professional advice

ILR is one of the most valuable immigration statuses. Small errors in timing, salary, or evidence can be expensive to fix after refusal.

How to avoid it:
Get professional guidance before applying. An immigration advisor can review your case, identify risks, and ensure your application is compliant and complete.

How AHJ Immigration helps you avoid ILR refusals

At AHJ Immigration, we handle ILR applications with precision. We make sure every requirement is met and every document is in order before submission.

We help you:

• Review your full immigration history and absences
• Confirm eligibility and salary compliance
• Prepare and verify all supporting evidence
• Submit a complete, compliant ILR application

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to discuss your ILR application and avoid common pitfalls.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Get a free overview of ILR requirements, timelines, and common refusal reasons.

Book here:

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free session, you can book a 1-hour consultation where we:

• Review your ILR eligibility and documentation
• Identify any risks or missing evidence
• Provide written advice on strengthening your application

The £120 fee is deducted from your final application cost if you continue with us.

FAQs

1. Can I reapply if my ILR is refused?
Yes. You can reapply after correcting the issue or request an administrative review if the refusal was made in error.

2. Will a refusal affect future visa applications?
It depends on the reason. Administrative or document errors usually won’t, but deception or false information can.

3. Can I appeal an ILR refusal?
Only certain ILR categories allow appeals. Many applicants use administrative review instead.

4. Can I stay in the UK after a refusal?
If your visa has expired, you must act quickly. Contact an immigration advisor immediately to protect your status.

5. How can I avoid a refusal?
Prepare early, verify all documents, and seek expert advice before submitting.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your eligibility and ILR route.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed review of your documents and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Full review and submission of your ILR application.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring case progress and managing queries.
6. Decision Phase – Explanation of your result and next steps.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Apply for ILR with confidence

A single mistake can cost months of waiting and thousands in fees. With expert help, your ILR application can be accurate, compliant, and stress-free.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

After your free call, you can book a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for detailed, written advice — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final application cost if you proceed with us.

Your future in the UK deserves precision. Let’s get your ILR right the first time.