At First Law Solicitors, we deliver strategic legal advice to clients seeking permanent residency through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE).
Our solicitors combine deep technical knowledge of immigration law with a forward-looking strategy that reflects the government’s 2026 Earned Settlement model.
Whether you have lived in the United Kingdom for many years, are joining family members permanently, or are applying from overseas to settle before arrival, we ensure your case is compliant, precise, and presented with the highest level of legal and evidential integrity.
Indefinite Leave to Remain is permission granted within the UK that allows a person to live, work, and study without time restrictions.
Indefinite Leave to Enter is similar in effect but granted before entry to the UK for those applying from overseas.
Both forms of settlement confirm long-term residence rights and often serve as the final step before applying for British citizenship.
They also provide unrestricted access to the labour market, education, and the National Health Service, as well as the ability to sponsor family members under the settlement and nationality provisions.
At First Law Solicitors, we distinguish between ILR and ILE applications based on client location and eligibility, ensuring that the chosen route reflects the correct procedural and legal framework.
Since May 2025, settlement law has been governed by the Earned Settlement model, which introduced a new 10-year baseline for most routes.
Under this framework, the length of residence required before settlement depends on the applicant’s immigration category and level of contribution to UK society.
Our solicitors analyse each client’s residence history, income data, and visa progression to determine whether they qualify under the standard or accelerated provisions.
Applicants for ILR or ILE must demonstrate that they have maintained lawful residence throughout their qualifying period and complied with all visa conditions.
They must also show a continued connection to the United Kingdom through residence, employment, or family life.
Absences are monitored digitally under the Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA), which synchronises border entry and exit data with UKVI records.
The Home Office automatically flags any absences exceeding 180 days in a twelve-month period.
Our firm performs detailed audits of each client’s residence timeline, ensuring that all periods of travel are fully documented and compliant before submission.
All applicants for ILR or ILE must meet the English language and integration standards established by the Home Office.
The 2026 system continues to recognise CEFR Level B1 as the settlement standard, verified directly through DUAA-linked testing providers.
However, individuals with higher proficiency (B2 or above) may qualify for accelerated settlement under the Earned Settlement model, as language and integration are now measurable factors in the assessment of contribution.
Applicants must also pass the Life in the United Kingdom Test, which is digitally verified through their UKVI account at the time of submission.
Under the Data Use and Access Act 2025, the Home Office now conducts automated background verification through secure digital channels.
Caseworkers access live data from HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions to confirm employment records, income, and benefit history.
This digital audit replaces many manual checks. However, it also means that inconsistencies between an applicant’s declaration and official data are detected automatically.
Our solicitors conduct pre-submission DUAA compliance reviews to ensure that all tax, employment, and residence information aligns precisely with government databases.
All supporting evidence is verified and digitally authenticated using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES), ensuring full legal traceability.
Since 1 January 2026, all ILR and ILE applications are submitted digitally.
Applicants verify their identity through the UK Immigration ID Check App, and all correspondence is conducted through a UKVI digital account.
Physical Biometric Residence Permits and visa vignettes have been discontinued.
Clients access their immigration status online and generate digital share codes for employers, landlords, or universities as proof of settlement.
Our firm manages every aspect of this digital process, ensuring that submissions meet encryption standards and that all evidence is formatted for Home Office automated review.
First Law Solicitors is frequently instructed in complex settlement cases involving long residence, mixed immigration histories, or prior refusals.
We assist:
Each application is prepared by a senior solicitor with advanced immigration experience, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic presentation.
Legal Precision and Strategic Planning
We align every ILR and ILE case with the latest Immigration Rules, ensuring full compliance with the Earned Settlement and DUAA frameworks.
Digital Governance and Security
Our digital processes meet DUAA encryption standards and use Qualified Electronic Signatures for all legal uploads.
Continuity and Citizenship Integration
Once settlement is granted, we guide clients seamlessly through the naturalisation process, completing their transition from resident to citizen.
Evidence-Led Representation
Every case is presented with verified, cross-referenced data that meets the Home Office’s automated validation standards, eliminating unnecessary delays.
For expert legal assistance with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Enter applications, contact First Law Solicitors today.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our immigration solicitors.
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