Free ILR Calculator UK 2026: Check Your Qualifying Date Instantly
Check your ILR qualifying date, 180-day absence test and settlement route: Skilled Worker, BNO, Spouse or Long Residence. Free. No login. No data stored.
ILR News & Rule Changes: September 2026
- Fee increase. The ILR application fee rose from £3,029 to £3,226 per applicant on 8 April 2026, a 6.5% increase. Priority service: £3,726. Super Priority: £4,226. Each family member pays separately. Full fee guide
- Statement of Changes HC 259 (laid 9 July 2026). The Home Office has laid Statement of Changes HC 259 before Parliament (effective 30 July and 3 August 2026). It tightens continuous residence audit rules, reinforces per-period salary compliance for Skilled Workers, and updates protection status rules, but does not contain the 10-year ILR extension. Read full HC 259 breakdown
- Parliamentary update. The Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026 (introduced 30 June 2026, Second Reading 13 July 2026) is now at committee stage: the Public Bill Committee begins line-by-line scrutiny on 10 September 2026 and is expected to report by 3 November 2026. The Bill does not contain the proposed 10-year earned settlement changes; those remain under secondary legislation consultation. Read full analysis
- Home Secretary: earned settlement policy coming before the end of 2026. Giving evidence to the Home Affairs Committee, Shabana Mahmood said the government would set out its earned settlement policy later this year, and "in good time" before the first affected cohort reaches five years in February 2027. She declined to give a firm date, citing a far larger consultation response than expected and extra modelling. On transitional protection she said the options run from "passporting certain cohorts through, so no change, and they still qualify at five years" to longer periods for others. No Statement of Changes has been laid. What transitional protection might mean
Still the position in October 2026
- Earned settlement: not yet law (October 2026). As of October 2026, no secondary Immigration Rules implementing earned settlement have been laid and the government's consultation response is still unpublished. The 5-year ILR route remains fully operative. The Home Secretary told MPs on 15 September 2026 that the policy will be set out before the end of 2026. The 5-year route is still open now. What this means
- Salary compliance: per-period PAYE rule. Skilled Worker sponsors must pay minimum thresholds in each pay period: annual averaging is not permitted. Shortfalls in a single pay cycle can trigger ILR refusals or compliance audits. Check compliance rules
- eVisa system now live. The Home Office has moved fully to digital eVisa status: ILR is now recorded in a UKVI online account, not a physical BRP. If you have ILR, check your eVisa is accessible and linked to your passport to avoid travel issues.
Bottom line for September 2026: The 5-year ILR route remains fully in force: earned settlement is not yet law, no new Immigration Rules have been laid, and implementation may now slip to early 2027. However, a legal B2 English requirement for ILR takes effect 26 March 2027 regardless. If you qualify (or will qualify soon), applying under current rules is the safest option: if the proposals are implemented, the baseline would rise to 10 years (or 15 years for medium-skilled workers) with no transitional guarantee. Read the full deadline action guide
Rules change while you wait
The blog tracks the earned settlement proposals, the Immigration and Asylum Bill and every Statement of Changes that affects ILR.
Read the latest analysisILR Calculator: Check Your Qualifying Date, Absence Days & Application Window
Enter your visa start date, select your route, and add any trips outside the UK. The ILR calculator will instantly show your qualifying end date, the earliest date you can apply (using the 28-day window), and whether you pass the 180-day rolling absence test.
Results show your qualifying end date, earliest apply date (28-day rule) and continuous residence pass/fail (180-day rule). Works for Skilled Worker, BNO, Spouse and Long Residence routes.
ILR Calculator for UK: Check Your Qualifying Period
Results show your qualifying end date, earliest apply date (28-day rule) and continuous residence pass/fail (180-day rule). Works for Skilled Worker, BNO, Spouse and Long Residence routes.
The start date of your first qualifying visa, e.g. when your Skilled Worker, BNO or Spouse visa began
Most Skilled Worker and Family visas = 5 years
The date you physically arrived in the UK on that visa, check your passport stamp or BRP
Absences from the UK
Departure and return days are not counted as absences.
Your ILR Results
- Qualifying End Date
- Earliest Apply Date
- Total Absence Days
Next step: Life in the UK Mock Test
Practice for the official UK citizenship/settlement exam with our free 24-question test.
Take Life in UK TestNext step: Check your English is ready
ILR requires B2 English from March 2027. Take our free mock test to see if you're on track.
Take B2 English TestKey Rules & Formulas
- Qualifying end date = start date + qualifying years
- Earliest apply date = qualifying end date − 28 days
- Absence counting: each trip = (return − departure − 1) days; overlapping trips merged
- Rolling 12-month test: any window >180 days absent, continuous residence fails
- Not sure which route applies? Try the Settlement Route Calculator
Plan Ahead for Your ILR Application
Download our free ILR eligibility checklist and application guide.
Free Life in the UK Mock Test
Practice for the official Life in the UK Test with our realistic 24-question mock exam. Instantly check your score and view detailed explanations for all answers.
Start Life in UK TestFree B2 English Mock Test
Ensure your settlement application complies with the upcoming CEFR B2 rules. Take our free practice exam covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Start B2 English TestILR Calculators by Visa Route
Click any card to open the calculator. Each tool covers a specific part of the UK settlement process, including BNO visa ILR calculator, spouse visa timeline, Skilled Worker route eligibility and continuous residence period.
ILR Absence Calculator
Calculate total absence days and detect any rolling 12-month window exceeding the 180-day limit. See the absence guide for full rules.
Continuous Residence Period Calculator
Verify 5-year continuous lawful residence accounting for all absences. See the continuous residence guide.
Settlement Route Eligibility Calculator
Find your most likely ILR route: Skilled Worker, Partner, BNO, EU Settled Status and more. Compare in the settlement route guide.
UK Visa Points Calculator
Official Skilled Worker points logic: mandatory and tradeable points against salary thresholds. Full breakdown in the visa points guide.
Spouse / Partner Visa ILR Calculator
Key milestones, financial requirements and qualifying dates for UK spouse and partner routes to ILR. See the full spouse visa timeline guide for detailed rules.
BNO Visa ILR Calculator
Calculate your ILR qualifying date as a Hong Kong BNO visa holder after 5 years on the BNO route. Full rules in the BNO settlement guide.
EU Settled Status to ILR Calculator
Timeline and eligibility for EU pre-settled or settled status holders converting to ILR.
Income Requirement Calculator
Check whether your salary and savings meet financial thresholds for family and settlement routes.
Citizenship Readiness Calculator
Check the 12-month waiting period after ILR grant before applying for British naturalisation.
Immigration Application Fee Calculator
Estimate total costs: Home Office fees, biometric enrolment and optional legal representation.
B2 English Mock Test
Check your CEFR B2 language readiness for the upcoming March 2027 Home Office rules. Take the free mock test.
Life in the UK Mock Test
Realistic 24-question practice exam covering British history, government, law, and culture. Take the free mock test.
ILR Rules & Calculation Guides
Deep-dive articles explaining the rules behind each calculator.
How Absence Days Are Counted for ILR
The 180-day rule: how trips are counted, overlapping absences merged, rolling 12-month windows and travel log tips to protect your residence.
Guide 02, ResidenceContinuous Residence Period Explained
How to verify your 5-year continuous lawful residence, what breaks continuity and how to document your history for the Home Office.
Guide 03, RoutesWhich ILR Route Are You Eligible For?
Compare Skilled Worker, Family/Partner, Long Residence, BNO and EU Settled Status: criteria, qualifying periods and evidence needed.
Guide 04, PointsUK Visa Points System Explained
Mandatory vs tradeable points, salary thresholds, PhD uplift and how to reach the 70-point threshold for a Skilled Worker visa.
UK Immigration Blog
Analysis of the latest Home Office rule changes, parliamentary debates and legal developments.
Is the 5-Year ILR Route Changing to 10 Years? 2026 Update
The 5-year route remains fully in force, but changes under the "earned settlement" model are expected. Learn when changes may take effect and who is protected.
Parliament10-Year ILR Rule: Parliamentary Debate
MPs debate proposed changes to the 10-year long residence route and what it means for applicants already in their qualifying period.
Skilled WorkerSkilled Worker Sponsor Duties Explained
What your employer must do to maintain your Skilled Worker visa and how sponsorship failures affect your ILR timeline.
FamilyDependants & Family Impact on ILR
How family members and dependants are affected by ILR rule changes, including children born in the UK.
ILR Calculator by Visa Type
Select your visa route below to jump straight to the right calculator. Each route has different qualifying periods, absence limits and evidential requirements.
ILR Calculator: Skilled Worker & Tier 2
Check your 5-year qualifying period, 180-day absence test and earliest application date under the Skilled Worker or former Tier 2 route.
ILR Calculator: Spouse & Partner Route
Calculate your ILR eligibility date on the spouse or partner visa route. Includes financial requirement check (£29,000 salary threshold).
ILR Calculator: BNO Visa Route
Get your ILR qualifying date under the Hong Kong BNO pathway. 5-year route with 180-day absence limit.
ILR Calculator: 10-Year Route
Check your continuous residence period for the 10-year Long Residence ILR route.
What is an ILR calculator and why do you need one?
An ILR calculator (Indefinite Leave to Remain calculator) helps you work out the exact date you become eligible to apply for permanent residency in the UK. Instead of trying to count days manually or guess whether you’ve exceeded the 180-day absence limit, the calculator does all the hard work for you.
Indefinite Leave to Remain, commonly called ILR or permanent residency, is the immigration status that allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restriction on your visa. Once you have ILR, you no longer need a visa to stay, and you can eventually apply for British citizenship.
Most people need to have lived and worked lawfully in the UK for a set period (usually 5 years) before they can apply. But the rules around counting absences, rolling 12-month windows, and the 28-day application window are complex. That’s why an ILR calculator is so useful: it removes the guesswork and tells you exactly where you stand.
What ILR gives you
- Right to live in the UK permanently. No time limit on your stay: you can live and work in the UK indefinitely.
- Work for any employer. No sponsorship required: change jobs freely, become self-employed, or start a business.
- Access to public funds. Eligible for benefits, NHS care, and social housing on the same basis as British citizens.
- Path to British citizenship. Apply for naturalisation after 12 months of holding ILR (or immediately if married to a British citizen).
How to use the ILR calculator
Using this ILR calculator takes less than a minute. Here’s exactly what to do:
Enter your start date
Put in the date your qualifying period began. For Skilled Worker, this is usually the date your first leave to remain was granted.
Choose your route
Select your qualifying period: 5 years for Skilled Worker, BNO, Spouse; 10 years for Long Residence; 3 years for some partner routes.
Add your absences
Click “Add absence” for each trip outside the UK. Enter the departure and return dates. Add as many trips as you need.
Get your results
Hit “Calculate ILR Dates” and see your qualifying end date, the earliest date you can apply, total absence days, and whether you pass the 180-day rolling test.
Pro tip: use your travel history from your passport or bank statements. For the most accurate result, go through your passport stamps or check your travel history on the GOV.UK page for requesting your Home Office records. Even one missed absence can affect your 180-day calculation. The calculator merges overlapping trips automatically, so don’t worry about getting the order perfect.
Key rules and formulas
- Qualifying end date = start date + qualifying years
- Earliest apply date = qualifying end date minus 28 days
- Absence counting: whole days outside the UK; departure and return days are not counted; overlapping trips are merged
- Rolling 12-month test: any window with more than 180 days absent means continuous residence fails
- Not sure which route applies? Try the Settlement Route Calculator
ILR routes explained: which one applies to you?
The UK has several paths to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Your qualifying period, absence limits, and evidential requirements depend entirely on which route you’re on. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the main ILR routes in 2026.
| ILR route | Qualifying period | Max absences | Key requirement | 2026 status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker / Tier 2 | 5 years | 180 days per rolling year | Active sponsorship throughout | 10-year rule proposed |
| Spouse / Partner visa | 5 years | No fixed 180-day limit (absences assessed) | £29,000 salary threshold | Currently stable |
| BNO visa (Hong Kong) | 5 years | 180 days per rolling year | BNO passport holder | Currently stable |
| Long Residence (10 years) | 10 years | 180 days in any 12 months (548 days total for absences before 11 April 2024) | Continuous lawful residence | Under review |
| EU pre-settled status | 5 years | Up to 6 months per year | EU/EEA/Swiss citizen | Currently stable |
| Innovator Founder | 3 years | 180 days per rolling year | Active business endorsement | Currently stable |
Update October 2026: earned settlement rules still not in force, 5-year route fully operative. The government has proposed increasing the standard ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years under a new “earned settlement” model, and applying it to people already in the UK who don’t yet have ILR. The consultation closed on 12 February 2026 and drew more than 200,000 responses; the government’s response has still not been published. Giving evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on 15 September 2026, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the policy would be set out before the end of 2026 and “in good time” before the first affected cohort reaches five years in February 2027, but declined to give a date. As of October 2026, no new Immigration Rules have been laid: the 5-year route is still fully operative. The Home Affairs Committee has urged grandfathering for existing applicants; the government’s formal response is pending. If you qualify now, act promptly. Read the 2026 deadline action guide.
The 3 key ILR rules everyone gets wrong
These are the rules that catch most applicants out. Understanding them before you apply could save your application.
The 180-day rolling absence rule
You cannot spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month window during your qualifying period. The common mistake? People think this is a calendar year (Jan to Dec). It isn’t: the Home Office checks every possible 12-month window. So if you were away for 100 days in November to January, and another 100 days the following July to September, that second overlapping window could fail the test even though neither individual year looks over the limit. Full 180-day rule explanation.
The 28-day early application window
You’re allowed to submit your ILR application up to 28 days before your qualifying period actually ends, without losing any of your qualifying time. This is incredibly useful for planning: you can book your biometrics appointment, get your documents together, and submit everything before your visa actually expires. Miss this window and you may have to wait until the exact qualifying date to apply. How to use the 28-day window.
Departure and return days are not absences
The Home Office counts whole days outside the UK. The day you leave and the day you return are treated as days in the UK, so a trip from Monday to Friday is 3 absence days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), not 5. People who count every travel day by hand often think they are over the limit when they are not, and people who forget to merge overlapping trips make the opposite mistake. The calculator applies the Home Office convention and merges trips for you. How absence days are counted.
ILR eligibility checklist: what you need to apply
The ILR calculator tells you whether your dates and absences qualify, but that’s only part of the picture. Here’s everything you need to have in place before you apply.
Core requirements
- Qualifying period completed. Usually 5 years of continuous lawful residence (10 years for Long Residence route).
- 180-day absence test passed. No single 12-month window with more than 180 days outside the UK.
- Life in the UK test passed. Required for most applicants aged 18 to 64. Book via UKVI’s official site.
- English language B1 level or above. Required now at B1. Rising to B2 from 26 March 2027 (already confirmed in law via HC 1691). If your application may fall after that date, start preparing for a B2 test now.
- Good character requirement. No serious criminal convictions, immigration violations, or outstanding debts to the Home Office. From 8 April 2026: a suspended sentence of 12+ months now triggers mandatory refusal; previously only actual sentences served applied.
Documents you’ll need
- Valid passport(s) covering your entire qualifying period. Including any old passports: these contain entry/exit stamps needed to verify absences.
- Payslips or P60s (Skilled Worker route). Usually last 12 months of payslips, or your most recent P60 to confirm continuous employment.
- English language test certificate. Must be from an approved provider. Make sure it was taken within 2 years of your application.
- Life in the UK test pass notification. Keep the original: you’ll need to supply the test reference number in your application.
- BRP / eVisa record. Physical BRPs have been replaced by digital eVisas. Check your eVisa is active and linked to your current passport in your UKVI online account: travel issues can arise if the link is broken.
Remember: Meeting the qualifying period and absence requirements (which this ILR calculator checks) is only one part of the assessment. The Home Office also requires the Life in the UK test, English language evidence, and a clean immigration and criminal record. This calculator is a planning aid: always verify your specific requirements on GOV.UK before applying.
How much does ILR cost and how long does it take?
Two of the most common questions from people planning their ILR application, answered plainly, with no jargon.
ILR application costs (from 8 April 2026)
Fees rose 6.5% on 8 April 2026. Each family member pays separately.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard ILR fee (per person) | £3,226 |
| Biometric enrolment fee | £19.20 |
| Super Priority (next working day) | +£1,000 |
| Life in the UK test | £50 |
| English language test (approx.) | £150 to £200 |
Processing time (2026)
- Standard processing: about 6 months. From the date of biometric enrolment. You can travel during this time on your existing leave.
- Super Priority service: next working day. Decision by the end of the next working day after your biometrics appointment. Additional fee applies.
- Priority service: about 5 working days. Faster than standard but cheaper than super priority. Not available for all routes.
Why use this free ILR calculator?
There are plenty of immigration tools online, but most are either paywalled, oversimplified, or built for advisors rather than applicants. Here’s what makes this calculator different.
Completely free, no login
No account needed, no email required, no subscription. All 11 calculators are free to use as many times as you like. Your data is never stored or transmitted.
Proper rolling 12-month test
Most calculators just add up total days. This one checks every single 12-month window within your qualifying period, exactly how the Home Office assesses it.
Works on any device
Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or laptop, the calculator works the same. No app to download, no slow loading: it all runs in your browser.
Backed by plain-English guides
Every calculator links to a detailed guide explaining the underlying rules. So you don’t just get a number: you understand why, and what to do if your result is a FAIL.
Updated for 2026 rules
The calculators and guides are updated whenever the Home Office changes its rules or fees, including the proposed 2026 qualifying period changes and the latest salary thresholds.
Transparent about limitations
This tool is a planning aid, not a legal service. It clearly shows what it calculates and what it doesn’t, so you know when to seek qualified immigration advice.
ILR calculator FAQ: your questions answered
Quick answers to the most common ILR questions, based on what thousands of UK visa holders ask every month.
What is the 28-day rule for ILR applications?
You can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before your qualifying period ends, without losing any qualifying time. The calculator above shows your exact earliest application date automatically. Read the full 28-day early application guide for tips on using this window.
How many days can I be absent from the UK for ILR?
For most routes you must not exceed 180 days in any rolling 12-month window during your qualifying period. This is not a fixed calendar year: any consecutive 12-month period counts. Use the ILR Absence Calculator above to check your exact position automatically.
What is the 180-day rolling absence test and how does it work?
The 180-day rule checks every possible 12-month window within your qualifying period, not just calendar years. If any window contains more than 180 days outside the UK, your continuous residence is broken. Departure and return days are not counted as absences. See our detailed 180-day rolling absence test guide for worked examples.
What counts as an absence for ILR purposes?
Any whole day spent outside the UK counts as an absence. The day you leave and the day you return are not counted. Overlapping trips are merged before totalling. Short layovers in transit do not count. See the absence calculator guide for full rules and worked examples.
Which visa routes qualify for ILR in 2026?
The main ILR routes are: Skilled Worker (5 years), Family/Partner (5 years), Long Residence (10 years), BNO Visa (5 years), EU Settled Status conversion, and Innovator Founder (3 years). Each has different absence limits and evidential requirements. Read the settlement route eligibility guide to compare all routes side by side.
Will the 10-year ILR rule change affect me?
As of October 2026, the 5-year route remains fully in force: no new rules have been laid before Parliament yet. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said the government still intends to apply the proposed 10-year earned settlement changes to people already in the UK, but implementation may now slip to early 2027. The Home Affairs Committee (HC 1409) published its report in March 2026 recommending the government grandfather existing applicants; the government’s formal response is outstanding. The Skill Migrants Alliance is preparing a judicial review challenge. Transitional arrangements remain unconfirmed. If you qualify (or will qualify soon), applying now under current rules is strongly advisable. Read our 10-year ILR rule guide and 2026 deadline action guide.
How long does ILR take to process in 2026?
Standard ILR processing is currently running at approximately 6 months from biometric enrolment. The Super Priority service (£1,000 extra) aims for a decision by end of the next working day. The Priority service (about £500 extra) targets around 5 working days. These are service aims, not guarantees: complex cases may take longer. Check the Home Office processing times guide for the latest figures.
How much does an ILR application cost in 2026?
From 8 April 2026, the standard ILR (SET(O)) fee is £3,226 per person, up from £3,029. Biometric enrolment is £19.20. Super Priority adds £1,000 (total: £4,226). Family members each pay the full fee: a family of four pays over £12,900 in Home Office fees alone. Use the Immigration Fee Calculator to estimate your total.
Does this calculator guarantee ILR approval?
No, this is a planning aid only. Final decisions rest with the Home Office. Additional requirements include a Life in the UK test, English language at B1 level, good character requirement, and meeting the financial thresholds for your route. Always verify on GOV.UK.
How soon after ILR can I apply for British citizenship?
You must hold ILR for at least 12 months before applying for naturalisation (unless married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply immediately after ILR). You must also have been physically present in the UK on the date 5 years before your application. Use the Citizenship Readiness Calculator to find your exact eligible date.
What salary do I need for a Skilled Worker visa points test?
From April 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa was £38,700 per year. Since 22 July 2025 it has been £41,700 per year (or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher). New entrants and Immigration Salary List roles have a lower threshold of £33,400. Use the UK Visa Points Calculator above to check whether your salary meets the 70-point threshold.
Can I use an ILR calculator if I was on a Student visa before switching?
Time spent on a Student visa does not count towards the qualifying period for ILR on the Skilled Worker route. Your qualifying period starts from the date your Skilled Worker (or equivalent) leave was granted. If you switched from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, use your Skilled Worker visa start date in the calculator. However, time on a Student visa can count towards the 10-year Long Residence route if it was lawful leave throughout.
What breaks continuous residence for ILR purposes?
Continuous residence can be broken by: spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month window; having a gap in lawful leave (e.g. your visa expired before a new one was granted, unless you were covered by Section 3C leave); or being deported or removed from the UK. A single long trip or several short trips that combine to exceed 180 days in a 12-month window are the most common reason ILR applications are refused. Use the Absence Calculator to check your exact position before applying.
Is this ILR calculator the same as the official Home Office tool?
No, this is an independent planning tool, not an official Home Office service. The Home Office does not provide a public-facing ILR eligibility calculator. This tool is built to mirror the rules published on GOV.UK, including the rolling 12-month window test and the 28-day early application rule. Always verify your result against the official guidance at GOV.UK and consider consulting a registered immigration adviser (OISC) if your situation is complex.
Your ILR journey: what to do next
You’ve checked your dates. Here are the most useful next steps depending on where you are in the process.
- Run the calculator: check your qualifying date and absence test result.
- Check absences: understand how your travel history is assessed.
- Find your route: compare all ILR routes and their requirements.
- Beat the 2026 deadline: act now if you’re close to qualifying under current rules.