Settlement is also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).  This gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently without any immigration restrictions. You must be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain before you apply for British citizenship.

The requirements that must be satisfied to be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain depend on your visa category. However, the following are the most common requirements:

1. Residence requirement

You can qualify for ILR once you have lived in the UK for a certain number of years. This depends on the type of visa you have been granted.

2. Absences

You should not have been absent from the UK for longer than 180 days in any of the 12 months during the residence period. However, there are exceptions to this rule, for example, if you have been outside of the UK on business, or your time outside of the UK was due to exceptional circumstances. It is very important to keep records of your travel as you will need this for your application.

3. Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK

You must pass the Life in the UK Test which is a test on British culture, history and traditions. You must also pass the English Language Test.

The requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain are very stringent and the application is expensive. It is therefore important that you get your application right.