Indefinite Leave as a Refugee
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if you have a refugee status or humanitarian protection (sometimes called ‘settlement protection’ ) or Discretionary Leave.
Call us on 0207 100 2525 for Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London.
We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.
What is the Eligibility Requirement to apply for Settlement as a refugee, Humanitarian Protection or discretionary Leave?
You must have a residence card if you’re a refugee or person with humanitarian protection.
You can apply after spending a continuous period of 5 years in the UK as either someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
You must not:
Have been convicted of an offence that lead to 4 years or more imprisonment
- Have been convicted of an offence that lead to 12 months – 4 years imprisonment, unless 15 years has passed since the sentence ended
- Have been convicted of an offence that lead to less than 12 months imprisonment, unless 7 years has passed since the sentence ended
- In the 24 months prior to the application have been decided, convicted of or admitted to an offence for which they have received a non-custodial sentence or other out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record.
- In the view of the Secretary of State caused serious harm by their offending or persistent offending and shown a particular disregard for the law.
If you have Discretionary Leave, you can apply after:
- 6 years if you were first given Discretionary Leave on or before 8 July 2012
- 10 years if you were first given Discretionary Leave from 9 July 2012
English Language Exemption
If you are a person with a refugee status or humanitarian protection living in the UK or with discretionary leave you are exempted from the English Language Requirement.
What is the fee for ILR as a Refugee, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave
There’s no fee if you’re a refugee, a person with humanitarian protection or their partner or child.
If you have discretionary leave, it costs £2,389 for you and each other person you include in your application.
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How long does the entire process take to apply for SET-P
If you have refugee status or humanitarian protection you cannot use the ‘super priority service’. You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months.
However, those with Discretionary Leave can apply for Super Priority service and will get their decisions in 2 working days.
What Happens if my SET P Application is Refused?
The decision to refuse settlement is not an appealable decision.
However, If the application is refused because your protection status has been revoked, you have a right of appeal.
What does continuous Residence means for SET-P
In order to qualify for settlement on a protection route, the applicant’s refugee status or humanitarian protection must not have been revoked or renounced.
Supporting Documents Required for SET P
Any current or expired passports for the applicants
Any travel documents that have been issued
Any National Identity Cards
Current Biometric Residence Permit
Birth certificates for child dependents on application
Evidence you have established a life in the UK
Correspondence at your current address
What happens once your application is approved
If your application is approved, You can do the following : work, run a business, study, use public services, such as healthcare and schools, apply for public funds (benefits) and pensions
You can apply for British citizenship, usually after a minimum of 12 months.
Can my ILR Be Revoked?
You can lose your indefinite leave to remain if you:
- travel back to the country you sought asylum from
- stay outside the UK for more than 2 years
Get in touch with our expert Solicitors today.
Common Reasons ILR Applications Are Refused
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Criminal convictions exceeding allowed limits
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Incomplete or missing documents
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Insufficient evidence of continuous residence
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Protection status revoked
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False or misleading information in application
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Non-compliance with immigration rules
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Recent non-custodial sentences or out-of-court disposals
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Travel to country of origin after asylum claim
Why Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors for Your ILR Application?
At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we are leading Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London who understand the complexities of refugee, humanitarian protection, and discretionary leave applications.
We have helped numerous clients secure settlement and navigate refusals successfully. Our team offers:
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Sensitive yet professional guidance throughout the application process
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Thorough checks to ensure compliance with eligibility and documentation requirements
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Expertise in challenging complex cases
For those seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London, we provide tailored advice to ensure your application is fully prepared.
Contact us 24/7 at 0207 100 2525 to speak with our experienced solicitors. Whether via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, or Skype, we ensure your settlement application is handled efficiently and professionally.
Trust Adam Bernard Solicitors, your reliable Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London, to guide you every step of the way. Secure your future in the UK with expert support from Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refugees and those with humanitarian protection after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
Those with discretionary leave after:
6 years if granted on or before 8 July 2012
10 years if granted from 9 July 2012
Yes. Refugees and those with humanitarian protection must have a valid residence card.
You cannot apply if you:
Were sentenced to 4+ years imprisonment
Were sentenced to 12 months–4 years imprisonment, unless 15 years have passed since the sentence ended
Were sentenced to less than 12 months imprisonment, unless 7 years have passed since the sentence ended
Received a non-custodial sentence or out-of-court disposal in the last 24 months
Have caused serious harm or persistent offending in the view of the Secretary of State
No. Refugees, those with humanitarian protection, and discretionary leave holders are exempt.
Current or expired passports
Any travel documents or ID cards
Biometric Residence Permit
Birth certificates for children
Proof of establishing a life in the UK (bills, letters, tenancy agreements)
protection, and discretionary leave
Comprehensive Applications: We prepare your application fully to avoid refusals
Complex Cases: Including criminal records or discretionary leave issues
24/7 Client Support: Consult via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, Skype, or phone at 0207 100 2525
Why clients choose Adam Bernard Solicitors for ILR Refugee applications in London:
Proven success with settlement applications
Expertise in protection and discretionary leave routes
Sensitive, professional support
Accessible 24/7
