1. What Is the ILR Calculator?
The ILR calculator helps you estimate the earliest date you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. It uses the information you enter, such as your visa start date, entry date, and time spent outside the UK, to calculate when your qualifying period is complete.
It serves as an eligibility guide, not an official Home Office decision tool. The results are based on general ILR rules and should be used as a helpful reference, not final confirmation.
Your results may differ depending on your visa category, travel history, or route-specific rules.
Use our free ILR calculator below to find out when you can apply.
Speak to our qualified immigration specialists on a free call today for personalized guidance on your ILR application. You can also reach out via email at info@kqsolicitors.com.
Call Us Now: 01582 966 1802. How the ILR Calculator Works
The ILR calculator uses your personal visa details to estimate your earliest possible ILR application date. You need to enter seven details in total. These include your ILR route (residence years), your visa start date, your physical entry date to the UK, and your current visa expiry. You must also enter your days absent in any 12-month period, your total days absent during the qualifying period, and confirm whether you have passed the English language test and the Life in the UK test.
The tool applies standard Home Office rules to calculate your continuous residence period, which is usually five years for most ILR routes. It also checks whether your absences stay within the allowed limits.
For most routes, the calculator includes the 28-day early application window, showing your earliest possible submission date.
This calculator is best for straightforward immigration histories. If you have multiple visas, long absences, or breaks in residence, it’s best to get professional advice before applying.
3. Understanding Continuous Residence and Qualifying Periods
Your continuous residence or qualifying period means the time you have lawfully lived in the UK without long breaks or visa gaps. The terms “continuous residence,” “qualifying period,” and “continuous lawful residence” all refer to the same rule under ILR requirements.
This period can be broken if you spend too much time outside the UK or have gaps between visas. A break can also happen if there is a gap between visas, an overstay, or if you switch to a visa route that does not lead to ILR.
For example, moving from a Skilled Worker visa to a Family Visa would reset your ILR clock, as these routes count separately.
The calculator assumes your residence is continuous and qualifying. It cannot detect visa route changes that reset the ILR clock, so check your visa history carefully before relying on the result.
Understanding your continuous residence is vital because it directly affects your calculator result. The tool uses your lawful stay to estimate when your ILR qualifying period is complete and when you can apply.
4. ILR Route Types and Eligibility Criteria
Different ILR routes have different qualifying periods and requirements, so it’s important to know which route applies to you before checking your eligibility.
5-Year Route: The most common route. It applies to Skilled Workers, Partners, and Spouses. You must complete five years of continuous residence in the same visa category to qualify.
10-Year Long Residence Route: This route is based on ten years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, even if covered by multiple visa types. It’s often used by people who have held a mix of study, work, or family visas over time.
Family Route: For partners or dependants of British citizens or settled persons. You usually need five years of continuous residence under this category.
Work-Based Routes: Includes Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2 General), Global Talent, and similar categories. Each has its own conditions for employment, absences, and sponsorship.
Some visa types cannot be combined toward ILR, so the qualifying period may reset when you switch categories.
All ILR routes also require you to meet the absence limits, pass the English language requirement, and complete the Life in the UK test.
For full details, see the official UK Government guidance on ILR eligibility.
5. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the ILR Calculator
Step 1: Choose your ILR route from the list.
Step 2: Enter the start date of your first relevant visa.
Step 3: Enter your physical entry date to the UK.
Step 4: Enter your current visa expiry date.
Step 5: Enter your maximum number of days absent in any 12-month period.
Step 6: Enter your total number of days absent over your full qualifying period.
Step 7: Select your English language test status.
Step 8: Select your Life in the UK test status.
Step 9: Click Calculate to view your ILR timeline and status results.
If you entered the UK more than 180 days after your visa start date, your qualifying period begins from your entry date, not the visa start date. The calculator also includes the 28-day early application rule automatically.
6. Understanding Your Results
The ILR calculator presents your results in a timeline view that shows your full eligibility journey. It displays when your qualifying period started, when it ends, and the earliest date you can apply for ILR.
Below the timeline, you will see status boxes that help you check your progress. The absence box uses colour indicators: green if within limits, yellow if close, and red if over. The English language test and Life in the UK test boxes show whether each requirement has been passed. If your visa expires before your qualifying period is complete, the calculator will display a warning message so you can plan for an extension.
This clear layout helps you understand where you stand. It shows what is complete, what still needs attention, and when you can apply. If your case involves multiple visas or long absences, consider getting professional advice before applying.
7. Common Mistakes When Calculating ILR Dates
Many applicants make errors that affect their ILR eligibility. The most frequent mistake is using the visa start date instead of the actual entry date to the UK. The qualifying period usually starts from the date you arrive, not the date printed on your visa.
Miscounting absences exceeding 180 days in one year or 540 days total can break continuous residence.
Others mistake their visa expiry date for the end of their qualifying period. These errors cause unnecessary refusals and delays.
Many applicants use unofficial ILR calculators they find online. Some of these tools are outdated and may not follow current Home Office rules. Using the wrong calculator can lead to errors and missed eligibility dates. That’s why we created this calculator, which is regularly updated to reflect the latest ILR requirements and guidance.
Avoid these problems by speaking with a qualified immigration adviser before applying.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my ILR eligibility date?
You can use the ILR calculator by entering your visa start date, entry date to the UK, current visa expiry, and route type. The calculator then estimates the earliest date you can apply based on continuous residence rules and the 28-day application window.
Can I use the ILR calculator for any visa route?
The calculator works for the main ILR routes, including the 5-year, 10-year, work, and family routes. Some visa types do not lead to ILR, so always check your category before using the tool.
Can I apply early for ILR in the UK?
Most routes allow you to apply up to 28 days before completing your qualifying period. The calculator includes this rule automatically when showing your eligibility date.
What if I have been outside the UK for more than 180 days?
Spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, or 540 days in total, can break continuous residence. You may need to restart your qualifying period.
Can I use the calculator for my family’s ILR applications?
Yes. Each family member can check their own qualifying date by entering their individual visa and entry details into the calculator.
How accurate is the ILR calculator?
The calculator provides a reliable estimate based on general ILR rules. However, it is a guide only. Actual eligibility depends on your specific visa route, absences, and personal circumstances.
9. Get Professional ILR Support
ILR applications are detailed and must be completed with care. Even small mistakes can lead to refusals or long delays. Getting professional help ensures your case is checked correctly before submission.
An OISC-accredited adviser or immigration solicitor understands how each visa route, absence, and status change affects your eligibility. They review your history, confirm your continuous residence, and make sure your documents meet the Home Office requirements.
If you have held multiple visas, taken long trips abroad, or changed categories, your case may be more complex. A short consultation can clarify your situation and prevent costly errors.
Our advisers offer personal, practical guidance so you know exactly when and how to apply. Every recommendation is based on current ILR rules and your specific details.
You can contact us or book a free consultation directly to discuss your ILR eligibility.