What changes when you get ILR? Work, benefits, applying for citizenship, the 2-year rule for time abroad, voting and the limits of ILR
Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read
Short answer
GOV.UK: ILR lets you live, work and study without a time limit and apply for benefits if eligible. For most people it lapses after more than 2 continuous years abroad (Returning Resident visa £726). You can apply for citizenship (£1,839) after 12 months; ILR gives no vote in UK general elections.
In short
- This post is general information and does not assess anyone's personal situation. It is based on GOV.UK and the other official pages as they were on 18 October 2026. Amounts are updated each April and rules can change.
- According to GOV.UK, ILR (indefinite leave to remain) lets you live, work and study in the UK without a time limit. The same page says you can apply for benefits if eligible and use ILR to apply for British citizenship.
- ILR is not citizenship: it is a type of permission and has limits. Below is what changes and what does not.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain
- GOV.UK: Returning Resident visa
- GOV.UK: Apply for citizenship if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status
- GOV.UK: Elections in the UK, general election
- GOV.UK: Elections in the UK, local government
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