Will I lose my indefinite leave to remain?

Understanding Indefinite Leave to Remain: Can You Lose It?

Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK feels like the final step in a long immigration journey. Often referred to as permanent residence, ILR gives you the right to live, work, and study in the country without any time limits. However, despite what the word indefinite suggests, this status is not automatically permanent under all circumstances.

One of the most common ways to lose your status is by spending extended periods abroad. If you remain outside the UK for two consecutive years or more, your ILR automatically lapses, meaning you lose your right to return as a settled resident. Beyond long absences, settlement can also be lost through formal revocation—for instance, if the Home Office discovers the status was obtained by deception—or following a deportation order linked to serious criminal activity. Staying mindful of these key rules is essential to protecting your long-term future in the UK.