Most routes require 5 years of continuous residence; some allow accelerated settlement after 2-3 years depending on criteria like investment levels or job type. Short-term visas do not count toward this period.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. To qualify, individuals typically need to have lived in the UK legally for a specified period (usually 5 years), pass necessary tests, maintain continuous residence, and not breach immigration rules or criminal laws.