Business Visas to ILR
Your future in the UK starts here. Our legal experts simplify the immigration process, ensuring a smooth transition.
What is ILR via Business Visas?
The UK offers various business visa routes that can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as UK settlement. These pathways are designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and senior business personnel who wish to establish or expand their business in the UK and settle in the UK long-term.
Once granted ILR, a business visa holder is no longer subject to UK immigration restrictions. ILR allows you to live, work, and operate a business in the UK permanently, and later apply for British citizenship.
Applicants typically come to the UK under a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, Innovator visa, Global Talent visa, or Representative of an Overseas Business visa, and later become eligible to apply for ILR after a continuous period of lawful residence.
Who is the Business Visa to ILR Route For?
You may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave through a business visa route if you fall into one of the following categories:
In some cases, Skilled Worker Visa holders who establish businesses and meet the ILR requirements can also apply.
These business routes allow entrepreneurs and company executives to build companies and careers in the UK and eventually apply for ILR.
What is the Application Process Like?
The ILR application for business visa holders follows the standard UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) process but includes specific conditions for business activity, financial performance, and residence in the UK.
Step-by-step Business Visa to ILR Application
Confirm your eligibility
Check that you meet the years in the UK requirement and that your visa leads to settlement.Meet the financial and business criteria
Provide documentation showing gross income from business activity, job creation, or innovation endorsement (depending on visa type).Prepare your documents
This includes your passport, visa, biometric residence permit, financial records, and proof of continuous residence.Pass required tests
Unless exempt, take the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement.Apply online for ILR
Submit your application for settlement through the UK visa portal and upload supporting evidence.Attend a biometric appointment
Your fingerprints and photo will be used to produce a new biometric residence permit.Wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration
Most ILR applications are processed within 6 months, or sooner with priority services.
What Are the Requirements?
The requirements for ILR under a UK business visa vary depending on your visa category, but typically include:
1. Time in the UK
You must meet the residence requirement, which includes not spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
2. Business and Financial Requirements
3. Other Key Requirements
Key Benefits of Business Visa ILR
Securing indefinite leave to remain through a business visa gives you the following advantages:
With ILR, you can focus on scaling your business, building partnerships, and contributing to the UK economy without immigration constraints.
Why Choose Bekenbey?
Navigating the path from a business visa to ILR can be complex, especially when dealing with endorsements, investment rules, and immigration requirements. At Bekenbey, we specialize in:
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa extensions and ILR
Innovator Founder Visa settlement applications
Business visa application reviews and documentation checks
Handling complex visa requirements for business immigration
Supporting companies with UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licences
Advising clients outside the UK looking to expand into the UK market
Our team stays current with UK immigration law, including changes to the UK Business Immigration System, and ensures your ILR application is smooth and compliant.
Apply for ILR from a Business Visa Today with Bekenbey
If you have built or expanded a company in the UK, created jobs, and fulfilled the requirements of your visa, now is the time to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
You must apply before your visa expires, and ensure you meet the residence requirement, financial performance expectations, and other immigration rules.
Let Bekenbey assist you in:
Preparing your ILR application
Ensuring your business must meet key benchmarks
Proving your continuous residence in the UK
Avoiding common ILR application mistakes
Demonstrating compliance with visa route conditions
Whether you hold a Tier 1, Innovator, Investor, or Global Talent visa, we’ll guide you to secure UK settlement.
Documents Needed
We’ve listed all the key documents required for your application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:
Documents must be translated into English where applicable and meet UKVI evidence standards.
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Questions, Answered
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