How long is the Home Office taking to decide ILR right now? GOV.UK gives targets. This page shows what people are actually seeing, based on timelines shared here.
What people are reporting (last 12 months)
| Service | Reports | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 0 | Not enough reports yet |
| Priority (£500) | 0 | Not enough reports yet |
| Super priority (£1,000) | 0 | Not enough reports yet |
"Typical wait" is the middle value (median) of days from biometrics to decision. 0 people are still waiting.
Add your own timeline
Official decision times
| Service | Extra cost | GOV.UK says |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | None | Usually within 6 months |
| Priority | £500 | Within 5 working days |
| Super priority | £1,000 | By the end of the next working day (2 working days if your appointment is at the weekend) |
The clock starts at your biometrics appointment, not on the day you pay. That is why we ask for your biometrics date.
How to read these numbers
- Reports come from people like you. We cannot check each one.
- We show the middle value, not the average, so one odd report does not pull the number up or down.
- When there are only a few reports, treat the number as a rough guide.
Why share your dates?
Reddit threads get buried after a few weeks. Here every timeline stays in one place, so the next person can plan their trip, their job move or their wedding with a real number in mind. It takes less than a minute and we never ask for your name.
Sources: GOV.UK: ILR for Skilled Worker, GOV.UK: Get a faster decision.
Last checked against GOV.UK: 11 October 2026
Questions people ask
How long does ILR take in 2026?
GOV.UK says a standard decision usually comes within 6 months of your biometrics. Priority is 5 working days and super priority is usually the next working day. The table at the top shows what people are reporting on this page.
Does the wait start when I submit the form?
No. GOV.UK counts from your biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints and photo are taken.
Is the priority service worth it?
It costs £500 extra per person. It can make sense if you need to travel or start a new job soon. If you are not in a hurry, many people use the standard service.