What is Indefinite Leave to Enter?

Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE)

Applicants who are granted Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) at a visa issuing Post should have no time restrictions on their stay in the UK, that is, they can stay indefinitely.

ILE carries the same entitlement as ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ (ILR), which is issued by the UK Border Agency to those who have already travelled to the UK. Anyone who has ILE does not have to apply for ILR when in the UK.

Although indefinite leave, by definition, will not expire, the Entry Clearance Officer is unable to issue a visa to those who meet the criteria for ILE without putting a ‘validity date’ on the visa. In cases of ILE, the ‘validity date’ on the visa should match the expiry date on the passport.

When the applicant gets a new passport, they can apply to UK Border Agency for a transfer of conditions into their new passport. They do not need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

We provide individual and business immigration support. If you have questions on Indefinite Leave to Enter or need Indefinite Leave to Remain, need legal advice or assistance with applying, contact us. Call us on 020 7903 6888 or use our contact form to request a call back. You can also e-mail at contact@davenportsolicitors.com; we aim to reply within 24 hours.

The material contained on this website contains general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the information on this site, readers are advised to seek specific legal advice in relation to any decision or course of action.