Indefinite leave to remain (
ILR) or
permanent residency (
PR) is an immigration status granted to a person who does not hold the
right of abode in the
United Kingdom (UK), but who has been admitted to the UK without any time limit on his or her stay and who is free to take up
employment or study, without restriction. When indefinite leave is granted to persons outside the United Kingdom it is known as
indefinite leave to enter (
ILE).