To qualify for permanent residence in the United Kingdom, you must apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This status allows you to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and is a step toward British citizenship.
How Can I Get a Permanent Residence Permit in the UK?
You can apply for ILR after living in the UK for a set number of years under specific visa categories. The general requirement is five years, but this varies depending on your visa type:
- Work Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2): Typically, after 5 years.
- Global Talent Visa: Usually after 3 years.
- Innovator Founder Visa: Generally after 3 years.
- Tier 1 (Investor) Visa:
- £2 million investment: After 5 years.
- £5 million investment: After 3 years.
- £10 million investment: After 2 years.
- Ancestry Visa: After 5 years.
- Spouse or Partner Visa: After 5 years.
Note: Your current visa must lead to ILR; if it doesn’t, you won’t be eligible for settlement.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for ILR, you must meet several criteria:
- Continuous Residence: You must have lived in the UK for the required period without significant absences.
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove your knowledge of the English language, typically through a B1-level certificate or another recognized qualification.
- Life in the UK Test: If you’re aged 18 to 64, you need to pass this test, which assesses your knowledge of British life and culture.
- Financial Stability: You must show proof of financial means, such as income or savings.
- Absence Limits: You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying period.
How Do I Apply for a UK Permanent Residence Permit?
To apply for ILR, you must submit your application online through the UK government’s official website. The process typically involves:
- Completing an online application form.
- Paying the application fee.
- Booking and attending an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).
- Submitting supporting documents, such as proof of identity, financial means, and English language proficiency.
Documents Required
You will need to provide:
- A current passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality.
- Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you have one.
- Online proof of your immigration status if you have an eVisa (you’ll need to get a share code).
- All the passports you’ve held during your time in the UK.
- Proof of passing the Life in the UK Test (if applicable).
- Proof of meeting the English language requirements.
- Proof of financial means.
- Evidence of continuous residence in the UK.
Fees
The standard application fee for ILR is £3,029. You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is typically £624 per year. The total cost can vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Processing Time
The processing time for ILR applications is usually up to 6 months. However, you may be able to pay for a faster decision:
- Priority Service: £500 extra, with a decision usually within 5 working days.
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 extra, with a decision usually by the end of the next working day.
Can You Become a Permanent Resident in Less Than 5 Years?
Yes, in some cases, you can qualify for ILR before the typical 5-year wait:
- Tier 1 (Investor) Visa: As mentioned, with higher investment amounts, you can apply after 2 or 3 years.
- Global Talent Visa: Eligible for ILR after 3 years.
- Innovator Founder Visa: Eligible for ILR after 3 years.
- Spouse or Partner Visa: Eligible for ILR after 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can My Family Members Also Obtain Permanent Residence?
Yes, your family members (spouse, children) may also be eligible for ILR, provided they meet the requirements.
Can I Work in Other EU Countries with My UK Permanent Residence Permit?
No, you cannot work in other EU countries with a UK ILR. If you want to live or work in another EU country, you must apply for that country’s residence permit.
What Is a European Settlement Permit, and Can I Apply for It?
A European Settlement Permit allows non-citizens of the UK who have been granted ILR to live, work, and study in other EU countries. It is not automatically given and requires a separate application.
Do I Get a Residence Card?
Yes, when you are granted ILR, you will receive a biometric residence card. This card includes your personal information, residence status, and a chip with biometric data.
What Benefits Does a UK Settlement Permit Have?
Having ILR in the UK provides numerous benefits:
- Indefinite stay in the UK.
- No work restrictions.
- Eligibility for public services and benefits.
- Pathway to British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.
- More freedom in terms of travel and work.
Is a Settlement Permit the Same as British Citizenship?
No, ILR is not the same as citizenship. While it allows you to live and work in the UK indefinitely, it does not grant you full political rights, such as voting or holding public office. To become a British citizen, you must apply for naturalisation after holding ILR for at least 12 months.
Can I Get a Settlement Permit Without a B1 Language Certificate?
It is possible to apply for ILR without a B1 certificate in certain cases. For example:
- If you’ve completed an integration course or have been living in the UK for a significant amount of time.
- If you have medical conditions that prevent you from meeting the language requirements.
Does a Settlement Permit Expire?
No, your ILR status does not expire, but it can be revoked if conditions are violated, such as spending too much time outside the country or committing serious criminal offenses.