If you hold permanent residency (PR), you can live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely without needing to apply for a new visa.
Permanent residency in the UK is often referred to as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Generally, one of the main requirements for obtaining UK permanent residency is that you must have lived in the UK continuously for a minimum of five years.
However, the specific duration needed to become a British citizen varies depending on the type of UK visa you currently possess.
Individuals with either the Global Talent Visa or the Innovator Founder Visa may qualify for UK permanent residency (ILR) in as little as three years.
The most common immigration routes to residency in the UK include:
- Work Permit: five years
- Family Visa: five years
- Business Permit: three to five years
- Time spent in ILR: 10 years
It’s important to note that there are additional pathways to permanent residency in the UK available for both EU and non-EU nationals.
Family Connections
If you are a relative of a UK citizen or permanent resident, you might also be eligible for permanent residency. Eligible family members include partners or spouses, children, and dependent relatives requiring care.
A person who is a British citizen or who has moved to the UK and obtained permanent status is considered settled.
The following are some of the most common family visas that can lead to permanent residency in the UK:
- Child Visa: After your parents secure permanent residency
- Spouse Visa: 2 or 5 years
- Adult Dependent Relative Visa: When your caregiver achieves permanent residency in the UK
To allow your British citizen or settled family member to obtain permanent residency in the UK, you must:
- Have a family member with a permanent residence visa, or if applying on behalf of a child or adult dependent, have lived in the UK for either two or five years.
- Meet partnership requirements (e.g., partners must live together as spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners).
- Satisfy the financial criteria, which differ based on the application type; for example, you and your spouse must have a combined income of at least £18,600 to apply for a spouse visa through the 5-year route.
- Complete the Life in the UK test.
- Achieve the necessary level of English language proficiency.
Obtain a Work Visa and Permanent Residency in the UK
If you possess a work visa, such as a skilled worker visa, you can come to the UK to work for a local employer. Typically, after five years on a work visa, you can be granted permanent residency.
The skilled worker visa is currently one of the most straightforward options for non-EU citizens seeking permanent residency in the UK.
The following work visas are eligible for UK residency:
- Visa for Skilled Workers
- Increased Visa
- Visa for Workers in the Healthcare Sector
- Visa for Global Talent
It is essential to note that not all work visas lead to permanent residency in the UK. For example, the High Potential Individual (HPI) and Senior or Specialist Worker visas under the Global Business Mobility route (formerly known as Tier 2 ICT visas) do not offer a direct path to permanent residency.
However, visas like the HPI visa can be converted to another visa type that does provide a route to permanent residency. Additionally, the HPI visa has the advantage of allowing eligible students to work in the UK without a job offer.
To qualify for permanent residency in the UK while holding a work visa, you must:
- Have been in the country for the required duration (usually five years)
- Maintain your employer’s sponsorship if it is based in the UK
- Continue working in a qualifying position
- Meet the minimum salary threshold for your role
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Achieve the necessary level of English language proficiency.
Obtain Permanent Residency in the United Kingdom Through Your Business
If you’re interested in launching an innovative business in the UK, you may qualify for a business visa, such as the innovator visa.
Currently, the innovator visa is one of the easiest pathways for non-EU individuals to achieve permanent residency in the United Kingdom.
You can obtain permanent residency in just three years under the Innovator Founder visa. However, keep in mind that not all business visas, like the startup visa, offer a direct route to permanent residency.
To transition to permanent residency, you would need to switch from a startup visa to an innovator visa.
To be eligible for permanent residency, an innovator visa holder must:
- Have resided in the UK for the past three years on the innovator visa.
- Obtain a new endorsement for your business.
- Complete the Life in the UK test and meet the English language proficiency requirements.
EU Nationals with Permanent Residency in the UK
EU citizens aiming to apply for permanent residency in the UK after Brexit must navigate the EU settlement process. EU nationals who arrived in the UK before January 31, 2021, may be granted settled or pre-settled status.
Pre-settled status indicates that you are still working towards permanent residency and have not yet completed five years in the UK. Settled status confirms that you have achieved permanent residency after residing in the country for five years.
If you are an EU national who came to the UK after January 31, 2021, you can still apply for permanent residency through one of the available visa options.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in the UK
To apply for permanent residency in the UK, you need to:
- Complete and submit the online application; the required form will vary based on the route you choose. Your ILR application allows you to include your children and eligible partners.
- Pay the application fees.
- Schedule an appointment to provide your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) at a UKVACS office.
- Submit any requested documents to the Home Office, such as your certificate for passing the Life in the UK test.
You will typically receive a decision within six months. For £500, you can opt for the priority service to get a decision in five working days, or for £1000, you can use the super priority service for a decision in one working day.
Additional Options for Obtaining Permanent Residency in the UK
Several other strategies for securing permanent residency in the UK that haven’t been mentioned include:
- Exceptional leave to remain in the ILR following domestic abuse.
- The seven-year child route.
- The ten-year residency route.
- The private life route.
- Participation in Military Service.
Conclusion
Achieving permanent residency in the United Kingdom marks an exciting step towards a fulfilling life in this dynamic country.
By understanding your options, meticulously meeting the requirements, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can confidently navigate this process and secure your future in the UK.
Remember, diligent planning, comprehensive documentation, and a proactive approach are key to establishing your place in this welcoming and vibrant nation.
