How to Apply for UK Permanent Residence

The United Kingdom (UK) continues to be one of the most desirable destinations for people worldwide to pursue a better life. The UK is a diverse and multicultural nation. In fact, according to Oxford University's research from Migration Observatory, nearly 14% of the UK's population was born outside of the country; London is home to almost 35% of the immigrant population.  

Every year, the United Kingdom tops the polls as the best country in the world, praised for its outstanding healthcare system, high living standards, and favourable work and educational environments. This explains why many overseas students choose to continue their higher education in the UK for an extended period of time. However, getting the status of UK Permanent Residence is necessary to step inside the British borders. You may be eligible for permanent residency in the UK if you fulfil specific requirements and follow the right application process.

 

UK Permanent Residence: Eligibility Criteria, Types, Application Process, Processing Time 

If you're a non-UK national and planning to get a UK permanent residence (or PR), this article is just for you. We will explain everything you need to know about PR in the UK, UK permanent residence requirements, its types, application processing time, application procedure, etc. So, let's begin! 

Types: 

If you have Permanent residency in UK, you can live, study in UK, or work here forever without applying for a new visa. In the United Kingdom, permanent residence (PR) is called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The most common types of UK Visa are: 

• Business Visa: 3-5 years 

• Work Visa: 5 years 

• Family Visa: 5 years 

• Long Residence to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): 10 years 

 

UK Permanent Residence Eligibility Criteria: 

Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for a PR program in the UK. Usually, the applicants must present their proof of legally living in the UK for a particular time-period. Moreover, they need to follow specific UK permanent residence rules. This table presents the time required to spend in the UK for different categories of visas before qualifying for Permanent residency in the UK. 

Visa Types/Conditions of Stay	Time Duration of Stay
Partner (Married or Unmarried) of UK Citizen	2 Years
Work Permit Visa (Tier 1 and Tier 2)	5 Years
Investor, Business Owner, Artist, Sportsperson	5 Years
Ancestry	5 Years
Lawful Stay (long-term)	10 Years
Unlawful Stay (without the proper documents)	10 Years

 

Documents Required for UK Permanent Residence: 

• Payslips and Bank Account Statements as proof of your financial status  

• Council Tax letters 

• Company-headed papers or Employment Letters with attested authority stamp and date (for an employee or skilled worker) 

• Lease Agreement or Rental Contracts (address proof) 

• Valid Pay Stubs (updated) 

• Proof of your last residency before coming to the UK 

 

UK Permanent Residence Application Process: 

You can apply for Permanent Residence in UK from the online portal. Usually, you have up to 28 days to file your application before you don't meet the eligibility criteria for PR. Follow this step-by-step process to apply for a UK Permanent Visa: 

 

For ILR: 

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the requirements, including the duration of continuous residence and the "Life in the UK" test. 

 

• Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare your documentation, including proof of continuous residence, current immigration status, and financial stability. 

 

• Complete the Application: Apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You'll need to fill out detailed information about your employment history, residence in the UK, and family members who would be applying with you. 

 

• Pay the Application Fee: As of 2023, the fee for ILR applications is £2,389 per person. 

 

• Biometric Information: After submitting your application, you must provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC). 

 

For EU Settled Status: 

• Check Eligibility: You should have started living in the UK by December 31, 2020, and have 5 years of continuous residence. 

• Complete the EU Settlement Scheme Application: This involves filling out an online application where you'll provide your personal information and proof of UK residence. 

• Proof of Identity: You must prove your identity by scanning your identity document using the mobile app or sending it by post. 

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Application Processing Time: 

The processing time can vary greatly depending on the type of application, how it was submitted, and whether additional information is required: 

  

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): This could take up to 6 months for standard applications. Premium services offer faster processing for a higher fee. 

• EU Settled Status: Most applications are processed within 5 working days, but it could take up to a month if further information is needed. 

 

Conclusion 

Anyone who lives overseas, including foreign students, can easily become a permanent resident of the UK as long as they meet all the requirements for eligibility. Securing a permanent visa in the UK can be made simple if you are a student at a UK university with a solid academic record and expertise in your chosen field of work. 

If you want to discuss these steps in person, you can talk to our Visa Consultants in mohali. Visit our ImmiVoyage website.