Are you looking to become a permanent inhabitant in the United Kingdom? If so, you have landed at the accurate place!
This write-up will walk you through the approach of acquiring residency in the UK. We will provide information on what requirements must be met and what documents are needed for submission.
So, whether you are interested in moving to the UK permanently or simply want to know more about the process, keep reading for all the details!
Who is Eligible to Become a Permanent Resident in the UK?
Permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain is a status granted to foreign nationals who have been living in the United Kingdom lawfully for several years.
Before we jump into the actual process of applying for permanent residency, you should know who exactly can apply.
Many different types of visas allow people to persist and labour in the Kingdom. Some examples include tier-two worker visas (which are for skilled workers), student visas, and family visas. Apart from the visa, you need to fulfil some requirements to apply for PR.
However, not everyone is qualified to have a permanent residency. In order to be considered, you must have a visa that allows you to stay in the UK long-term. The specific visa requirements can vary depending on your particular circumstances, so it is influential to check with the Home Office for more information.
What Are the Prerequisites for Permanent Residency in the UK?
Now that you know who is eligible to apply let’s take a look at the specific requirements.
In order to be approved for permanent residency, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have been living in the UK for at least five years.
- You must not have left the UK for more than six months in any one year during that time period (unless you were working abroad). If so, this will be considered as breaking your continuous residence and could result in denial of an application.
- You must not have spent a sum of more than 180 days out of the Kindom in the five-year period.
- You must be able to deliver proof that you have been living in the UK constantly. This can include utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements.
There can be some exceptions to these requirements, so it is important to speak with an immigration lawyer if you have any questions.
What are the Steps for ILRÂ in the UK?
Now that we have glimpsed at the prerequisites let’s look at the application process itself.
The first phase is to assemble all of the required documents. This will include your passport, visa (if applicable), and proof of continuous residence. You may also need to provide other documentation such as marriage or birth certificates and others, depending on your individual circumstances.
Once you have gathered all of these documents, you can submit them to the Home Office via post or in person. If approved, they will issue a letter confirming your status as an official permanent resident!
How Long Does It Require to Obtain ILR or Permanent Residency in the UK?
You may be musing about how long it requires for the process to be completed. In reality, there is no single-word answer exists for this question.
The amount of time it takes to get permanent residency in the UK will depend on a number of factors, such as the application’s complexity and how long it takes for the Home Office to review all of the submitted documents.
However, it can take anywhere from six months to twelve months in most circumstances.
Can I Apply for Citizenship in the UK After Gaining Permanent Resident?
If you are interested in applying for citizenship after succeeding a permanent resident, there are some things that you should know. First of all, the requirements will vary depending on your individual circumstances.
In general, however, you must have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months before you can apply for citizenship. You must also be able to speak English and meet other financial requirements.
If all of these provisions are pleased, you can raise an application for citizenship to the Home Office. This process typically takes around six months from start to finish.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Permanent Resident In The UK?
Becoming a permanent resident in the United Kingdom comes with many benefits, such as:
- You will have access to free healthcare, education, and housing provided by government agencies or local authorities. These services are not available to people who are not permanent residents.
- You will be able to apply for a British passport after being in the UK for five years (or three if you have an Ancestry visa).
- If you decide to leave the UK for more than 12 months, your permanent resident status will not be affected.
- You can sponsor family members who wish to arrive to stay with you in the
Conclusion
Becoming a permanent resident in the UK can be a great way to secure your status in the country and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it. If you are curious about applying, be sure to converse with an immigration lawyer to get started.
