PR IN UK

Obtaining permanent residency (PR) in the UK is a multi-step process known as applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The eligibility requirements vary depending on your visa type, but typically involve living legally in the UK for a continuous period of 5 to 10 years. Common routes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Work visas Skilled Worker visa: If you have worked in the UK on a Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2) visa, you can typically apply for ILR after 5 years. You must meet a minimum salary threshold, which as of mid-2025 is £26,200 per year for many roles, and show that your employer continues to sponsor you. Innovator Founder or Global Talent visa: High-value and exceptionally talented migrants may be eligible to apply for ILR after a shorter period, typically 3 years. Long Residence: If you have lived in the UK legally and continuously for 10 years on a combination of different visa types, you can apply for ILR through the "long residence" route. Family visas Spouse or Partner of a UK citizen: If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status, you can apply for ILR after living in the UK for 5 years. UK Ancestry visa: If you are a Commonwealth citizen with a UK-born grandparent, you can apply for an Ancestry visa. This allows you to work, and after 5 years, you can apply for ILR. EU citizens If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who was living in the UK before 2021, you could apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. With "settled status," you have the right to live in the UK indefinitely. General eligibility requirements Regardless of the visa route, all applicants for ILR must meet several common criteria: Continuous residence: Your qualifying period must be continuous. For the 5-year route, you cannot have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. Absences are counted more strictly under the 10-year long residence route. Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK: If you are between 18 and 64 years old, you must pass the "Life in the UK" test and demonstrate English language proficiency (typically CEFR Level B1). Good character: You must not have a serious criminal record or have breached immigration rules. The application process Check your eligibility: Identify the most suitable immigration route for your circumstances. Gather documents: Prepare proof of your continuous residence, employment, financial stability, and test certificates. Complete the online form: Fill out the official application form on the UK government website, typically the "Set (O)" for work routes. Pay the fee: The standard application fee for ILR is £2,885 per person. You can pay extra for priority service to receive a faster decision. Biometric appointment: Attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide your photo and fingerprints. Receive a decision: Standard applications are typically processed within 6 months. If successful, you will receive an eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status.