The UK is a multicultural country, with about 14% of its population born abroad. London alone is home to 35% of the UK's immigrant population.

The UK offers excellent healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), which is free for residents and highly rated for affordability, safety, and efficiency.

Here, we will explore the importance of permanent residence status in UK and ways to apply.

What is Permanent Residence?

Permanent residence status in the UK, also called indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allows foreigners to live and work in the UK without time limits after meeting specific requirements. It offers stability and access to public services like healthcare.

To get ILR, you need to live legally in the UK for a certain time, usually 5 to 10 years, and meet criteria like good conduct and language proficiency.

The required duration depends on the type of visa:

Family Visa: 5 years
Work Visa: 5 years
Business Visa: 3 to 5 years
Long Residence to ILR: 10 years

Benefits of PR in the UK

Permanent residency (PR) in the UK comes with these benefits:

Stability: You can live and work in the UK without any time restrictions, giving you security.
Access to Services: You get access to public services like healthcare and education just like UK citizens.
Job Opportunities: You're not limited by work visas, so you can work in any job or industry.
Path to Citizenship: It can lead to British citizenship if you meet certain requirements.
Travel Freedom: You can travel in and out of the UK without needing a visa.
Family Reunification: You can bring your family to the UK and eventually they can apply for PR too.

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Permanent Residence Vs Citizenship

Basis	Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Permanent Residence	British Citizenship
Residency Rights	Reside in the UK without time restrictions	Full right to abode in the UK
Absence Outside UK	Lapses after 2 consecutive years outside the UK	Does not lapse, no restrictions on absences
Settled Status Lapse	- EU Settlement: lapses after 5 consecutive years outside the UK - Swiss citizens: lapses after 4 consecutive years outside the UK	No lapse, maintain status for life
Travel Flexibility	Restricted by absence limitations	Travel freely without restrictions
Returning Resident Visa	May apply if ILR lapses	Not applicable
Voting Rights	Limited voting rights (some elections for EU and Commonwealth citizens)	Full voting rights, including UK Parliamentary elections and referendums
Children's Citizenship	Must apply for children under 18 to naturalize as British citizens	Children automatically acquire citizenship, regardless of birthplace

Who Can Apply for PR or ILR?

To apply for UK Permanent Residency (PR) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you typically need to have lived in the UK for 5 years under one of the following categories:

Tier 1 (Highly Skilled Workers)
Tier 2 (Skilled Workers with a valid job offer in the UK)
Businessperson
Investor
International Students and Research Fellows
Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency, PR Agency, or Broadcasting Organization
Private Servant in a Diplomatic Household
Domestic Worker in a Private Household
Overseas Government Employee
Self-employed Lawyer or Solicitor
UK Ancestry
Highly Skilled Migrant under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
Retired Person of Independent Means
Sole Representative of an Overseas Firm

Additionally, you can apply for UK PR if you have a family member or partner who is a British citizen.

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Eligibility Criteria for UK Permanent Residence (PR) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Proof of Residence

Applicants must prove they have lived in the UK for a specific duration based on their visa type. The required durations are:

S. No	Visa/Condition of Stay	Duration of Stay
1	Marriage or Unmarried Partner to UK Citizen	2 years
2	Lawful Stay on Any Basis (Long Stay)	10 years
3	Unlawful Stay	14 years
4	Tier 1 and Tier 2 Work Permit	5 years
5	Investor, Sportsperson, Business Owner, Arts	5 years
6	Ancestry	5 years

Family Member of a UK Citizen:

Must be a partner of a UK citizen or someone permanently settled in the UK.
Must currently hold a family visa (2, 5, or 10 years) as a partner or spouse.

Marriage or Partnership:

Eligible if married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a long-term relationship with a British citizen.
Must provide proof of living together (e.g., joint bank accounts, joint tenancy agreement).

Required Tests:

Life in the UK Test: Must pass this test, which assesses knowledge of British life.
English Test: Non-native speakers must pass to prove English fluency (UK educational qualifications can suffice).

Financial Requirements

For applicants with dependent family members, finances must meet specific thresholds for the 5-year route visa:

£18,600 (INR 1,976,990.28) per year (no dependents)
£22,400 (INR 2,380,891.52) per year (one dependent child)
Additional £2,400 (INR 255,095.52) per year for each extra child

Children under 18, except those of British or EU origin, are included in this calculation. There are no minimum earnings requirements for the 2-year and 10-year routes, but applicants must show financial stability without relying on UK public funds.

Permanent Residence as a Family Member of a Settled Person

The spouse/partner must be settled in the UK on a work visa (Tier 1, 2, or 5).
Must be in a relationship for at least 2 years.

Eligibility for Partners

Must currently hold a visa as a partner's dependent.
If the visa was issued before 9 July 2012, must have lived with the partner for at least 2 years. If issued on or after 9 July 2012, the requirement is 5 years.
Must still be living together and intend to continue doing so.
Cannot claim benefits when applying.
Must meet English language and Life in the UK requirements.

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Documentation Requirements

Document	Explanation
Current Pay Slips	Proof of current employment and income.
Bank Account Statements	Evidence of financial stability and transactions.
Address Proof	Document verifying the applicant's current residence, such as a rent or lease contract.
Council Tax Letters	Confirmation of residence status and tax obligations.
Proof of Other Sources of Income	Documentation supporting any additional income declared by the applicant.
Appointment Letter from Employer	Required for job employees, providing details of employment on company letterhead.
Business Ownership Documents (if applicable)	For business owners, documentation related to the registered business address and permits.

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How to Apply for UK Permanent Residence

To apply for UK permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain), follow these steps:

Complete the Application:
- Fill out the appropriate online application form based on your visa route.
- You can include your eligible partner and children.
Pay the Fee:
- Submit the required application fee.
Biometric Appointment:
- Book and attend an appointment at a UKVCAS office to provide your photo and fingerprints.
Submit Documents:
- Provide any requested documents, such as your Life in the UK test pass certificate.
Receive a Decision:
- Most decisions are made within 6 months.
- Priority service (decision within 5 working days) costs £500 (INR 53,144.90).
- Super priority service (decision within 1 working day) costs £1000 (INR 106,289.80).

Fees/Cost of Application

The fee for indefinite leave to remain for both main applicants and dependants is £2,885 (INR 306646.07).

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Processing Time

Processing times for permanent residence visa applications for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens may take approximately 6 months or longer.

Applications made before January 1, 2021, will still be considered but may face delays of up to 6 months for a decision. EEA permanent residence cards granted before June 30, 2021, will no longer be valid after that date.

However, until then, they can still be used to apply for British citizenship and sponsor your partner's visa application based on your residence.

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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Application Guide

If you work in the UK

Visa Type	Requirements	How to Apply	Fees and Processing Time
Skilled Worker, T2, or Tier 2 Visa	- Lived and worked in the UK for 5 years	Apply online.	£2,885 (INR 306646.07) per person. The decision is usually within 6 months.
Scale-up Worker Visa	- Lived and worked in the UK for 5 years	Apply online.	£2,885 (INR 306646.07) per person. The decision is usually within 6 months.
Business, Investor, or Talent Visa	- Lived in the UK for a specific duration (2 to 5 years depending on the visa)	Apply online.	£2,885 (INR 306646.07) per person. The decision is usually within 6 months.
Innovator Founder or Innovator Visa	- Lived in the UK for 3 years using the Innovator Founder or Innovator visa	Apply online.	£2,885 (INR 306646.07) per person. The decision is usually within 6 months.
Representative of an Overseas Business Visa	- Lived and worked in the UK for 5 years	Apply online.	£2,885 (INR 306646.07) per person. The decision is usually within 6 months.
Turkish Worker or Businessperson Visa	- Lived and worked in the UK for a certain period	Apply online.	£2,885 (INR 306646.07) per person. The decision is usually within 6 months.
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa	- Applied for visa on or before 5 April 2012	Apply online.	£1,048 (INR 111,391.71) to extend visa. £2,885 (INR 306646.07) to settle. The decision is usually within 8 weeks.

If you have family in the UK

Requirement	Details
For Parents Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Bank Statements	Bank statements for the parent and child for the 3 months before the application date to prove financial support.
- University/College Confirmation	Confirmation from the child's university or college, issued by an authorized official on headed paper if they are studying.
- Life in the UK Test	Children over 18 must pass the Life in the UK Test.
- English Language Requirements	Children over 18 must meet English language requirements.
- Child's Status	The child must either be under 18 on the application date for the 5-year route or under 18 when the family visa was granted for the 10-year route. If over 18, they must have been under 18 when the parent received their family visa and not live independently.
- Time in the UK (5-Year Route)	The parent must have been living in the UK on a family visa for at least 5 continuous years. Time on other visas cannot be included.
- Time in the UK (10-Year Route)	The parent must have been living in the UK for at least 10 continuous years. Time on other visas leading to indefinite leave to remain can be included.
- Financial Requirements (5-Year Route)	Parents must prove enough financial support without relying on public funds.
- Financial Requirements (10-Year Route)	No financial requirements.
- Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK	Parent aged 18-64 must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements.
- Including Other Children (5-Year Route)	Eligible children under 18 can be included if they have permission to be in the UK as a dependant on the family visa, will continue to live with the parent, and are not married, in a civil partnership, or living independently.
- Including Other Children (10-Year Route)	Other children cannot be included in the application. They must apply separately.
For Children Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Eligibility	Children must have had permission to be in the UK as a dependant on their parent's family visa and must be living with their parent or relative.
- Time in the UK	Children must have been a dependant on their parent's visa before turning 18.
- Life in the UK Test	Children over 18 must pass the Life in the UK Test.
- English Language Requirements	Children over 18 must meet English language requirements.
For Partners/Spouses Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Eligibility	The partner must have a family visa and be married or in a genuine relationship for 2 years.
- Time in the UK (5-Year Route)	The partner must have been living in the UK on the family visa for at least 5 continuous years. Time on other visas cannot be included.
- Time in the UK (2-Year Route)	The partner must have been living in the UK on a family visa for at least 2 continuous years. Time on other visas cannot be included.
- Time in the UK (10-Year Route)	The partner must have been living in the UK for at least 10 continuous years. Time on other visas leading to indefinite leave to remain can be included.
- Financial Requirements (5-Year Route)	Combined income must meet specified thresholds.
- Financial Requirements (2-Year Route)	Must have enough money to support themselves and dependents.
- Financial Requirements (10-Year Route)	No financial requirements.
- Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK	Age 18-64 must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements.
- Including Children	Eligible children can be included if they meet certain criteria.

If you’ve lived in the UK for 10 years

Criteria	Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	Leave to Remain (Extension)
Eligibility	- Been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years	- Been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years
	- Known as 'long residence'	- Known as 'continuous residence'
Benefits	- Settlement status: live, work, study indefinitely	- Extension of stay for 2 years
	- Right to apply for British citizenship	- Must meet eligibility criteria
Fees	£2,885 (INR 306646.07)	£1,048 (INR 111,391.71)
Biometric Information	Taken (fingerprints and photo), no additional fee	Taken (fingerprints and photo), no additional fee
Processing Time	Standard service: usually within 6 months	Standard service: usually within 6 months
	Super priority service: extra £1,000 (INR 106,289.80)	- Fast decision: next working day or 2 working days
	- Decision within 1 working day (weekday appointment)	- Biometric residence permit takes up to 10 days
	- Decision within 2 working days (weekend appointment)
Travel Restrictions	Must not travel outside UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man until decision received

If you’re a Commonwealth citizen

Criteria	Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Eligibility	- Spent 5 continuous years in the UK on a UK Ancestry visa
	- Maximum of 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
	- Must prove financial stability, ability to work in the UK, and Commonwealth citizenship
	- Other ways to apply if not eligible with an Ancestry visa
Language and Life in the UK	- English language requirements
	- Pass the Life in the UK Test
Application Timing	- Apply earliest 28 days before 5 years on Ancestry visa
	- Do not wait until current visa expires
Fees	- £2,885 per applicant
	- Biometric information required (no additional fee)
Processing Time	- Standard service: usually within 6 months
	- Super priority service available for faster decision
Travel Restrictions	- No travel outside UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man until decision
Application Process	- Apply online
	- Include partner and eligible children
	- Must be in the UK to apply
	- Save and complete application later
Family Members	- Partner and children eligible as dependants
	- Partner: Life in the UK test, English language requirements, proof of relationship
	- Children: Living with applicant, not married, supported financially
Children 18 and Over	- Dependant status criteria must be met
	- Life in the UK test, English language requirements
Already Settled in the UK or British Citizen	- Partner and children can apply for ILR if last visa was UK Ancestry visa
After Application	- Biometric appointment at UKVCAS service point
	- Submit supporting documents
	- Children aged 6 or over provide biometric information
Getting a Decision	- Contacted for complex applications or delays
	- Approval allows work, study, public services access, and citizenship application
Residency Outside UK	- Risk losing ILR if outside UK for more than 2 years
	- May need to reapply before returning to UK

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Other FAQs

1. Can an American move to England permanently?

Yes, an American can move to England permanently.

2. What are the different pathways to get permanent citizenship in the UK?

Different pathways to obtain permanent citizenship in the UK are through:

Naturalization
Marriage or civil partnership with a British citizen,
Ancestry if you have a British-born grandparent
Investment in the UK, or long-term residency.

3. What documents do you need to apply for British citizenship and residency?

To apply for British citizenship and residency, you typically need documents such as:

Proof of identity
Proof of residence in the UK
Evidence of English language proficiency
Proof of passing the Life in the UK Test.

4. How long does it take to get a UK visit visa after biometrics?

The processing time for a UK visit visa after biometrics can vary, but it typically takes around 8 weeks.

5. What is the processing time and cost for applying for UK permanent residency?

The processing time is around 6 months and the cost is around £2,885.

6. When can you apply to settle in the UK if you are on an unmarried partner visa?

You can apply to settle in the UK if you are on an unmarried partner visa after living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years.

7. What documents do you need to apply for British citizenship and residency?

Essential requirements for obtaining a temporary worker visa include having a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, meeting the English language proficiency requirement, and having enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

8. What does the application process look like for a permanent residency in the UK?

The application process for permanent residency in the UK typically involves completing an application form, providing supporting documents, attending a biometric appointment, and attending an interview if required.

9. How long do you have to stay in the UK to get permanent residency?

The length of time required to stay in the UK to qualify for permanent residency depends on the visa route taken. For example, some routes may require 5 years of continuous residence, while others may require 10 years.

10. How to apply for PR as a partner of someone settled in the UK?

You can apply for permanent residency as a partner of someone settled in the UK by meeting the eligibility criteria, including demonstrating that you have lived together in a genuine relationship for a specified period and meeting the financial requirements.

11. What if your application for indefinite leave to remain is refused?

If your application for indefinite leave to remain is refused, you may have the option to appeal the decision or apply for administrative review.

12. Should I apply for settled status if you have permanent residence?

Settled status and indefinite leave to remain both confer the right to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions. However, they differ in terms of eligibility criteria and the application process.

13. What are the other indefinite leave-to-remain visa requirements?

Other indefinite leave-to-remain visa requirements may include meeting the English language proficiency requirement, passing the Life in the UK Test, and demonstrating good character.

14. Do you have a permanent residence issue that needs to be resolved in the UK?

If you have a permanent residence issue that needs to be resolved in the UK, you may need to seek legal advice or consult with an immigration specialist to understand your options and requirements.

15. How to become a permanent resident of the UK if you are not an EU citizen?

Non-EU citizens can become permanent residents of the UK through various routes such as skilled worker visas, investor visas, or family-related visas.

16. Can you bring your family to the UK if you have permanent residency?

Yes, you can bring your family to the UK if you have permanent residency. But, you must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfil the sponsorship requirements for their visa applications.

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UK Permanent Residence - A Complete Guide