A UK PR (ILR) allows eligible immigrants residing in the UK to live, work, and study in the UK - indefinitely without worrying about visa renewals. Moreover, becoming a permanent resident in the UK may not be a fast route, but in the long run, it is a highly privileged one. This is why your first step is to choose a visa category (skilled worker, spouse, or innovator visa) while moving to the UK. After continuously residing (Up to 5 - 10 years) in the UK through your particular visa category, you can "Apply" for a PR in the UK. In the aftermath of getting a UK PR, you can apply for British citizenship.
The process of becoming a permanent resident of the UK is straightforward but beware - the immigration world keeps changing with time. PR experts at Glocal Opportunities are trusted and reliable partners for people transitioning to PR status in the UK! If you want to move to the UK and want to learn about the multiple pathways to settle in the UK or how to get PR in the UK, reach out to us.
Check EligibilityThe following visa categories can help you transition into becoming a permanent resident of the UK
1. Work Visa
Work visa, known as a skilled worker visa (a former tier 2) – permits immigrants to work and reside in the UK for 5 years and then file for a PR. And they'll need to be below the minimum wage (£26,200/year, £10.75/hour). In some cases, lower thresholds may apply when there is a shortage in occupation roles. You'll also be required to take the "Life in the UK" test and the English language requirement.
2. Family Visa
If you have a spouse or partner who has an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and lives in the UK, then you can apply for this visa type to visit the UK. It's a visa that will allow you to live in the UK for 5 years with your spouse/partner. You have to be able to show real connections, and you have some other criteria.
3. Innovator Visa
The innovator visa is a good option for investors or HNWI (High net-worth individuals) seeking UK PR. You'll need to invest at least £50,000 in the UK economy and stay in the UK for 2-5 years (term of stay depending on size of investment).
4. Graduate and Skilled Work Transition
Under this visa category, international students on a graduate visa can convert to a skilled worker visa to pursue PR in the long term.
If you want to know how to get PR in the UK after residing in the UK to study, work, or become an investor, you should get in touch with PR Experts at Glocal Opportunities. With skilled worker visas being the most common PR pathway, our experts can suggest several other pathways in its association.
To apply for a UK PR, the government of the UK has set certain eligibility criteria that need to be met. In simpler terms, the UK uses a points based immigration system for granting permanent residency. The following are the general eligibility criteria to become a permanent resident of the UK:
General Eligibility Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Minimum Residency Period | 5 years: For common visas (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa, Family Visa, Innovator Visa). 10 years: Continuous legal stay on any combination of visas (Long Residence). |
Absence Restrictions | During the qualifying period, no more than 180 days may be spent outside the UK in any 12 months. |
Good Character |
No severe criminal convictions or violations of immigration laws. Maintain a clean tax record and adhere to visa requirements. |
Knowledge of Life in the UK |
Pass the Life in the UK examination, a multiple-choice exam covering UK culture, history, and laws. (Exemptions: Applicants over 65 or with certain disabilities). |
English Language Proficiency |
Provide proof using one of the following methods: An approved English test (e.g., IELTS). A degree offered in English. Citizenship of an English-speaking country. |
Eligibility criteria for UK PR can vary depending on visa categories. If you are looking for visa-specific eligibility criteria, then get in touch with us! You can also check your eligibility on our points calculator.
Check eligibilityDocument Type | Details |
---|---|
Passport | Valid passport (current and any previous ones used during your stay in the UK). |
Biometric Residence Permit | Your current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable. |
Life in the UK Test Certificate | Proof that you passed the Life in the UK test. |
Proof of English Proficiency | IELTS certificate, degree taught in English, or evidence of citizenship from an English-speaking country. |
Proof of Residency | Tenancy agreements, utility bills, or council tax bills showing your continuous residence. |
Immigration History | Copies of previous visas or Home Office letters confirming your stay in the UK. |
The above-mentioned documents are basic yet essential documents for a candidate. Please note that you should gather documents as per the visa category you opt for. Our PR experts at Glocal Opportunities can help you! Get in touch with us.
To apply for permanent residency in the UK, you should follow these steps:
1. Profile Evaluation
Get your profile evaluated by experts to find out the right visa category before applying for permanent residency in the UK. If you are done with your residing period, reach out to our experts to check your Eligibility for UK Permanent residency.
2. Check Eligibility
Once your visa category is confirmed, check the eligibility criteria for that particular visa category. Experts at Glocal Opportunities can help you with that and suggest different pathways in case of discrepancies!
3. Gather documents
You must have a valid passport, biometric residence permit, proof of residence and employment, test results (Life in the UK, English language), and more. Get in touch with a PR expert to know more.
4. Complete application
Visit the official website of the UK visa and fill out the online application form as per the route you have chosen or advised for.
5. Pay Application Fee
Once you are done filling out the form online for a UK PR visa, you can pay the application fee, which is around £2,404 per applicant. Please note that visa fees are subject to change with time.
6. Attend a Biometric Appointment & Wait
Once you are done with your biometric application, you'll be required to keep your patience till you hear from them.
The majority of applicants feel stress-free when they are applying for a UK PR through a reliable and trusted immigration agency like ours!
If you want to settle in the UK, you should be aware of the average cost of applying for PR in the UK. Here's an overview:
Expense Type | Cost (GBP) | Details |
---|---|---|
ILR Application Fee | £2,404 per person | Main application fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain. |
Biometric Enrollment | £19.20 per person | Required for identity verification. |
English Language Test | £150–£250 | Required for non-native speakers unless exempt. |
Life in the UK Test | £50 | is mandatory for most ILR applicants. |
Priority Processing (Optional) | £500–£800 | For expedited processing of ILR application. |
Legal Advice (Optional) | £1,000–£3,000 | For assistance with complex cases or documentation. |
Document Translation | £50–£150 per document | If supporting documents are not in English or Welsh. |
*Please note that all costs mentioned above are estimates and are subject to change with the country's changing immigration policies in future. For accurate information, get in touch with us.
As reliable and trusted visa and immigration consultants, we keep ourselves updated on what's new in the immigration world. Here are some latest updates on UK PR:
1. Appendix long residence: This was introduced on 11 April 2024. In this appendix, you can get clear requirements for ILR if you have resided in the UK for 10 or more years.
2. Update on temporary Visas: On 12 April 2023, time spent in the UK through the temporary visa category will not be counted as a ten-year lawful residence requirement for ILR.
1. Right to Live, Work, and Study: You can continue living, working, or studying in the UK for as long as you want.
2. Access UK's iconic Life: Known for popular English literature, stunning castles, and historic buildings - the UK is a great place to live.
3. Access to healthcare: Permanent residents receive the National Health Service (NHS) and healthcare services without charges. Also, they no longer have to pay the immigration health surcharge.
4. No immigration restrictions: Permanent residents are allowed to work and live permanently in the UK. They can also apply for any job, including government jobs.
Candidates often wonder why their UK PR visa has been delayed. Here are a bunch of reasons why:
1. High Application Volume: At certain times of the year, there can be a lot of applications, which delays the processing.
2. Incomplete Documentation: Erroneous or incomplete documents like proof of address, work history, and identity verification can cause major lag time.
3. Security and Background Checks: Full-fledged background investigations, such as criminal record checks, immigration records, and financial assessments, might take longer for some applicants.
4. Complex Cases: Applications with complex circumstances like vacancies in employment, dependent requests, immigration status changes, etc, might take longer to process.
5. Biometric Appointment Delays: Failure to book biometric appointments will delay the application cycle.
6. Unawareness of changing trends: The immigration landscape keeps on evolving, so you should consult an expert to learn the current scenario.
Fact: Obtaining a UK PR (ILR) can be challenging for those without an immigration advisor! Let us become your partner in this journey.
With over 17+ years of overseas consultation experience, Glocal opportunities ease your decision-making with respect to registration, process, and everything related to PR visas. In fact, with us, no matter how complex the UK PR process is, you'll find a strategic pathway or genuine guidance. Here's how we can help with the challenges mentioned above:
1. Streamline Submission of Applications: Our PR experts will help you prepare and submit applications in advance in order to avoid delays during peak times.
2. Ensure complete and accurate documentation: Our experts will provide you with a detailed checklist and pre-screen applications to ensure that all documents, including proof of address, work history, etc are accurate.
3. Guidance for background checks and security checks: We can guide you better in collecting necessary documents for criminal, financial, and immigration record checks.
4. Resolve complex application scenarios: Candidates may have unique problems related to their visas. For this, we can provide tailored solutions.
5. Streamline biometric appointment scheduling: We can ensure that you schedule the biometric appointments promptly by staying updated on slot availability.
6. Language Training: We provide language training assistance from top certified institutes and language experts to help candidates with their language proficiency eligibility.
Along with this, we can keep you updated on the changing immigration trends to avoid any discrepancy in your PR visa process. Connect with us today and get closer to your UK dream!
Stay in the UK permanently for the period needed and request Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
5 years max, if your visa allows it.
Apply as other people: stay with a valid visa and meet ILR requirements.
Study for a work visa after you finish and try for PR in 5 years.