The United Kingdom remains a desirable destination for many people from outside the EU and numerous places around the world in search of a better life for their families. Obtaining permanent residence UK status is usually a lengthy process, taking an average of 5 years, depending on which route you are applying under.
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Also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain, UK permanent residence is an immigration status granted to a person without the Right of Abode.
An individual with permanent resident status can live and work in the UK indefinitely. You will no longer have any immigration restrictions on working or business in the UK and no time limits on your stay.
However, the right can lapse if an individual spends more than 2 years continuously outside the country.
Eligibility for resident status?
Applying for Permanent Residence UK for non-EU citizens is reasonably straightforward. If you have lived in the UK for a set number of years, legally or otherwise, you can apply for permanent residency.
Below is a list showing the length of time you must spend in the UK on various visas to be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR):
- Marriage or unmarried partner to UK citizen: 2 years
- Lawful stay on any basis (long stay): 10 years
- Unlawful stay: 14 years
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 work permit: 5 years
- Investor, sportsperson, business owner, arts: 5 years
- Ancestry: 5 years
- If your stay in the UK is within any of the categories above and you have completed the stated length of time, you may be eligible to apply for residency.
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain you must satisfy the following criteria:
- You must complete 5 years of continuous residence in the UK and adhere to certain income requirements
- Keep a detailed record of any absences from the UK over the last 5 years, as any lengthy absences may impact upon your application
- You must demonstrate a good knowledge of language and life in the UK, by way of the Life in the UK’ test – a compulsory 45-minutes test devised for foreign nationals seeking indefinite leave to remain in the UK or naturalisation as a British citizen
