UK Permanent Residency Pathways
The UK Permanent Residency (PR), also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows individuals to stay in the UK indefinitely. There are several pathways to apply for ILR, which cater to different categories of applicants, including skilled workers, family members, investors, and refugees. Below is an overview of the primary routes to PR in the UK.
1. Skilled Worker Visa Pathway
The Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals with a job offer in the UK to apply for permanent residency after holding the visa for a certain period, typically 5 years. It is one of the most common pathways for skilled workers.
Eligibility Criteria
– Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
– Salary: The job must meet the required salary threshold, usually at least £26,200 per year, or £10.75 per hour (depending on the occupation).
– English Language: You must prove your English proficiency (usually through a recognized test like IELTS).
– Skill Level: The job must be at RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels or higher).
– Residence: You need to stay in the UK for 5 years under the Skilled Worker Visa before applying for ILR.
End-to-End Process
1. Secure a Job Offer: Find a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you and provide a job offer.
2. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa: Submit your visa application through the UK Home Office website, including required documents (job offer, salary, language proficiency, etc.).
3. Work in the UK: Once you are granted the Skilled Worker Visa, work in the UK for at least 5 years.
4. Apply for ILR: After 5 years of continuous residence, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) by submitting the required documents, including proof of residence, tax returns, and English language proficiency.
5. Pass the Life in the UK Test: As part of the ILR process, you must pass the Life in the UK Test, which evaluates your knowledge of British history, culture, and values.
6. ILR Decision: After submitting your application, wait for a decision. If successful, you will receive ILR status and can remain in the UK indefinitely.
2. Family Visa (Spouse, Partner, or Parent) Pathway
Individuals who have a family member (spouse, partner, or parent) who is a UK citizen or settled in the UK can apply for a Family Visa. After 5 years, you can apply for ILR under this route.
Eligibility Criteria
– Relationship: You must be married or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled person, or be a parent of a British child.
– Financial Requirement: The sponsor (UK citizen or settled person) must meet the minimum income requirement, which is generally £18,600 per year.
– English Language: You need to show proof of your English proficiency, either through a language test or other qualifying documents.
– Residency: You must live with your partner in the UK for 5 years before applying for ILR.
End-to-End Process
1. Apply for a Family Visa: Submit an application for a family visa based on your relationship with your sponsor.
2. Financial Proof: Provide evidence that your sponsor meets the financial requirement and that you meet the English language proficiency requirement.
3. Wait for the Visa Approval: If approved, you will be granted a family visa, allowing you to live in the UK.
4. Live Together in the UK: You must live together for 5 years under the Family Visa.
5. Apply for ILR: After 5 years of residence, submit your ILR application, including evidence of continuous residence, financial documents, and proof of your relationship with your sponsor.
6. Life in the UK Test: You must pass the Life in the UK Test.
7. ILR Decision: If your application is approved, you will receive your ILR status.
3. Investor Visa (Tier 1)
The Investor Visa (Tier 1) is designed for individuals who are able to invest a significant amount of money into the UK economy. This pathway offers a faster route to PR.
Eligibility Criteria
– Investment Amount: You must have at least £2 million to invest in the UK.
– Source of Funds: You need to prove that the money comes from a legitimate source.
– English Language: You must demonstrate English proficiency (although the requirements for the Investor Visa are less strict compared to other routes).
– Residency: You can apply for ILR after 2-5 years depending on the amount you invest (£2 million = 5 years, £5 million = 3 years, £10 million = 2 years).
End-to-End Process
1. Proof of Funds: Secure the necessary investment funds and prepare evidence that the money is legally obtained.
2. Apply for the Investor Visa: Submit your application along with supporting documents, including proof of funds and source of wealth.
3. Invest and Live in the UK: Once your Investor Visa is granted, invest in the UK and live in the country for the duration of the visa.
4. Apply for ILR: After the requisite time (2-5 years), apply for ILR based on your investment.
5. Decision on ILR: If successful, you will be granted permanent residency.
4.Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)
The Entrepreneur Visa is for individuals who wish to establish or take over a business in the UK. After 5 years, you can apply for ILR under this category.
Eligibility Criteria
– Investment Requirement: You must have access to at least £50,000 in investment funds to establish a business.
– Business Plan: You must demonstrate that your business is viable and has the potential to contribute to the UK economy.
– English Language: Prove English proficiency through an approved test.
– Residency: You must reside in the UK for 5 years before applying for ILR.
End-to-End Process
1. Secure Funding: Obtain at least £50,000 in investment funds to establish or take over a business.
2. Apply for the Entrepreneur Visa: Submit your application, including your business plan, proof of funds, and English language proficiency.
3. Start Business and Live in the UK: Establish and run the business in the UK.
4. Apply for ILR: After 5 years, submit your ILR application.
5. Decision on ILR: Wait for the decision from UKVI. If approved, you will receive ILR status.
5. Refugee Status
If you have been granted asylum or refugee status in the UK, you can apply for ILR after 5 years.
Eligibility Criteria
– Asylum Status: You must have been granted refugee status by the UK government.
– Residency: You must reside in the UK for 5 years as a refugee.
– Absence from the UK: You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days during the 5 years.
End-to-End Process
1. Apply for Asylum: Apply for asylum status in the UK and undergo the asylum process.
2. Receive Refugee Status: If granted refugee status, live in the UK.
3. Apply for ILR: After 5 years, you can apply for ILR.
4. Decision on ILR: If approved, you will be granted permanent residency.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (GBP) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa Application Fee | £610–£1,408 | Fee depends on the job, salary, and length of stay. |
| Family Visa Application Fee | £1,523 | For spouse/partner visa. |
| Investor Visa Application Fee | £1,623 | Fee for Tier 1 Investor Visa. |
| Entrepreneur Visa Application Fee | £1,021 | Fee for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. |
| Health and Care Surcharge | £624 per year | Healthcare surcharge for non-UK residents. |
| Life in the UK Test Fee | £50 | Required for ILR applicants. |
| Biometric Fee | £19.20 | For biometric data submission. |
| English Language Test Fee | £150–£250 | Cost for IELTS or equivalent English language test. |
| Legal Fees (Optional) | £500–£2,000+ | Depending on whether you choose to hire an immigration lawyer. |
| Total Estimated Cost for PR Pathways | £2,500–£6,500+ | Total cost depends on the specific visa category and services used. |
Conclusion
The UK offers several pathways to permanent residency, including skilled work, family, investment, and asylum. The process involves several steps, such as applying for the appropriate visa, living in the UK for a set period, and meeting eligibility criteria such as financial requirements, language proficiency, and continuous residence. The cost varies depending on the visa type and additional factors, such as legal assistance and medical insurance.