UK

People throughout the world move to the UK with the high hopes to do their dream job or have a life in the country. The government of the UK provides its residents various benefits such as better social security, health, and insurance coverage, a great education system, etc. 

The Permanent residence permit in the UK allows people to live and work in the country for a long time, without any interference. 

What is ILR?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is identical to Permanent Residence in the UK. It grants immigration status to foreigners to live, study, and get employed in the UK without any restrictions.

Who can apply for the UK PR or ILR?

A candidate needs to live in the UK for 5 years to get UK PR Visa under one of the following categories –

• Tier I
• Tier II of the point-based system: for skilled foreign workers with a job offer.
• Businessperson
• Investor
• International Residents and Research fellow
• Representatives of Foreign media
• Private servants of diplomatic households
• Domestic worker in a private household
• Overseas Government Employee
• A self-employed lawyer or solicitor
• UK ancestry
• High-skilled migrant
• Retired person of independent means
• The sole representative of Overseas firm
• A family member or partner who is a British citizen

What is the eligibility to apply for a UK PR Visa?

The applicant must be able to submit proof of living in the UK for a pre-determined period, on the temporary visas available to them. There are various conditions of stay for the time that ensures your eligibility to apply for the UK PR visa, such as –

• Marriage of Unmarried partner to UK citizen – 2 years
• Legal stay on any basis – 10 years
• Unlawful stay – 14 years
• Tier I & II work permit – 5 years
• Investor, Business owner, artists, etc. – 5 years
• Ancestry – 5 years

The applicant must be a partner or family member of a British citizen or permanent resident. They must be the current family member on a family visa (of 02, 05, or 10 years) of the British citizen.

1. Marriage: Partner Category Visa is eligible if an applicant is married to a British citizen or is in a civil partnership or a subsisting relationship but not married.
2.  
3. Living together: You must prove that you are living together and want to do so after becoming a resident. Evidence can be joint bank accounts, joint tenancy agreements, and other official documents.
4.  
5. ‘Life in UK’ test: This test is designated to test your knowledge of the British lifestyle and applicant’s compatibility.
6.  
7. English test: For the applicants whose first language is not English, this test is compulsory to prove their speaking and understanding fluency. The educational qualifications of the candidate should meet the standards of the British Government.
8.  
9. Proof of financial status: There are some funding capacities that a candidate must fulfill if you want to acquire a 5-year rout visa of UK:

• Minimum £18,600 per year if there is no dependent child.
• Minimum £22,400 per year if there is one dependent child.
• Extra £2,400 per year if there is more than one dependent child.

There is no minimum earning limit for the applicants of 2 years and 10 years limit. Financial proofs to sustain the family needs should also be submitted.

What are the documents required to apply for the UK PR Visa?

A list of the important documents that are required for the application of PR is given below:

1. Current Payslips
2. Bank account statements
3. Address proof (Rent or lease agreement etc.)
4. Council tax letters
5. Proof of other sources of income (if applicable)
6. Job offer letter with signature of the authority stamp and date of joining.
7. For business owners, there should be a registered business address, relevant business permits, etc.

What is the process to apply for the UK PR Visa?

An applicant can apply for the UK PR Visa through online mode and the processing time is generally 6 months.

• Set (O): This deals with the family member or partner of the resident of the UK. The applicant must have a marriage or birth certificate and video/audio proof with the citizen or resident.
• Set (M): The non-EU immigrants can apply for every individual family member who wants to join their family members. The parents can apply on behalf of their children for the same.
• A copy of the applicant’s passport, biometric information, and the supporting documents for all information given must be attached along with the application before submitting it. 

What is the cost to apply for the UK PR Visa?

By post, the cost of the application is £2389. For the online process, the charges can be higher as it shortens the processing time of the application as well.

How can you apply for British Citizenship?

You get qualified to apply for British citizenship only after 1 year of getting the UK PR. For this, the applicant should have lived in the country for at least 5 years before the application.

What factors can make you lose the status of Permanent Residency?

• If you spend more than 2 years outside the country to lose the status. You have to re-apply to re-acquire the status if you want continuous residence.
• Any criminal offense committed by the applicant.