UK ILR: Route to UK Permanent Residency

The sixth-largest economy in the world, the UK has established itself as one of the most preferred destinations among prospective immigrants who wish to immigrate to the country and eventually settle as UK permanent residents. 

The UK, the country itself, has proved its existence as one of the preferred nations amongst other immigrant-friendly nations. Its value, worth, and credentials can be calculated over many factors, such as the World Economic Ranking, the World Happiness Index, and the Human Development Index. The UK has performed exceptionally well in global rankings. However, such leverages do not come off so easily; one has to pay the price for such pleasures. The price is to migrate to the foreign land, build their life from scratch, and fulfil all the requirements so as to obtain UK permanent residency. Let us decode what UK permanent residency or UK ILR is, how it can be obtained, what documents are required, and what the process is to become a permanent resident of the UK. 

What is UK Permanent Residency or UK ILR?  

UK permanent residency, commonly known as UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), is a legal grant that allows skilled professionals, international students, longing families to reside in the country for an indefinite period of time. Also known as “settlement” in official terms, it gives an individual a right to stay, study, work, and live in the country for an indefinite period of time and apply for the benefits bestowed upon the prospective immigrants. 

Benefits of Obtaining UK ILR

UK ILR or Indefinite leave to remain is a potential pathway that allows skilled professionals the legal right to stay in the country and enjoy all the rights assured to its people. Some of the benefits of UK ILR provided to the prospective applicants such as:

❖  Indefinite stay in the country without time restrictions counts as an initial benefit that individuals take advantage of while applying for the ILR application.

❖  UK ILR provides freedom to work or change employers without visa limitations. With this, applicants can work for any employer they like in the country.

❖  With UK ILR, individuals can assess public services such as the National Health Service.

❖  Individuals with UK ILR do not have to worry about visa immigration renewal. 

❖  UK ILR allows individuals to pursue higher education without any international student restrictions.

❖  It is considered as a pathway to British citizenship and long-term career stability.

❖  With UK ILR, individuals become eligible to bring their family members or children to stay with them in the country. 

Pathways to Obtain UK Permanent Residency or UK ILR

UK Permanent Residency is an organised framework which enlist a detailed procedure for each type of immigrant such as professionals, international students or be children or eligible partners. Prospective immigrants who wish to settle in the country as permanent residents can take certain pathways such as: 

❖  Graduate Visa UK

One of the most common and preferred pathways that helps prospective immigrants settle in the country. With this visa, international students can build their journey of obtaining a UK ILR with ease and accuracy. International students often take such routes when they earn the right to study and stay in the country with the UK Student Visa. Students with a UK student visa, after the completion of their studies, apply for a Graduate visa, which allows applicants to find employment opportunities within a limited period of time. After residing in the country for at least 5 years, applicants become eligible to apply for the UK permanent residency visa. 

❖  Work Visa UK

Also known as the UK skilled worker visa, the country allows skilled professionals to stay, live and work in the country for 5 years. With this visa, applicants become eligible for the job with an approved employer. The UK employer must be approved by the Home Office, and the applicant must have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from the employer with the information about the role the applicant has been offered in the UK. To qualify for this visa, the applicant must have a job listed on the eligible list of occupations in the country with a specified minimum salary. With all these qualifications and requirements, applicants stay in the country for the initial 5 years, later converting their UK work visa into a UK permanent residency visa.

 ❖  Family Sponsorship

Another route through which applicants can apply for a UK permanent residency visa. Eligible applicants can apply for the visa through family sponsorship when they have a partner, parent or child or any other relative settled in the UK - either as a British citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain. With this family sponsorship visa, applicants apply for the permanent residency visa when they have someone to sponsor your visa application. 

UK Permanent Residence Eligibility Criteria

UK permanent residency, a privilege associated to eligible immigrants who wish to settle in the country and enjoy residing in one of the world’s best immigrant-friendly nations, requires certain eligibility criteria in order to become eligible for the visa application. The UK permanent residence eligibility criteria for individuals are such as: 

❖  Must be above 18 years of age.

❖  Must have a valid job offer from an approved employer.

❖  Must have one of the eligibility criteria set up such as on a Graduate visa, Work visa or Family sponsorship visa.

❖  Must have stayed in the country for a continuous period, a minimum 3 years and a maximum 5 years on certain visas.

❖  English language proficiency. 

UK Permanent Residency Requirements

UK permanent residency or Indefinite leave to remain involves specific requirements such as:

❖  Valid passport

❖  Immigration status

❖  Job offer letter from an approved employer

❖  English language proficiency test score report

❖  Proof of sufficient funds

❖  Proof of continuous stay in the country. 

English Language Proficiency Requirements for UK ILR

English language proficiency requirements are considered crucial while applying for UK permanent residency or UK ILR. It is considered crucial as it assures the government that the applicant is capable of surviving in the country, finding employment and serving the purpose of his stay in the country. However, the English language abilities are hence proven by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Applicants can prove their English language abilities by having it either:

●    An English qualifications at B1, B2, C1 or C2 level

●    A degree taught or researched in English

With certain pathways, international students and skilled workers have to prove their language abilities through the SELT test, which assesses an applicant’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. The level of tests an applicant will need, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend upon which type of visa an applicant has applied for. 

Approved UK Test Providers

In order to prove their English language abilities, applicants take the SELT (Secure English Language Test) test from an approved UK test provider such as:

❖  PSI Services (UK) Ltd

❖  IELTS SELT Consortium

❖  LANGUAGECERT

❖  Pearson 

Financial Requirements for UK Permanent Residence or UK ILR

Financial requirements are also considered crucial for UK permanent residency or UK ILR as it ensures applicant’s capabilities to sustain themselves and other dependent family members in the country. The financial requirements for applicants who are presently residing in the country on the Skilled Worker or Graduate Visa is entirely different for applicants who are thinking of inviting their families to the UK. The financial requirements are as follows: 

 Applicants also need to show this amount of money in addition to the funds the applicant needs as the main applicant.

 UK Permanent Residency Process

UK Permanent Residency status or UK ILR allows eligible candidates to live, stay, work, or study in the country for an indefinite period of time. This status often comes with certain requirements and eligibility criteria such as valid visa status, English language requirements, and financial requirements. By understanding the entire process for the UK ILR status, eligible candidates can navigate the entire process smoothly and can take all the advantages of long-term settlement and future prospects in the country. The UK permanent residency process is as follows: 

Step 1: Check Eligibility

The foremost step required for the UK ILR is to check eligibility as it sets the foundation for the UK ILR visa application. Applicants must check all required eligibility criteria such as a valid job offer, continuous stay in the country and English language proficiency. 

Step 2: Choose the Correct Visa Type

As eligible individuals cannot apply for the UK ILR visa directly, it can only be applied if the applicant is presently on the existing visa such as Skilled Worker visa or Graduate visa. Applicants will now have to choose through which visa they have to apply for the UK permanent residency visa. 

Step 3: Gather Essential Documents

The next step required for the UK ILR application is to gather essential documents such as proof of financial status, English language proficiency tests score report, and job offer letter from the approved employer. 

Step 4: Apply for the ILR

With all the essential documents and application fee, applicants are required to submit the visa application along with the National Health Services Surcharge fee and wait for the response. 

Step 5: Await Decision 

After the submission of the visa application, applicants will have to wait for the response, usually 5 to 6 months. And when receiving a positive response, applicants can stay in the country like ordinary UK residents. 

UK ILR Processing Time

The processing time for UK ILR is usually 6 months but it also depends on how many applications are there in the pool for UK permanent residency. 

UK ILR Fees

The standard ILR application is £ 3,029 per applicant, and the National Health Service Surcharge fee is approximately £ 1,035, as this fee is directly payable to the Home Office on their official portal. 

 ★   Applicants do not have to pay additional biometrics fee during their visa application process.

 UK ILR is a significant milestone for eligible individuals who seek a better lifestyle, better educational and healthcare facilities in one of the most immigrant-friendly nations. By meeting all the eligibility requirements, eligible candidates can secure the right to live, work, and stay in the UK without any immigration restrictions. With proper planning and a clear understanding of pathways, eligible candidates can confidently reside in the country as UK permanent residents.