Your Guide to UK Permanent Residency: Achieving UK PR



Securing permanent residence (PR) in the UK, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), grants the right to live, work, and study without visa renewals. It’s a significant milestone, offering long-term stability and a direct path to British citizenship.

Routes to UK Permanent Residency (PR)

Each UK visa has unique pathways to PR, with requirements based on the type of visa and residency duration. Here are the main routes:

  1. Family Visa: PR after 5 years
  2. Work Visa: PR after 5 years
  3. Business Visa: PR in 3 to 5 years
  4. Long Residence Route: PR after 10 years of continuous residence

Note: This overview covers common PR routes for both EU and non-EU nationals.

PR for Family Members of UK Settled Residents or Citizens

Family members, such as spouses, children, or dependent relatives of a UK-settled person, may be eligible for UK PR through family visas. These are some key family visas that lead to PR:

  • Spouse Visa: PR after 2 or 5 years, depending on your route.
  • Child Visa: PR as soon as the parent secures PR.
  • Adult Dependent Visa: PR once the primary UK-based carer holds PR.

To apply, you’ll need to:

  • Meet residency requirements (2-5 years depending on the visa type).
  • Fulfill relationship criteria, such as cohabitation with your spouse.
  • Satisfy financial conditions based on your visa route (e.g., combined income requirements for spouse visas).
  • Pass the Life in the UK test.
  • Show English language proficiency.

PR Through UK Work Visas

Work visas are a popular route to UK PR, particularly for Skilled Worker visa holders, who may apply after five years of residency. Other qualifying work visas include:

  • Health and Care Worker Visa
  • Scale-up Visa
  • Global Talent Visa

Certain visas, like the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, don’t directly lead to PR but may allow you to switch to an eligible visa.

To apply for PR with a work visa, you must:

  • Complete the required five years on a qualifying work visa.
  • Remain sponsored by a UK-based employer.
  • Meet job and minimum income requirements.
  • Pass the Life in the UK test.
  • Demonstrate English language skills.

PR Through a Business Visa

For entrepreneurs, the Innovator Founder Visa provides a fast-track route to PR, leading to residency after just three years. However, not all business visas offer a direct path to PR—holders of a Start-up Visa, for example, must eventually switch to an Innovator Visa to qualify for PR.

To apply for PR with an Innovator Visa, you’ll need to:

  • Maintain three years of continuous residency on the visa.
  • Secure a new endorsement for your business.
  • Pass the Life in the UK test.
  • Show English language proficiency.

PR for EU Nationals in the UK

Since Brexit, EU nationals wishing to stay permanently must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme. Those who arrived before January 31, 2021, can receive pre-settled or settled status (PR). Pre-settled status applies to residents under five years, while settled status (PR) applies after five years. EU nationals arriving after January 2021 must follow other visa routes to PR.

Applying for UK Permanent Residence

To begin the PR application process:

  1. Complete the relevant online form based on your visa type, including family members.
  2. Pay the application fee.
  3. Schedule a UKVCAS appointment to provide biometric data.
  4. Submit all requested documents, including proof of passing the Life in the UK test.

Processing times can take up to six months. However, faster options are available, such as the 5-day priority service for £500 or a 1-day super-priority service for £1000.

Other UK PR Options

Additional routes to UK PR include:

  • Discretionary Leave to Remain
  • ILR due to Domestic Violence
  • 7-Year Child Rule
  • 10-Year Long Residence
  • Private Life Route
  • Armed Forces Service

UK permanent residency opens the door to new opportunities and a stable future in the UK. Achieving PR is a rewarding step for those committed to building their lives in the UK.

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