Settlement / ILR / PR
After you have lived legally in the United Kingdom for a certain length of time (usually between two and five years), you may be able to apply to live here permanently, depending on the category of visa you have. You should see the appropriate category for more information on whether you can apply for permanent residence and the qualifying period for it.
To be able to apply for permanent residence, you will normally first need to show that you have enough knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.
You must not send your application more than 28 days before the end of your qualifying period. If you do, the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) may refuse your application with no refund of the fee. However, you must make your application before your current permission to stay in the United Kingdom expires. Please contact one of our advisers for information regarding your case.
Categories which lead to Settlement / ILR/ PR (after qualifying period is served in compliance to your existing visa- see below)
- a work permit holder;
- in employment not requiring a work permit;
- a business person;
- an innovator;
- an investor;
- a highly skilled migrant;
- a bereaved partner;
- a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation;
- a private servant in a diplomatic household;
- an overseas government employee;
- a minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order;
- an airport-based operational staff of an overseas-owned airline;
- a person with United Kingdom ancestry;
- a writer, composer or artist;
- a person with long residence in the United Kingdom;
- a former member of HM Forces; or
- a person who is in the United Kingdom for other purposes or reasons not covered by other application forms (this does not include asylum).
- a retired person of independent means or a sole representative.
- husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner
- a victim of domestic violence from a person settled in the UK
- a family member (ascending line only) or adopted child under 18 to a person settled in the UK
- you were given exceptional leave to enter / remain (ELE / ELR)
- Turkish citizens (and dependents) whom is in the UK under the rules of the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) and whom has established a business in the UK
- Bulgarian and Romanian citizens whom are over here under the terms of the ECAA
- European nationals whom have excercised their treaty right for the relevant qualifying period.