Permanent residence, otherwise known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), is an immigration permission, which allows you to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely. Obtaining permanent residence is a way to settle in the UK.
How do I obtain ILR?
To obtain ILR, you must have resided in the UK on a qualifying visa for a certain period of time. The exact time period depends on your particular immigration permission. You can apply for citizenship after 12 months of holding permanent residence status.
Family visa
You may qualify for ILR if you stayed in the UK on a Family visa for 5 years, and this applies to spouses, parents or dependent relatives of the main applicant, who is a UK citizen or permanent resident. Different rules apply in situations involving a partner’s death or domestic violence.
Long residence
In situations, where you stayed in the UK on non-qualifying visas, such as Student or Graduate visas, you may still obtain ILR after 10 years of continuous residence. The main caveat is that you must not spend more than 540 days outside of the UK over the 10-year period, with each absence lasting no longer than 180 consecutive days.
What are the requirements for ILR?
In addition to meeting the requirement on the minimum time spent in the UK, several other requirements must be satisfied. You must pass the Life in the UK Test to demonstrate your knowledge of British Life. You may also need to take an English language proficiency test unless you have a degree taught in English or qualify for any exceptions.
What are the processing times for ILR?
Permanent residence (ILR) applications usually take around 6 months to process. However, depending on the complexity, they may take longer.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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