Permanent Residence UK: How to Apply

3. Access to Jobs and Education

With permanent residence UK, you will have access to educational institutions and employment opportunities unavailable to those with a restricted visa. Also, the application process for certain jobs may be easier if you have this status. You also don’t need to prove your right to work in the UK.

4. Bring Family Members

Your immediate family members (spouse or civil partner, children, grandchildren, parents or grandparents) can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Your extended family members (partner, sister, brother, uncle, aunt, cousin, niece, nephew) can apply if they have a UK residence card. However, they must meet the same requirements as you do to qualify for permanent residence UK.

5. Social Security Benefits

UK Government offers a range of social security benefits to permanent residents. These include child benefits, job seekers’ allowance, unemployment insurance, state pension contributions, etc. If you are a permanent resident, you can apply for these benefits in the same way as all other UK citizens.

Overview

To make the process easier, we recommend hiring an experienced immigration lawyer who will help with the paperwork and the application process. And remember, if you need assistance or advice regarding UK permanent residence, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. Our team of experts will help you understand your eligibility requirements and advise you on how to proceed with the application. Call us on 0333 305 9375, or contact us online. We are here to help!

Two application forms are available: the SET (M) Form and the SET (O) Form. The application form you choose depends on your specific circumstance, so selecting the right one is important. Once you have completed your application form, ensure all documents are in place and pay the fee as specified. Submit your application with all supporting evidence and await a decision.

Set (M) Form

The application form is for those who have stayed in the UK under any immigration categories mentioned. You will need to submit documents that verify your legal stay in the UK as part of applying. These include:

• Income documents (e.g., payslips).
• Letter of employment on the company letterhead with signature and stamp.
• Any lease agreements or rental contracts (Address proof).
• Bank statements.
• Council letters for tax.
• The proof to support the calculation of an applicant’s other sources of income, if any, is disclosed.
• You’ll need to provide documentation about your registered business address, licenses, and permits if you’re a business owner.

Set (O) Form

This form applies if your partner is a UK citizen or your child is settled in the UK. Again, documents are required to prove the relationship and residence in the UK.

Overview

The three routes for this visa type are:

• 2-year visa route
• 5-year visa route
• 10-year visa route

If you fall into any of the visas listed above, you must meet the specific visa’s time requirement. For example, those on Tier 2 (General) Visa must have lived in the United Kingdom for five years. As long as you satisfy this living condition and meet all other requisites below, then you can apply:

Marriage

You will need a current visa in the partner/marriage category. You can apply if you have a British partner through marriage or a civil partnership or have been cohabiting for at least two years but have not gotten married.

Living together

You must have lived together in a genuine and subsisting relationship and is interested in continuing the relationship once your PR is granted. An agreement as joint tenants, bank statements, and other proof of the two of you living together may be used as evidence.

Test

You must pass a test called ‘Life in the UK’, a series of multiple-choice questions on British culture and history. The test is designed to ensure your basic understanding of the country you are applying to live and work in.

English language test

If you are not a native English speaker, you’ll need to prove your competency by passing the test for English Language qualifications. To achieve this, generally, you need to show an English or educational qualification from a reputable UK institution.

Financial requirement

You must meet the financial requirement, which is currently £18,600 if you do not have children in your care. This rises to £22,400 for one child and £2,400 per extra child.

A child is considered anyone under 18 years of age, even if they are not included in the PR application. Do not include the earnings of British children or European Area (Economic) citizens when estimating your yearly income. Please note that these incomes are joint and consider both partners’ incomes.

Families on the quickest route (2 years) don’t have to meet a minimum earnings requirement, but they must show that they can support their families without government funds. There is also no minimum income requirement for families on the longest route (10 years), although evidence of income must be provided.

Eligibility requirements for a partner

You must already have a visa to apply as your partner’s dependent. If your partner was settled before your visa application, you must apply as the partner of that settled person.

You can only apply for this if you are in a live-in relationship and plan to do so in the future. Additionally, you cannot receive any other benefits (from public funds). Also, keep in mind that you must fulfil the English skill test and other requirements before applying to become a resident of the United Kingdom.

If all these conditions are met, you can apply for permanent residence. Once your application is approved, you will have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) status. You will also have the right to stay in the UK permanently and not be subject to immigration control.