If you’re dreaming of living permanently in the UK, applying for Permanent Residence (PR) is a crucial step. PR gives you the right to live and work in the UK without time restrictions, and it can lead to British citizenship after a few years. In this guide, we explain who is eligible for UK PR, how to apply, and the benefits of becoming a permanent resident.
Who Is Eligible for UK Permanent Residence (PR)?
There are several ways you can become eligible for UK PR. Below are the most common routes:
1. Family Members of UK Citizens or Settled Persons
If your spouse, partner, parent, child, or another close family member is permanently settled in the UK, you might be eligible for PR. Eligibility depends on the type of visa you have and how long you’ve lived in the UK.
- As a Partner or Spouse: If you hold a family visa (spouse or partner visa), you can apply for PR after living in the UK for 2 to 5 years, depending on your visa type. You need to meet the following conditions:
- Have lived together continuously since your last visa renewal.
- Have a combined income of at least £29,000 per year.
- Pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement (B1 level).
- As a Dependent: If you are the dependent of someone with a work visa, you may be able to apply for PR. However, you generally need to have lived in the UK for at least 5 years. For some visa categories (like a UK Ancestry visa), there is no time requirement.
2. Work Visa Holders
If you hold a work visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, or Health and Care Worker visa, you can apply for PR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.
To apply, you must meet these requirements:
- Have worked in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years for Global Talent visa holders, depending on the field).
- Meet the salary requirement (e.g., £25,600 per year for a Skilled Worker visa).
3. Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, the Innovator Founder visa provides a pathway to PR after 3 years of residence in the UK, provided your business meets certain criteria and you have grown your business successfully.
To qualify, you must:
- Reside in the UK for at least 3 years on an Innovator visa.
- Have an endorsement showing that your business has met the growth requirements.
4. EU Nationals
If you’re an EU national who lived in the UK before the Brexit deadline (December 31, 2020), you can apply for settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). If you’ve been in the UK for 5 years, you can get full PR. If you’ve been here for less than 5 years, you can apply for pre-settled status and stay until you qualify for full PR.
How to Apply for UK Permanent Residence
Applying for PR in the UK involves several steps. Here’s a simple overview:
- Check Your Eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for PR in your specific category. Apply only when you are eligible to avoid refusal.
- Gather Required Documents: You’ll need to collect documents such as:
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of residence (e.g., tenancy agreements, utility bills)
- English language test results
- Life in the UK test certificate
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the online application form, pay the application fee, and submit your documents.
- Biometric Appointment: You will need to attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide your fingerprints and a photo.
- Wait for a Decision: After submission, you’ll wait for a decision from the Home Office. The processing time is usually between 6 to 12 months.
Note: You can apply for PR 28 days before you are eligible, and you can include your partner and children in the same application if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Key PR Rules You Must Meet
To be eligible for PR, you must meet the following requirements:
- Continuous Residence: You must have lived in the UK for a continuous period, typically 5 years, without being absent for more than 180 days in any 12 months.
- Life in the UK Test: If you’re aged between 18 and 65, you must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of British culture, history, and laws.
- Good Character: Applicants must demonstrate good character, meaning no serious criminal convictions and compliance with UK laws.
Documents Needed for Your PR Application
You’ll need to provide various documents to support your PR application, including:
- Passport or travel document
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements)
- Proof of employment or business activity (e.g., payslips, business accounts)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applying as a family member)
- Evidence of continuous residence (e.g., entry and exit dates from the UK)
- Evidence of business endorsement (for business owners)
Processing Time and Costs
The processing time for a UK PR application typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. The application fee is currently £2885. Additional costs may apply if you seek professional legal assistance.
Benefits of UK Permanent Residence
Holding PR status in the UK offers many benefits, including:
- No need for visa renewals: You no longer need to apply for another visa.
- Security and stability: You can live and work in the UK without restrictions.
- Access to public services: This includes healthcare through the NHS and other public benefits. You’ll no longer need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge.
- Education: You can study at UK universities and pay domestic tuition fees.
- Path to British citizenship: After holding PR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship.
Other Ways to Get PR in the UK
In addition to the routes above, there are other ways to achieve PR in the UK, such as:
- Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.
- Long Residence: After 10 years of continuous lawful residence.
- Refugee or Humanitarian Protection: If granted asylum or protection status.
- Armed Forces Service: If you served in the UK armed forces.
Getting PR After Your Studies
If you are an international student in the UK, you can transition to PR by securing a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). During this time, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa or another eligible work visa. After 5 years, you can apply for PR.
Self-Sponsorship Route to PR
The Self-Sponsorship Visa Route is another option for gaining PR. This allows individuals, especially self-employed professionals like IT consultants, to set up a business in the UK and sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker visa. After 5 years of continuous residence on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for PR.
Securing a UK Permanent Residence (PR) is a significant milestone for many individuals. Whether you’re applying through family, work, or business, understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is key to a successful PR application. For expert help and guidance, contact Law and Visas, and we’ll ensure your application is smooth and successful.
