What is Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residency in the UK?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an immigration status that allows individuals to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. Once granted ILR, a person can remain in the UK for as long as they wish without the need to apply for a visa renewal. However, ILR holders remain nationals of their home country and do not hold British citizenship.

 

Key Benefits of ILR:

• No time limit: There is no need to renew visas or worry about overstaying.
• Freedom to work and study: ILR allows individuals to work or study in the UK without restrictions.
• Access to public services: ILR holders have access to the National Health Service (NHS) and other public services. 
• Path to citizenship: ILR is a crucial step towards obtaining British citizenship.

While ILR provides a sense of security and freedom in the UK, there are limitations. For example, ILR holders cannot vote in general elections, and they must avoid leaving the UK for long periods. If an individual with ILR spends more than two years outside the UK, they may lose their ILR status and have to reapply.

 

Pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain

Several routes lead to ILR, depending on the individual's circumstances. Some of the most common ways to qualify for ILR include:

1. Work Visa Route

Many people qualify for ILR after spending a certain amount of time in the UK on a work visa. For example, individuals who hold a Skilled Worker visa (previously Tier 2) can apply for ILR after five years of continuous residence in the UK, provided they meet certain criteria, such as proving their knowledge of English and passing the Life in the UK test.

2. Family Visa Route

Those who come to the UK as the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of a British citizen or someone with ILR can also apply for ILR after five years of residence. This pathway requires evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship, financial stability, and adequate accommodation in the UK.

3. Long Residence Route

Individuals who have lived in the UK continuously for 10 years under lawful status may qualify for ILR under the long residence route. This route accounts for those who may have spent time in the UK on various visas, such as student or work visas, without necessarily meeting the criteria for other settlement routes.

4. Asylum or Humanitarian Protection

Refugees and those granted humanitarian protection in the UK may be eligible to apply for ILR after five years of continuous residence. This route also requires the applicant to pass the Life in the UK test and meet other general requirements.

5. Other Routes

Additional routes to ILR include the Innovator visa, Investor visa, and Global Talent visa. These visas typically allow individuals to apply for ILR after either three or five years of continuous residence, depending on their circumstances and contributions to the UK economy or society.

 

The Best Route for ILR

For individuals who do not have family in the UK, outstanding talent or significant investment, the work visa route, specifically the Skilled Worker visa or Heath and Care Worker visa, is typically the best option for achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, UK citizenship.

The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, is designed for individuals with job offers in the UK. This route allows individuals to live and work in the UK for a set period, typically up to five years. After five years of continuous residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, individuals can apply for ILR if they meet the following criteria:

• Sponsorship: They must be sponsored by an employer who holds a valid sponsorship licence. The job offer must meet the skill and salary requirements set by the UK government. You can apply for visa-sponsored jobs here.
• Salary threshold: Typically, applicants must earn a minimum of £38,700 annually or the going rate for their occupation, whichever is higher. However, there are exceptions for those in shortage occupation roles or new entrants to the labour market. All jobs on UK Visa Jobs meet those requirements.
• English language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the English language at an intermediate level (B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference). You can read more here.
• Continuous residence: They must live continuously in the UK for five years without absences exceeding the allowed limit (usually 180 days in any 12 months).
• Life in the UK test: Before applying for ILR, applicants must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses knowledge of British history, culture, and laws. You do not need this test to apply for visa-sponsored jobs or to be sponsored on a Skilled Worker Visa.

 

Other Alternative Routes

If the Skilled Worker visa does not fit your situation, there are a few other routes that may be suitable, depending on your qualifications and expertise:

1. Global Talent Visa:

The Global Talent visa is designed for individuals recognised as leaders or potential leaders in fields such as science, technology, engineering, medicine, digital technology, and the arts. To apply, you need to be endorsed by an approved UK body in your field. This visa can lead to ILR in three to five years, depending on your achievements.

2. Graduate Visa:

If you’ve studied at a UK university, the Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for doctoral graduates) to look for work or start a job. While the Graduate visa itself doesn’t lead directly to ILR, it allows you to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you secure a qualifying job, putting you on the path to ILR.

3. High Potential Individual Visa:

This visa is for recent graduates from top global universities. It offers up to two years to live and work in the UK (three years for PhD holders). While the High Potential Individual visa itself doesn’t lead directly to ILR, it could allow you to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find an eligible job.

 

How UK Visa Jobs Benefit You?

UK Visa Jobs offers significant benefits to individuals aiming to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and UK citizenship, especially those looking for visa sponsorship to work and settle in the UK. UK Visa Jobs is designed to specifically list roles where employers are willing to sponsor visas for foreign workers. This is crucial for individuals who need visa sponsorship to work in the UK, especially through the Skilled Worker visa route and Health and Care Worker route, which are the most common pathways to ILR.  It simplifies the process for candidates seeking roles that can ultimately lead to permanent residency and citizenship. You can apply for visa-sponsored roles here.

 

Conclusion:

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a crucial milestone for anyone aiming to settle permanently in the UK, offering the security of long-term residency without the need for continuous visa renewals. Achieving ILR allows individuals to live and work in the UK without restrictions, providing access to public services and greater career stability. There are various routes to ILR, including work visas, family ties, and long-term residency, each with its own set of requirements.

For those without family connections, outstanding talent or significant investment in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa route is one of the most accessible and practical options. This route enables individuals to build their careers in the UK while working towards the five-year residency requirement needed for ILR. Whether through securing a sponsored job or meeting the salary and skills criteria, careful planning and understanding the available pathways can significantly increase the chances of obtaining ILR, laying the foundation for a stable and prosperous future in the UK.