The UK is very multicultural. The UK has an excellent healthcare system, too. UK countries also boast world-class research facilities, universities, and a strong education system in general.
How to apply for permanent residence
Permanent residence in the UK is also known as Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR). With this, you can live and work in the UK permanently. There are different ways in which a person could apply to live permanently in the UK, depending on your situation. For example, you might be able to apply for ILR if following factors are applicable:
Resident in the UK for 5 years or more
A person who has lived in the UK for 5 or more years, are able to apply for permanent residence in the UK. There are exceptions, though. For example, you won’t be able to apply for ILR if you’ve lived in the UK on a Tier 2 ICT work visa – which is a visa given to a person to work on a UK company branch from abroad for a particular project or for a particular period of time.
Family member of a UK citizen or permanent resident
If you’re the husband/wife, parent, or dependent relative to a UK citizen or permanent resident, you might be able to apply for ILR. Depending on the type of visa you’ve been living in the UK on, you might be able to apply for permanent residence as soon as 2 years.
You have a work visa
You can eligible to apply for ILR if you have a Tier 2 (General) work visa for five years. Your employer will need to sponsor you. You’ll also likely have to prove you earn at least £25,600 per year unless you work in healthcare or in a profession that’s in short supply in the UK.
Fees and processing times
According to UK Visas and Immigration, ILR takes about 6 months to process. The application for ILR costs £2,389. But keep in mind that there might be many categories which need financial requirements, which can make applying much more expensive.
English requirements
To apply for ILR, you might have to demonstrate your English skills and it should be at least a B1 level. The test might most probably would be a computer-based exam to reduce human bias, fast, and convenient – also you might get your results within 48 hours.
The EU Settlement Scheme
If you’re an EU citizen – and don’t have IRL – you can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.
Applying for the scheme is free, and with it, you’re granted either “settled” or “pre-settled status.” With settled status, you can stay in the UK indefinitely. With pre-settled status, you can stay for another 5 years – but can always apply for settled status later.
With both, you’ll get the right to work and study in the UK, access NHS, access public benefits and pensions, leave the UK to travel – and apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
