PR IN UK

UK Permanent Residence (PR) Visa: Your Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain

UK Permanent Residence, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows you to live in the UK without any time restrictions. Once you have PR, you can work, study, and access public services just like a British citizen. To apply, you usually need to have lived in the UK for several years on a specific visa, like a work or family visa. You’ll need to prove your stay in the UK, pass an English language test if required, and complete the Life in the UK test, which covers British culture and history. PR is a key step toward becoming a British citizen. It’s important to meet all the criteria and submit the correct documents to avoid delays. Once approved, you won’t need to renew your visa, and you can leave and re-enter the UK freely, as long as you don’t stay outside the UK for too long.

Eligibility Criteria for UK PR Visa

• Length of Stay: You must have lived in the UK for a certain number of years. Typically, this is:
  • 5 years for most visa categories (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa, Spouse Visa).
  • 2 years if married to a British citizen and your visa was issued before 9 July 2012.
  • 10 years for the long residence route.
• Continuous Residence: You must have continuously lived in the UK during your qualifying period. Short trips abroad are allowed, but you must not exceed:
  • 180 days in any 12 months of the qualifying period.
  • 540 days in total over the qualifying period.
• Good Character Requirement: You must have a clean criminal record and a good immigration history.
• Employment and Financial Stability: For work visa holders, ongoing employment and certain salary/skill requirements must be met.
• English Language Proficiency: Pass an approved English language test at B1 level or higher, unless from an English-speaking country.
• Life in the UK Test: Pass the Life in the UK test covering British customs, history, and culture.
• Valid Visa: You must hold a valid visa that leads to ILR at the time of your PR application.
• Absence of Immigration Violations: You should not have breached any immigration laws, such as overstaying a visa.

Steps to Apply for UK PR Visa

1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and gather all necessary documents.
2. Pass the Required Tests: Pass the English Language Test (if required) and the Life in the UK Test.
3. Complete the Application Form: Submit the online application form with accurate information.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required application and healthcare surcharge fees.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: Upload documents like passport, visa, employment records, and test certificates.
6. Attend a Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature at a UKVCAS center.
7. Submit Your Application: Finalize your application and track the status online.
8. Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary but usually take around 6 months.
9. Receive Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If successful, collect your BRP confirming your ILR status.
10. Maintain Your PR Status: Ensure you don’t stay outside the UK for over 2 years and consider applying for citizenship after holding PR for 12 months.