How to Apply for UK Residence Permit?

Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom is a major milestone for foreign nationals who wish to settle permanently in the UK. ILR grants the right to live and work in the country without time restrictions and is a crucial step toward British citizenship.

To apply for ILR, individuals must meet specific residency and visa-related criteria. Here's a detailed breakdown of eligibility, the application process, and visa-specific requirements.

1. Who Is Eligible for ILR?

Visa Type

Eligibility largely depends on the type of visa under which you’ve been living in the UK. Common routes to ILR include:

Skilled Worker Visa
Global Talent Visa
Investor Visa
Family Visa
Long Residence route

Continuous Residence

Most applicants must have lived legally in the UK for a continuous period—typically five years—under their current visa. However, some categories, such as Global Talent or Investor visas, may qualify for ILR in just two to three years.

Additional Criteria

Depending on the visa category, you may also need to prove:

A minimum salary threshold (especially for Skilled Workers)
Financial stability
Knowledge of English language and Life in the UK
Good character and no immigration breaches

2. The ILR Application Process

The application for ILR is completed online via the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Online Application

Start by completing the ILR application form relevant to your visa type on the UK Government website.

Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents

Prepare and upload the required documents, which typically include:

Valid passport
Current visa or BRP
Proof of residence in the UK
Employment details (if applicable)
Evidence of continuous residence

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The fee for most ILR applications is around £2,885, but this can vary by route and applicant status.

Step 4: Attend a Biometric Appointment

Schedule and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide:

Fingerprints
Digital photograph

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Once your application is submitted and biometrics are taken, your case will be reviewed by the Home Office. Processing times vary but typically range from 8 to 12 weeks, or faster if using the super-priority service.

3. Visa Routes to ILR

Here’s a closer look at some of the most common visa routes that lead to ILR:

Skilled Worker Visa

ILR is usually available after 5 years of lawful residence.
You must still be employed and meet the salary threshold.

Global Talent Visa

Eligible to apply for ILR after 3 years, depending on endorsement and achievements.

Investor Visa (Tier 1)

The qualifying period ranges from 2 to 5 years depending on investment amount (£2 million or more).

EU Settlement Scheme

For nationals of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, settled status under this scheme can lead to ILR.
Individuals must have applied by the deadline of June 30, 2021, but those with pre-settled status can transition to full settled status after five years.

Long Residence

Those who have lived legally in the UK for 10 continuous years under any combination of visas may qualify through this route.

4. Additional Information

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Upon approval of your ILR, you will receive a BRP, which acts as proof of your immigration status and rights in the UK.

Windrush Scheme

Individuals who have lived in the UK for many years but lack documentation to prove their status may apply through the Windrush Scheme, which provides assistance in securing ILR without a fee.

Obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain is a critical step for anyone seeking to make the UK their long-term home. While the process can be detailed and visa-specific, with the right preparation, many foreign nationals successfully transition from temporary visas to permanent residency.

For the most accurate and personalized information, visit the official UK Government immigration page or consult a certified immigration advisor.