Permanent residency (PR) in the UK, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows foreigners to live and work in the country without restrictions, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. In 2023, around 250,000 Indians migrated to the UK, making them the largest immigrant group that year, primarily for work, education and long-term settlement.
This guide explains the PR United Kingdom process for Indians, including eligibility, benefits and how to apply.
What is United Kingdom PR?
UK Permanent Residency (PR) grants individuals the right to live, work and study in the UK without any time limit. PR holders can travel freely, take up any employment and access various public benefits for as long as they maintain their status.
Benefits of getting permanent residency in UK
Obtaining UK permanent residence offers several long-term benefits. PR holders can apply for British citizenship after one year and access a range of social security schemes such as unemployment benefits, family tax relief and pensions. They can also become eligible for housing support, including Universal Credit and council tax reduction.
Additionally, family members can join you in the UK and your children may qualify for British citizenship based on your PR status.
UK Permanent Resident eligibility & requirements
To be eligible for UK permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must have lived in the UK for at least five years under specific categories. These include Tier 1 (Highly Skilled Workers) and Tier 2 (Skilled Workers with a valid job offer). Other eligible categories include investors, businesspersons, overseas government employees, self-employed lawyers or solicitors and representatives of foreign media.
You may also qualify as a private servant in a diplomatic household, domestic worker, sole representative of an overseas firm or as an international student or research fellow.
As part of the UK permanent residence requirements, you can also apply if you are a family member or partner of a British citizen, a family member of someone holding ILR, a Commonwealth citizen or if you have refugee status, humanitarian protection or Discretionary Leave.
Types of United Kingdom PR pathways for Indians
When it comes to PR in UK for Indian students, the two main pathways are:
- 5-year Skilled Worker Visa Pathway: You begin with a Student Visa, switch to a Graduate Visa, then to a Skilled Worker Visa and finally apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing five years of legal residence.
- 10-year Long Residence Route: This route counts the total time spent on valid visas, including student and graduate visas. It suits those planning long-term studies in the UK, such as a master’s or PhD.
Note: Most other PR routes, such as through family or ancestry, are not applicable to Indian students. For this reason, the Skilled Worker pathway remains the most relevant and practical route to PR.
How to apply for United Kingdom PR?
To apply for permanent residence UK, follow these steps:
- Complete the application by filling out the appropriate online application form based on your visa route.
- Pay the required application fee
- Book and attend your biometric appointment at a UKVCAS office to submit your photo and fingerprints.
- Submit the necessary documents.
- Wait for a decision, which is usually provided within 6 months.
Necessary documents for getting PR in UK
To apply for UK Permanent Residency (PR), you must keep the following documents ready: a valid passport, your current visa, proof of English language proficiency and a Life in the UK Test certificate. You’ll also need an employment letter, recent salary slips and bank statements as proof of income.
If you’ve declared additional income, submit supporting documents for that as well. Applicants with business ownership must include relevant documents, and a police clearance certificate may be required in some cases.
Does Indian travel insurance work post getting UK PR?
Indian travel insurance is not designed for individuals who have obtained permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Once you become a resident, it’s important to review and choose insurance plans that align with your new status and healthcare needs within the UK.
Travel insurance from India is primarily intended for short-term visitors and tourists.
Conclusion
Securing an ILR is a significant step toward building a long-term future in the UK, offering access to a wide range of opportunities. For Indian nationals, obtaining UK permanent residency typically requires living legally in the UK for 5 to 10 years, depending on the visa type. You must also meet other criteria such as good conduct and English language proficiency.
For those starting with a student visa, the path to PR involves transitioning through various visa stages before becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
FAQs
- What is the easiest way to get PR in the UK? Is there a shortcut?
There is no shortcut to getting the UK permanent residency. You must follow the entire process of getting the PR. Obtaining PR using deceptive means may result in serious consequences.
- What is the fee to fast-track my ILR application?
To fast-track your ILR decision, you can opt for a priority service by paying £500 (approximately ₹53,145) for a decision within 5 working days or choose the super priority service by paying £1,000 (approximately ₹1,06,290) to receive a decision within 1 working day.
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