Permanent residency in the UK means the right to stay in the country along with the right to work, study, and receive government benefits. This type of residency allows you to live in the UK without restrictions and enjoy all citizen rights. In this article, we will explore various methods to obtain permanent residency in the UK and provide important tips on this matter.
Methods for Obtaining Permanent Residency in the UK
1. Permanent Residency through a Work Visa
If you have a work visa in the UK, you can apply for permanent residency under certain conditions. To do this, you must have worked and lived in the country for at least five years. If you hold a Tier 1 visa, this period is reduced to two or three years, and with an entrepreneur visa, it is three years. You must also meet the required salary and financial conditions.
2. Permanent Residency through Investment and Entrepreneurship Visas
Investment visas, Tier 1 Entrepreneur visas, and Global Talent visas are some of the visas that can be used to apply for permanent residency in the UK. These visas are generally allocated to individuals with special skills or significant investments.
3. Permanent Residency through a Family Visa
If your spouse, parents, children, or other relatives are residents of the UK, whether as citizens or permanent residents, you can also apply for your own permanent residency. The application process depends on your visa and family circumstances.
4. Permanent Residency through Long-term Residence
Another method for obtaining permanent residency in the UK is continuous residence for ten years in the country. This method differs from others as it depends on your personal living conditions.
5. Permanent Residency through Asylum and Humanitarian Protection
To obtain permanent residency through asylum or humanitarian protection, you must have a specific situation that necessitates protection. In this method, you can also bring your spouse and children to the UK if they meet the necessary conditions.
Conditions and Costs for Permanent Residency through Asylum
No fees are charged to individuals who qualify for asylum or humanitarian protection. If you are forced to leave the country for humanitarian reasons, a fee of £2,404 will be charged for you and your accompanying individuals. Additionally, your biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, will be taken free of charge.
Decision-making on Applications
Decisions on applications are usually made within six months. If your application is related to forced departure and you have paid for priority services, the decision will be made within two working days. In cases of asylum and humanitarian protection, priority services are not available.
Benefits of Permanent Residency
With permanent residency in the UK, you can:
- Work
- Start your own business
- Study
- Use government services such as healthcare and schools
- Apply for pensions and government benefits
- Apply for British citizenship after 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get permanent residency?
You typically need to live in the UK for at least five years unless you have a Tier 1 or entrepreneur visa, which reduces this period to two or three years.
- Can I get permanent residency with a family visa?
Yes, if your spouse, parents, or children are residents of the UK, you can apply for permanent residency.
- Is there a fee for permanent residency through asylum?
No, there is no fee for individuals who qualify for asylum or humanitarian protection.
- Can I leave the UK while my permanent residency application is being processed?
No, you should not leave the UK while your application is being processed.
- What should I do if my permanent residency application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will be offered other options that you can use.
- Can I bring my spouse and children to the UK?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and children to the UK if they meet the necessary conditions.
- Can I apply for citizenship after obtaining permanent residency?
Yes, you can apply for British citizenship 12 months after receiving permanent residency.
- Will I lose my permanent residency if I return to my home country?
Yes, if you return to the country you fled from, you will lose your permanent residency.
- Can I use the UK’s healthcare and education services?
Yes, with permanent residency, you can use the UK’s healthcare and education services.
- Do I need an interview for permanent residency?
In some cases, you may need an interview, depending on the circumstances of your application.
