The United Kingdom has a variety of visas and immigration pathways for individuals who wish to immigrate and settle. These visas range from business visas and work visas to family-based visas among others. Meanwhile, if you intend to immigrate to the UK permanently, you must ensure to choose the right visa option for a positive result.
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The major route to settle in the UK is to apply for one of these long-term visas and eventually apply for permanent settlement. Indefinite leave to remain (also referred to as permanent settlement) will allow you to live, work, and study in the UK without restriction, or the need to change or extend your immigration status. Essentially, keep in mind that not all UK visas will allow you to immigrate to the UK permanently.
For instance, visitor visas or temporary visas are not immigration pathways that can qualify you for indefinite leave to remain. In this article, we will take you through the basic steps to immigrate to the UK permanently. Additionally, we’ll discuss extensively the various types of UK visas you are eligible for. Interested? Let’s dive in!
Steps On How To Immigrate To The UK Permanently
To immigrate to the UK, you must first apply for and obtain a valid visa from the UK government. However, the type of visa you will apply for will depend on your circumstances, needs, and suitability. Also, you’ll need to meet all the eligibility requirements for your preferred visa application, so that you don’t get rejected.
Below, we have compiled the basic steps of how you can immigrate to the UK permanently. Scroll down!
- You must identify the type of visa that you qualify for based on your circumstances. And also be sure that you meet the eligibility criteria, or take action to meet the criteria.
- Furthermore, gather your supporting documents and apply for your preferred visa through the UK government website.
- You must also prove your identity as part of the application process. Depending on your circumstances, this could be done through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check mobile app or in person at a local visa application center.
- You will need to pay your visa application fee and submit your visa application.
- Also attend your visa appointment to prove your identity and give your biometrics, if necessary.
- Wait for a decision on your application.
- If your application has been refused, work on how to re-submit with additional assistance, or lodge an appeal or administrative review.
- If your application has been approved, start making preparations to relocate to the UK. These preparations include booking your travel, organizing accommodation, as well as sorting logistics.
- If you have any dependents who are traveling to the UK with you, they will have to get their separate visa applications.
- Travel to the UK with your documents.
Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker visas are primarily designed for foreign nationals to immigrate to the UK and work. Meanwhile, there are a couple of visas that you can apply for within this category. In other words, it’s a form of authorization for individuals (including EU workers) who have a valid job offer with an approved UK employer, to relocate to the UK for work.
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Requirements And Cost
Generally, you will need to meet 70 points on the points-based immigration system and also meet a certain minimum salary. As well as financial and English language requirements. In addition, you must have a valid job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor.
The Skilled Worker visa application costs between £625 to £1,420 depending on your situation. Also, you will need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge of £624 per year. If your application is approved, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in the UK for up to 5 years. After the 5 years, you may extend it or apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Health And Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is created basically for applicants who intend to work for the NHS, be an NHS supplier, or in adult social care in the UK.
Requirements And Cost
The requirements of this visa include being a qualified health or adult social care professional with a valid job offer in the UK. You must also meet the minimum salary and language requirements. The cost of the Health and Care Worker visa is £247 for up to 3 years or £479 for more than 3 years.
If your application is approved, you’ll be able to stay in the UK for up to 5 years. Then, you can extend it or apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Other UK Work Visas
In addition to the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas, there are a few other work and business-oriented visas available. These visas will allow you to immigrate to the UK permanently.
International Sportsperson Visa
The International Sportsperson visa is a type of work visa that is designed for elite international sportspersons or qualified coaches. It’s to allow them to come, live, and work in the UK.
Requirements And Cost
You must be an internationally established elite sportsperson or qualified coach. Furthermore, have a valid certificate of sponsorship for your UK-based job, as well as meet the minimum English language and financial requirements. This visa costs £259 if you reside in the UK for up to one year.
However, if you’re staying longer than a year, it’ll cost you £625 to apply for this visa from outside the UK. You have the opportunity to stay up to 3 years initially and you will be able to extend it if you’re still eligible. After 5 years, you can now apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Minister Of Religion Visa (T2)
This visa is designed for foreign nationals who have obtained a valid job offer within a faith community in the UK.
Requirements And Cost
You will need to obtain a valid job offer with a faith community in the UK, which includes being a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order. Also, you must possess a valid certificate of sponsorship for your UK-based job. As well as meet the minimum English language and financial requirements.
In addition, it will cost you £625 to apply for this visa from outside the UK. While being able to stay in the UK for up to three years and one month, or the time stated on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days. You have the opportunity to extend this visa beyond this time if you qualify. However, you will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years.
Scale-up Worker Visa
The Scale-up Worker visa is designed for foreign workers who intend to relocate to the UK and work for a fast-growing UK business.
Requirements And Cost
You will need to obtain a valid job offer from an approved fast-growing, scale-up business. Your job must also be on the list of eligible occupations and meet minimum salary requirements. To obtain this visa, it’ll cost you £715 and you’ll be granted two years and then you can extend your visa for another three years. After 5 years, you will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa allows leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, as well as digital technology to live and work in the UK.
Requirements And Cost
You must be endorsed by a valid association that you are a leader or a potential leader in your field. Alternatively, you may apply if you’ve won an eligible internationally-recognized award. To obtain a Global Talent visa, it will cost you £623.
Furthermore, you’ll be able to stay in the UK for up to five years at a time, then you can extend your visa. You can also apply for indefinite leave to remain after either 3 or 5 years of obtaining this visa.
Indefinite Leave To Remain
There are numerous ways to obtain indefinite leave to remain in the UK. The best route will depend on your circumstances. Below, we have outlined some of the ways to qualify for indefinite leave to remove. Scroll down!
- Live and work in the UK on a valid visa for at least five years (some visas may qualify after two or three years).
- Meet the minimum financial requirements depending on your type of visa.
- Have a partner, parent, child, or eligible relative who is based in the UK and has indefinite leave to remain.
- Live in the UK for ten years (the long residence basis).
- Live in the UK for five years on a UK Ancestry Visa.
- Apply as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection or for discretionary leave.
- Return to the UK after you have previously obtained indefinite leave to remain.
- Have served in the UK armed forces.
If you are granted indefinite leave to remain, you are expected to settle in the UK. In most cases, the status of your indefinite leave to remain will not expire. However, there are some instances where it can. For example, if you stay outside the UK for two years or more, your ILR may be revoked. Good luck!
