It is a dream come true for anyone who can obtain UK permanent residency. Many people around the world have always dreamed about being in the United Kingdom. The country offers a comfortable life, job opportunities across all sectors of the economy, and excellent benefits to be enjoyed as a permanent resident. The main objective for any foreign individual or worker living in the United Kingdom is to obtain a UK permanent residency, which allows them to live in the country permanently. In this article, we will highlight ten different ways to get a UK permanent resident card, including the requirements, criteria, and other processes of application.
Six different ways to get a Permanent residency in the UK
1. Skilled worker visa: While a skilled worker visa is a type of visa that is for skilled workers, it can also be a pathway to permanent residency. This is how: If you are a holder of a UK skilled worker visa looking forward to getting a permanent resident card in the UK, you must live in the country for at least 5 years, with not less than 180 days spent outside the country. You must also maintain your current job with your sponsoring employer, or you can get a new job that has the same level of skills and salary requirements for the job. The salary requirements are £38,700 per annum but may increase to £41,700 per annum from July 22, 2025. You must be able to prove that you understand and speak English proficiently.
The Application Process
To turn your UK Skilled Worker Visa into permanent residency, you’ll need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after meeting the aforementioned eligibility criteria and requirements. The process includes:
- Check your Eligibility: You must be able to meet the eligibility criteria, including residency requirements, employment, and salary requirements. Examples are: language proficiency, valid current employment/job offer, etc.
- Gather the Required Documents: You must collect the necessary documents, including your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
- Apply Online: You will apply online through the UK government’s official website and attend a biometric appointment. Ensure to read and follow all instructions listed to avoid unnecessary delays and rejections.
- Submitting your Application: You can go ahead to submit your application if you have filled out the application form, uploaded all the required documents, and reviewed your application several times before final submission.
- Processing times: An Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application may take more than a few weeks but not more than 6 months to process.
Family Visa: A family visa allows you to meet your family in the country who are already in the country. You can turn your family visa into a permanent residency. This is how you do it: If you are already in the UK under a family visa, you can go ahead to submit your application if you have lived in the country for at least 5years. You must be able to prove your relationship with your relatives in the country. Another criteria is to ensure that you can meet up with the financial requirements i.e being able to provide the basic needs. You must be proficient in speaking the English language.
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The Application Process
- Determine your eligibility: The basic step is for you to find whether you are eligible for the program, including the residency requirements, proof of relationship, and financial capability etc.
- Gathering the right documents: You must gather the required documents, especially the ones specified by your employer, and put them in the right format.
- Prepare for your Application: You can proceed to apply for your permanent residency on the UK government’s official website.
- Â Submit your Application: After you have carefully reviewed your application with or without your family members, submit your application on the government portal.
- The processing times: The processing times for a UK permanent residency application take around 6 months.
Spouse Visa: You can also apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain if you have a spouse visa. A spouse visa allows you to stay with your partner in the country. To apply for a UK permanent residency in the UK, this is what you need to do:You must have lived in the country with your partner for at least 5 years under a spouse visa, You must also be able to prove your relationship with your spouse via documents like marriage certificate, photos, etc. It is also important that you can speak, understand the English language fluently.
The Application Process
- Check your eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria and requirements, i.e, language proficiency, proof of financial capability, visa documents, etc.
- Gather the required documents: Make sure to get your documents ready in the right format.
- Apply online: You can also apply for your application online via the UK Government’s official website for visa and immigration services.
- Submit your application: You can submit your application after you have uploaded your documents and reviewed the application.
- Application approval: Your application may take a few months before you receive a response. But if your application is successful, you will receive a confirmation message.
 Innovator Visa: The holder of this visa is a business owner in the United Kingdom who is willing to stay in the country to set up his/her business. To be eligible to apply for a UK permanent residency, you must have lived in the country for three years and must have been able to establish your business successfully in the country.
The Application Process
If you are on an innovator visa in the United Kingdom, you can apply for a UK permanent residency via the official website of the UK government. You must also get your documents ready, such as proof of financial documents like the statement of accounts, business registration documents, etc.
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Global Talent Visa: This type of visa is for individuals who are very skilled and talented in various fields like technology, arts, academia, etc. If you are on a global talent visa in the United Kingdom, you must be able to achieve all the basic requirements for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application. Other eligibility criteria include: having an income of £45,800 per annum for researchers and academics, but may vary for others depending on your field. You will also need to get a recommendation from a recognized UK body in your field.
The Application Process
Your application process begins by visiting the official website of the UK government for visa and immigration. You must also check up on the requirements and criteria to ensure you can meet the demands. You must also submit your application after it has been reviewed. The application process may take a few months to receive a response.
Refugee Visa: A refugee visa is for individuals who have been granted refugee status to stay in the United Kingdom. As a refugee in the United Kingdom, you can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain if you have lived in the country for at least five years, possess a valid ID passport or travel document, and have language proficiency, etc.
The Application Process
If you are applying for permanent residency in the UK, you must visit the official website of the United Kingdom to continue your application. Check if you are eligible for the visa application and apply via the website. The application process may take a few months to process.
How to Navigate the United Kingdom’s Official Website for UK Permanent Residency
Below is the list of steps to follow when you are applying for a UK permanent residency:
- When visiting the page for a UK permanent residency, search for permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain to narrow down your search. Only click on the relevant result, like “Apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
- Check if you can fulfil the eligibility criteria listed in the section.
- Choose the correct application form based on your visa type, your financial capability, and follow all instructions carefully.
- Go ahead to apply online and submit your application via the UKVI portal.Â
- Pay the application fee and any other fees.
- Â Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center for the submission of your biometric data.
- Follow up your Application with the UKVI online service to track the status of your application.
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Tips for a Successful Application
- Seek Professional Advice: Hiring an experienced immigration lawyer or expert to guide you with the application process and ensure you meet the requirements and follow the correct application process.
- Prepare Thoroughly: To prepare thoroughly for this application, gather all required documents and prepare for the Life in the UK test. And also follow all the instructions.
- Maintain Accurate Records: Ensure to keep accurate records of your time in the UK and your relationship with your partner or spouse.
- Follow up your application: You must follow up your application after submission and respond to all urgent messages.
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