PR in UK 2024-25: Eligibility, Requirements and Advantages

The United Kingdom is the third most populated destination for international students, hosting around 6.79 lakh international students in 2021-22, of which 5.59 lakh were from non-EU nation-states. Due to the UK’s sizeable immigrant population, its socio-cultural fabric provides diverse exposure and many growth-oriented opportunities. So, let’s dive into how to get PR in the UK, Eligibility Criteria, Document Requirements, and How to get PR packages in the UK.

Reasons Why You Should Live in the UK 

The United Kingdom is an attractive and growth-accentuating destination for scholars seeking quality of life & education and a congenial multicultural environment. It offers a plethora of benefits to its residents, which are as follows:

• Healthcare System: The healthcare system is one of the most notable advantages of living in the UK. It ensures that you will never receive an enormous medical bill regardless of the extent of medical care needed. 
• Career Opportunities: The UK boasts a thriving economy and provides plenty of job opportunities. The UK also has comprehensive labor laws that protect workers and provide substantial advantages. The UK labor law provides 28 mandatory paid holidays for every full-time employee.
• Quality Education: The UK is known for its high-quality education system, which is accessible to residents. Public schools in the UK provide free education for children between the ages of 5 to 18, which makes it an attractive option for families.
• Cultural Diversity: The UK’s 9% of the population are non-natives. Its historic enamour and rapid infrastructural growth allow newcomers to experience various cultures alongside British traditions. 

Also read: Top UK University list for international students

What is Permanent Residence in the UK?

Permanent residence in the UK, often called Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR), allows individuals to live and work in the country indefinitely and uninterrupted without needing a visa. Basically, if you receive a Permanent Residence in the UK, you will be free from the woes of visa extensions and line-ups. “Permanent residence in the UK is an immigration status granted to individuals, enabling them to stay in the country for an indefinite period.” This allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions.

Types of Permanent Residence in the UK

The following are the different types of PR(Permanent Residence) in the UK:

1. Work Visa Route: The Work Visa Route allows you to work in the UK for a specified period and is the most common pathway to obtaining permanent residence in the UK. Individuals with certain visas like:
   • Skilled Worker Visa: It is the main work visa for overseas nationals to work in the UK. It allows employers to sponsor skilled foreign nationals to work in the UK.
   • Global Talent Visa: This is a UK immigration category for talented people in their respective sectors who want to work in the UK.
   • Innovator Visa: This allows entrepreneurs to set up and run their businesses in the UK.

You can apply for ILR(Indefinite Leave to Remain)/PR after residing in the UK for a minimum of 5 years. 

2. Family Visa Route

The Family Visa Route allows you to apply for PR in the UK when you have a family member who is a British citizen or a permanent resident. The following can typically apply for permanent residence after 5 years of living together in the UK under the Family Visa category:

• Spouses
• Partners
• Dependent Relatives

(Note* If your relationship ends due to a serious situation such as domestic violence or the death of the partner, specific provisions apply)

3. Long Residence Route

If you have resided in the UK for ten consecutive years without any lapses, you may qualify for PR in the UK under the Long Residence Rules. In this PR route, you can apply for residency regardless of how you initially entered the UK, as it does not discriminate based on the type of visa you hold. 

4. EU Settlement Scheme

If you are an EU national who was living in the UK before December 31, 2020, the EU Settlement Scheme can get you a Permanent Residency in the UK by streamlining the process of obtaining ‘settled status’, which is equivalent to permanent residency. 

5. Refugee Status and Humanitarian Protection

If you are an individual who has been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, you may apply for PR in the UK after residing in the UK for 5 years. This visa gateway allows you to establish permanent status without additional language or residency tests.

6. Ancestry Visa Route

If you are a Commonwealth citizen with a grandparent born in the UK, you can apply for Ancestry Visa, which allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years.  
Also check out: Post-study work visas in the UK for international students

How Many Years It Takes To Get A UK PR

Procuring a PR in the UK generally mandates a minimum residency period of 5 years. Understanding the specific requirements associated with each visa category is essential for you as a potential applicant seeking PR in the UK. 

1. General Residency Requirement

If you are applying for a General Residency, you should have resided in the UK for at least five continuous years. This rule applies to most visa categories and forms the bedrock for eligibility for PR in the UK.

2. Shorter Residency Periods

There are certain visas that allow for reduced residency periods. For instance, a Tier 1 visa may qualify you for PR in the UK in two to three years. Similarly, the Global Talent Visa or Innovator Visa holders may be eligible for PR in the UK after residing in the UK for three years. 

3. Family and Ancestry Visas

If you are applying for a PR in the UK through family relationships, you typically need to live in the UK for five years. Under certain circumstances, it applies to spouses, partners, and children. The same goes for Commonwealth citizens whose grandparent was born in the UK can apply for permanent residency after five years on an Ancestry visa. 

4. Long Residence

If you have lived in the UK for ten years, then you may apply for permanent residency through the Long Residence Route. This option is particularly useful for those who have changed visa statuses multiple times throughout their stay in the UK. 

UK Permanent Residency Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the PR in the UK, You must meet the following criteria:

• Lived in the UK for 5 years: You can apply for a PR in the UK if you have lived in the UK for 5 years. Besides that,  you must meet the following requirements:
  • Be above the age of 18.
  • Be able to prove that you were in the UK for 5 years before the day the home office receives your application.
  • Be able to prove your proficiency in English communication.
  • Have passed the ‘Life in the UK test’.
  • Demonstrate a good character.

• Who does not need to prove their English knowledge?

If you meet the following requirements, the good news is that you will have to prove your proficiency in the English language:-  

1. Of the age of 65 or over
2. Facing a long-term physical or mental condition
3. Applying using certain work visas as you already have proved your English knowledge

If someone traveling with you falls in the second, you need to provide a completed exemption form from a doctor confirming their physical or mental condition. 

Other exceptions are where you do not need to provide your English knowledge.

1. Minister of Religion visa (T2)
2. Innovator founder Visa
3. Scale-up Worker Visa
4. T2 or tier 2 Visa, Skilled Worker
5. International Sportsperson Visa
6. Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa
7. Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
8. International Agreement Visa

• Residency Requirements
  • You should not have broken any UK immigration rules.
  • You resided in the UK for more than 5 years.
    (You must not lie if the following criteria while fulfilling the Residency Requirements:)
  • You must not have spent more than 450 days during your 5 years of stay in the UK.
  • You must not have spent more than 90 days in the last 12 months outside the UK.

• How Much Does UK PR Costs?
  • The cost of applying for a PR in the UK for international students is  £1,630.

Documents Required For a UK PR

You will need the following documents while applying for a PR in the UK:

• To prove your identity, you need to provide a current passport or other documents that shows your nationality. 
• You need to provide your biometric residence permit if you have one. The BPR is used to confirm your:
  • Right To Study
  • Identity
  • Right to any public services
• Bank Statement: To show your financial status in the UK, you need to provide your bank statement which must include income and transactions. 
• Proof of Additional Income: You must show documents confirming your additional income if you have any.
• Employer’s Appointment Letter: To show your current employment status, you must provide your employer’s appointment letter with the official stamp of your employer if you are applying as a skilled worker.

Advantages of Acquiring PR in the UK

Acquiring a PR in the UK offers numerous benefits and advantages that significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals and families. Some of them are as follows:

• Access to Public Services

Acquiring a PR in the UK gives you access to the National Health Service(NHS) and other essential public services, which also includes social benefits. 

• Pathway to British Citizenship

Holding PR status enables individuals to apply for British citizenship after a further 12 months. The PR also gives you a step forward toward full integration into the British Society. 

• Social and Employment Benefits

Acquiring a PR can lead you to various social and employment benefits, including eligibility for housing benefits and unemployment support. The UK government is known for heavily investing in their social services, including subsidies, and tax benefits for families. 

• Education Benifits

While only paying domestic tuition fees, permanent residents can study in UK universities. 

• Family Reunification

Once you successfully obtain a  PR, you can bring your family members to the UK, which facilitates family reunification. 

Changes made in the year 2024 for the UK PR you should know

The following are the changes made for the UK PR in the year 2024 you should know:

• Health and care worker visa holders can no longer bring dependants(parnters and children) on their visa.
• The sponsored baseline minimum salary has increased from  £26,200 to £38,700 for a skilled worker visa.
• The normally required income to sponsor someone for a partner visa or spouse visa has risen from £18,600 to £29,000.
• for more details in changes check details here- Link

Recommended read: UK student visa Policy Changes | Impact on International Students

Summary

This blog provides you with an in-depth guide to acquiring a Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK, covering eligibility criteria, application requirements, and benefits. It outlines various pathways to PR, including work, family, long residence, and ancestry visa routes. Key eligibility factors include residing in the UK for at least 5 years, proving English proficiency, and passing the Life in the UK test. The blog also details the documents required for PR applications and the benefits of PR status, such as access to public services, pathways to citizenship, and family reunification. Additionally, it discusses the updates to UK PR requirements, which has been in effect from 2024. 

Also, check out: UK Student Visa: Types, Eligibility, and Latest Update

FAQs

Ques.1: What is Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK?

Answer: PR, allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK without any time limits or visa restrictions. It also paves the way for you to apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

Ques.2: How long does it take to get PR in the UK?

Answer: Typically, you must reside in the UK for at least 5 years to be eligible for PR. However, some visa categories, like the Global Talent Visa or Innovator Visa, allow applicants to qualify for PR in as little as 2-3 years.

Ques.3: What are the main eligibility criteria for UK PR?

Answer: You must:

• Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years.
• Be over 18.
• Prove your knowledge of the English language.
• Pass the Life in the UK test.
• Meet good character requirements.

Ques.4: What is the cost of applying for PR in the UK?

Answer: The application fee for PR in the UK is £1,630.

Ques.5: Are there any exemptions for the English language requirement?

Answer: Yes, there are exemptions available for individuals who are over 65, those with long-term physical or mental conditions, and individuals applying with specific work visas like the Innovator Founder Visa or Skilled Worker Visa.

Ques.6: Can I bring family members with me after obtaining PR?

Answer: Yes, after acquiring PR, you can apply to bring family members to the UK through family reunification programs, including spouses, partners, and dependent children.