Settling in the UK
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after lawfully living in the UK for a period of time depending on your immigration category. The qualifying period is 5 years for applicants with leave as: work permit holders, highly skilled migrants, Tier 1 migrants (General, Entreprener, Investor), UK ancestry, self employed lawyers, employment not requiring a work permit, If you have been granted leave in an employment related category, the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain is normally 5 years. Please note the Immigration rules have been updated requiring spouses/partners of settled persons to complete a probationary period of 5 years prior to qualifying for indefinite leave to remain. You may also qualify for indefinite leave to remain after continuously living in the UK lawfully for 10 years under the long residence provisions.
You should be aware that amongst other things, you will be required to enrol your biometrics information, unless exempt, you must show that they have a knowledge of language and life in the UK and you should not have any unspent criminal convictions.
The settlement rules are often updated; it is essential that your application is carefully assessed by one of our experts and prepared with reference to the most updated immigration rules and case law.
