Securing permanent residency (PR) in the UK offers numerous benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. While the process may seem daunting, there are several routes through which foreign nationals can gain PR in the UK. Here are 10 of the easiest ways to obtain permanent residency in the UK.
1. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most straightforward paths to permanent residency in the UK for those with a job offer in a skilled occupation.
- Eligibility: You need a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor. The job must meet the required skill level and salary thresholds (typically £25,600 annually or £10.10 per hour).
- Route to PR: After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step toward permanent residency.
2. Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is designed for individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in fields like science, technology, engineering, arts, and humanities.
- Eligibility: You must be endorsed by a recognized UK body in your field or show exceptional achievements.
- Route to PR: Holders of the Global Talent Visa can apply for ILR after 3 years (if endorsed in the fields of science or engineering) or 5 years (for other fields).
3. EU Settlement Scheme
For EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals living in the UK before Brexit, the EU Settlement Scheme allows them to apply for Settled Status, which grants permanent residency.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have been living in the UK before December 31, 2020.
- Route to PR: Settled Status provides a form of permanent residency that allows you to live and work in the UK indefinitely.
4. Family Visa (Spouse or Partner Visa)
If you are married to or in a long-term relationship with a UK citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a Family Visa.
- Eligibility: You must prove your relationship and meet financial and English language requirements.
- Route to PR: After 5 years, you can apply for ILR and eventually gain permanent residency.
5. Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Start-up Visas
The Tier 1 Investor Visa, Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, and Start-up Visa are aimed at individuals with investment funds, those looking to start a business, or those with innovative business ideas.
- Eligibility: Investment requirements for the Investor Visa typically start at £2 million. Entrepreneurs and start-ups need to show a solid business plan.
- Route to PR: These visas lead to ILR after 3–5 years, depending on the investment or business activity.
6. Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa is for medical professionals working in the NHS or other eligible health organizations.
- Eligibility: You must have a job offer in an eligible healthcare role and meet the salary threshold.
- Route to PR: After 5 years, holders of this visa can apply for ILR, leading to permanent residency.
7. Student Visa (with Post-Study Work Option)
If you are a student in the UK, the Student Visa allows you to stay for the duration of your course. Afterward, you may be eligible for the Graduate Visa.
- Eligibility: You must complete a recognized degree at a UK university and meet the required visa conditions.
- Route to PR: With a Graduate Visa, you can stay for 2 years and find work. If you transition to a skilled job, you can then apply for a Skilled Worker Visa and later apply for ILR.
8. Refugee or Humanitarian Protection
Individuals granted Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection in the UK can eventually apply for permanent residency.
- Eligibility: You must be granted refugee status or humanitarian protection by the UK Home Office.
- Route to PR: After 5 years of residency under this status, you can apply for ILR and eventually become a permanent resident.
9. Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme is available to young people (aged 18-30) from certain countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and more.
- Eligibility: You must be between 18 and 30 years old and from a participating country.
- Route to PR: This visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. While it does not directly lead to PR, you can switch to a skilled worker visa or another immigration route that can lead to ILR.
10. Long Residence (10 Years)
If you have been legally residing in the UK for 10 continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under Long Residence.
- Eligibility: You must have lived in the UK legally for 10 years without significant gaps.
- Route to PR: This route leads directly to ILR after 10 years of legal residence, regardless of your visa type during this time.
Conclusion
Obtaining permanent residency in the UK is achievable through various routes, depending on your qualifications, skills, relationships, and duration of stay. The Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, and Family Visa are among the most common and straightforward ways to secure PR in the UK. By understanding the requirements and pathways, you can plan your journey to become a permanent resident in the UK.