PR in the UK as a family member of a settled person or UK citizen
Permanent Residence (PR), also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows you to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely. It offers long-term stability and access to benefits.
Eligibility for Permanent Residence (ILR)
To qualify for PR, applicants must meet residence requirements based on visa type:
Family Visa
5 years
Work Visa
5 years
Business Visa
3–5 years
Long Residence
10 years
Some visa categories offer faster routes to PR. Holders of the Innovator Founder Visa or Global Talent Visa may be eligible after just 3 years.
Benefits of Permanent Residence
Indefinite Stay
No need to renew your visa or apply for further leave.
Access to Benefits
Eligibility for public funds and healthcare services.
Work Flexibility
Freedom to work or start your own business freely.
Pathway to Citizenship
After holding ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship if eligible.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
PR as a Family Member of a Settled Person or UK Citizen
If you are a family member of someone who is settled in the UK or a British citizen, you may qualify for Permanent Residence (PR), also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Qualifying family members include:
- Partners or spouses
- Children
- Dependent relatives who require care
A settled person is someone who has either gained permanent residence in the UK or holds British citizenship.
Family Visas Leading to PR
Some of the most common family visas that can lead to PR include:
Spouse Visa
Eligible for PR after 2 or 5 years, depending on your visa route.
Child Visa
Eligible for PR as soon as a parent has gained permanent residency.
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
Eligible for PR as soon as the UK-based carer has permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria for PR as a Family Member
To make a successful application for PR as a family member, you must meet the following:
Residence in the UK
You must have lived in the UK for 2 or 5 years (e.g., as a spouse visa holder) or have UK-based immediate family with permanent residence.
Relationship Requirements
Demonstrate that your relationship is ongoing. Partners must be living with their spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
Financial Requirements
For the 5-year route, you and your partner must have a combined income of at least £29,000. Other thresholds may apply.
Life in the UK Test
You must pass this test to demonstrate knowledge of British traditions, history, and culture.
English Language Proficiency
You must meet the required level of English language proficiency.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
Get a UK PR via a Work Visa
Work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, offer a pathway to Permanent Residence (PR) (also known as ILR). In most cases, applicants qualify after holding a qualifying work visa for 5 years.
Qualifying Work Visas for PR
Skilled Worker Visa
For individuals with a job offer in a skilled occupation, sponsored by a licensed UK employer.
Scale-Up Visa
For highly skilled workers with a job offer from a fast-growing UK company.
Health & Care Worker Visa
For healthcare and social care professionals working for approved UK employers.
Global Talent Visa
For exceptional individuals in academia, arts, or digital technology recognised as leaders or potential leaders.
Non-Qualifying Work Visas for PR
Not all work visas lead directly to permanent residence. Examples include:
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (former Tier 2 ICT route)
- High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa – allows switching to a qualifying category
Requirements for Gaining PR Through a Work Visa
Residency
Have lived in the UK for the required period (usually 5 years) on a qualifying work visa.
Employer Sponsorship
Continue to be sponsored by a UK-based employer.
Qualifying Job
Remain in a role that qualifies under the visa conditions.
Minimum Income
Meet income requirements for your role, which vary by visa type and occupation.
Life in the UK Test
Pass this test to demonstrate knowledge of British traditions and culture.
English Language Requirements
Meet the required level of English proficiency.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
Get UK permanent residence via your business
If you have an idea for an innovative business and wish to establish it in the UK, a business visa such as the Innovator Founder Visa could be the right choice. This visa offers a fast track to Permanent Residence (PR) (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after just 3 years for qualifying applicants.
Business Visas Leading to PR
Innovator Founder Visa
A direct route to PR after 3 years, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Start-Up Visa
Does not directly lead to PR. To qualify, you must switch to the Innovator Founder Visa before applying.
Eligibility for PR as an Innovator Founder Visa Holder
To apply for PR under this route, you must meet the following criteria:
Continuous Residence
You must have lived in the UK on your Innovator Founder Visa for 3 continuous years.
Business Endorsement
Obtain endorsement from an approved body for your business idea.
Life in the UK Test
Pass to demonstrate your knowledge of UK society and values.
English Language Requirements
You must meet the required level of English proficiency.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
UK PR status for EU nationals
Following Brexit, EU nationals who wish to gain Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme if they began living in the UK before 31 January 2021. Those arriving after this date need to use one of the standard visa routes to obtain PR.
EU Settlement Scheme Status Options
The EU Settlement Scheme offers two types of status:
Pre-Settled Status
Granted to EU nationals who have lived in the UK for less than 5 years. Provides a pathway to Settled Status after 5 continuous years of residence.
Settled Status
Equivalent to Permanent Residence (PR). Granted to EU nationals who have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years by application time.
Key Points for EU Nationals
Eligible for Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Arriving after 31 January 2021:
• Not eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme
• Must gain PR via visa routes such as the
Skilled Worker,
Global Talent, or
Innovator Visa
How to Apply for UK Permanent Residence (PR)
Applying for Permanent Residence (PR), also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), involves several steps. Follow this guide to support your application.
Steps to Apply for UK Permanent Residence
- Complete the Online Application Form
Choose the correct form based on your immigration route (work, family, etc.). Include eligible family members if applicable. - Pay the Application Fee
Standard ILR fee: £2,404 (additional fees for dependants may apply). - Book a Biometrics Appointment
Attend a UKVCAS office to submit photo and fingerprints. - Provide Supporting Documents
• Life in the UK Test pass certificate.
• Proof of continuous UK residence.
• Financial/employment documents if relevant. - Wait for a Decision
Processing time: up to 6 months.
Optional faster decision: Priority (within 5 working days for £500), Super Priority (within 1 working day for £1,000).
Other Ways to Gain Permanent Residence
- Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR): For exceptional cases outside standard immigration rules.
- ILR Following Domestic Violence: Available to victims granted a visa under UK-based sponsor protection.
- The 7-Year Child Route: For children who have lived in the UK for 7+ continuous years and are unable to return.
- The 10-Year Long Residence Route: For individuals with 10+ years of legal continuous UK residence.
- The Private Life Route: For those with a private life in the UK under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Serving in the Armed Forces: UK service members and their families may qualify for ILR.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.