A settlement visa - also known as indefinite leave to remain - can only be applied for once a person qualifies, usually after a set period of residence in a visa category that leads to settlement. In most instances, settlement is obtained once a person has resided in the UK for five years. It remains valid unless you leave the UK for a continuous two-year period; even if you do so, it may still be possible to apply for a ‘returning resident’ visa.
Applications for settlement or indefinite leave to remain can be complicated, and the requirements will vary depending on your immigration category. Our helpful solicitors are on hand to advise and assist, whether you would like information about a visa application or help to complete it.
Our team of expert solicitors has extensive knowledge and years of experience helping individuals achieve settlement in the UK on their way to becoming a British citizen. Settlement status can be achieved in many different ways, including working under the points-based system, sponsorship, UK ancestry, and so on.
Settlement applications are submitted online and are supported by specified evidence confirming your time in the UK and that you satisfy the requirements of your immigration route. We can help you to identify the correct application and the documents needed for a successful outcome enabling you to live in the UK permanently.
If you are unsure what your settlement status is, our solicitors will be able to help and explore the best options for British citizenship.
Settlement, also called ‘indefinite leave to remain’ or ‘permanent residence’, is unlimited permission to reside in the UK. This status removes restrictions on travel or work and allows the holder to receive UK benefits if otherwise eligible. Settlement is often available to applicants after they have completed at least five years’ UK residence in a qualifying immigration route. Some routes - such as Global Talent and Innovator - offer a three-year settlement option. It may also be available to people who have completed 10 years’ continuous lawful UK residence regardless of the type of permission they held.
A UK settlement visa allows you to live, work and study in the UK with very few restrictions. Permanent residence is the most secure status you can obtain under immigration rules, short of becoming a British citizen.
Indefinite leave to remain is only available to those who meet the specific requirements of their immigration route. For most applicants, this will mean completing five years’ continuous UK residence and satisfying any other criteria their route demands. For example:
It is also now possible for children who were born in the UK and then lived in the UK for the first seven years of their life without valid permission to obtain settlement.
A person who has spent 10 years in the UK with valid, legal leave on different routes, or routes that don’t lead to settlement normally, will be eligible for indefinite leave to remain after 10 years in the UK, providing there are no gaps in their residence.
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We understand how challenging it can be to navigate the process of obtaining Settlement. That is why our team of experienced solicitors, who have many years of experience in immigration law, will do everything they can to help your settlement application be successful.
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Settlement fees are around £2,885 in most categories. For more information regarding fees, visit the government website to see which fee will apply to you.
Indefinite leave to remain in the UK is another way of saying ‘indefinite permission to stay’. Indefinite leave to remain is permanent permission to stay in the UK.
Not based on their study alone. Students are not on a UK settlement route, so their study is not building up qualifying time for settlement.
However, students can combine their status with other categories and when they have completed 10 years’ continuous lawful residence, may apply for settlement on that basis (unless they qualify for it some other way first).
You should receive a decision on your application within six months. However, you can pay for a faster decision in some visa categories. Our aim is to prepare clear and persuasive settlement applications which can be processed quickly by the Home Office.
The UK settlement visa allows an individual to remain in the UK for as long as they like. Once you have lived in the UK for at least one year on a settlement visa, you will be eligible to apply to become a British citizen (immediately if you are married to a British citizen).
Settlement in the UK can only usually be lost if you are absent for a continuous period of two years or more, or if you commit a serious criminal offence and face deportation from the UK.
As the requirements for obtaining settlement are complex, to ensure success, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that your supporting documentation is compliant with the very latest immigration rules.
Naturalisation as a British citizen is a significant life decision, and it is best that you consult an immigration specialist before proceeding with your application. As a niche law firm specialising in UK immigration and nationality law, our lawyers are uniquely qualified to provide all the help you require to ensure your application is successful.
Whether you’re looking to apply for the first time or aiming to renew your partner visa, Latitude Law is well placed to help you secure the right to live with your family member in the UK.
The UK government believes that family should stay together wherever possible, which is why they offer visas for family members of British citizens or migrants who are settled in the UK. The immigration solicitors at Latitude Law can guide you through the application process and provide legal advice on complex matters, such as past refusals and appeals.
