Is there a fee to apply for settlement?
Yes, settlement fees are around £2,500 in most categories. For more information regarding fees, visit the government website to see which fee will apply to you.
Settlement Applications
Our team of expert solicitors has extensive knowledge and years of experience helping individuals achieve their settlement in the UK.
If you would like to find out more about how Latitude Law can help you with your settlement application, call our team on 0161 234 6800 or fill in our online form and we will be in touch at a time that suits you.
What is settlement in the UK?
Settlement, also called ‘indefinite leave to remain’ is unending permission to reside in the UK. This status removes restrictions on travel or work and allows the holder to receive UK benefits. Settlement is often available to applicants after they have completed at least five years’ UK residence in a qualifying immigration route.
Applications for settlement 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 an application or help to complete it.
Who is eligible for settlement?
Settlement 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:
- Partners can settle in the UK after five years if their relationship remains valid and they satisfy income and other requirements
- Workers can settle after five years, providing they remain in a suitably highly skilled and well-paid position and they retain the support of their employer
Almost all applicants for settlement will need to prove their English language ability and their knowledge of life in the UK. This is usually achieved by completing tests approved by the Home Office for this purpose.
Once settlement is secured, an individual may be able to later apply for British citizenship. In some cases, there may need to be a delay of one year before such an application can be made. Citizenship has different requirements to settlement, so separate advice is recommended.
How we can help with your settlement application?
Settlement applications are submitted online and are usually supported by specified evidence confirming your time in the UK and that you satisfy the requirements of your immigration route.
Our expert solicitors can help you to identify the correct application form and the documents needed for a successful outcome.
Contact us
To speak with our experienced team of immigration solicitors about how to apply for UK settlement, or to start your settlement application, get in touch today. Calling us on 0161 234 6800 or complete our contact form and we will call back at a time that suits you.
Settlement FAQs
What is the meaning of 'leave to remain'?
Leave to remain in the UK is another way of saying ‘permission to stay’. Indefinite leave to remain is permanent permission to stay in the UK.
Can students qualify for settlement?
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).
How long does it take to process a settlement visa application?
You should receive a decision on your application within six months. However, you can pay for a faster decision in some circumstances. Our aim to prepare clear and persuasive settlement applications which can be processed quickly by the Home Office.
Can you lose your UK settlement status?
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 are deported from the UK.
Applying to Work in the UK
Are you hoping to work in the UK? Have you been offered a job role and seek permission to work here? Our immigration lawyers are experts in the operation of UK and European legislation that affects foreign workers.
Partner Visa
There is a clear focus to keep family together under UK law. If your partner currently lives in the UK, you can apply for a Spouse Visa to join them.
Naturalisation and Registration for British Citizenship
Naturalisation as a British citizen is a significant life decision, and it is best that you consult an immigration specialist before proceeding with your naturalisation application. As a niche, law firm specialising in UK immigration law, our lawyers are uniquely qualified to provide all the help you require to ensure your application is successful.
Our solicitors
What our clients say…
UK Entry Clearance Granted
I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to Joel Reiss for his amazing service in relation to my visa application.
Reiss was outstanding as a consultant and adviser and my family and I highly value the efforts he took; we are deeply appriciative of his work and knowledge in the legal matters, processes and proceedings. He prepared our application including a covering letter from scratch, which he refined through discussion before making it an impeccable one to refuse. There were a few complicated elements surrounding our application and we believe had it not been for Mr.Reiss and his flawless services together with the expertise of Latitude Law, we would not have recieved our visa.
He was quick in clarifying our queries and made it a point to reply as soon as possible. Even when we had to be away from work, Reiss made sure our application was not interrupted and it could be filed on time. The constant communication and the replies continued even after the application was submitted and the services were paid for all the way till we recieved the decision. We have even been informed of the travel guidelines and quarantine regulations, and I honestly believe the fee we paid did not include these supplementary services.
I would also like to extend my upmost appreciation to Gary McIndoe, the Director, Latitude Law and everybody else at the firm including Jessica Lee for their service and cooperation.
I would not think twice in recommending Joel Reiss and Latitude Law for visa application and allied services.
Mr Vineesh
Success for the Bouameur Family
I am writing this on behalf of the whole family, we would like to say thank you. These two words are such small words for the gratitude and high regard we all hold you in.
Your firm and especially you have been with us throughout the difficult years we have had and you have always been there when we needed picking up, our shoulder to cry on that saw us through with honesty and realistic advice.
I cannot recommend your firm and you enough to people who find themselves at the mercy of a system that at best can be described as confusing.
You have given us back our lives and for that you will always be a cherished member of our family and never forgotten
Many many thanks to you and your team for everything
The Bouameur Family
Naturalisation success for a medical doctor
I shall have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Latitude Law, which is clearly an extremely proficient unit, exemplified by helping clients with patience, attention to detail and sensitivity in equal measure.
Particular mention is merited to Ms Gemma Wylie, whose professionalism is par excellence. I couldn’t thank her enough.
Dr LG
All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 11/02/2019