I have recently had the best experience with White Rose Visas for my ILR application. Being a dentist by profession and on a work permit, I have had several queries around UK immigration rules whether dentists can be employed or self-employed. After going through multiple immigration advisors, I came across Kim who was just fantastic! She answered all my queries with patience and her guidance and advise has been ever so reassuring for me. Kim and Lukas have been extremely professional and prompt in their services and I cannot thank them enough for all their help. I would highly recommend White Rose Visas if you are looking for accurate professional advise and efficiency in services.
I have worked with White Rose Visas to prepare my ILR application. They were very efficient in preparing all the documents and the application and always ready to answer any of my paranoid questions :) Really grateful for their support on this very important for me application!
I first moved to the U.K. five years ago. I’ve had to renew my visa a few times and had sooo very many questions. I contacted White Rose with each query and every time, without fail, they’ve answered my questions promptly and professionally. Now they’ve helped with my successful Indefinite Leave to Remain application and I’m even more over the moon about their services! I can’t say enough how happy I am with Rachel and Jack, who practically held my hand throughout the process. Never a foot wrong. I highly recommend White Rose and I’ll ask them for help with my citizenship application next year! You really can’t go wrong with these folks!
My ILR application was successful through White Rose Visas. It was a long and stressful process. Lauren had patiently answered all my queries and was very understanding of my personal problems throughout the process. I would like to thank Lauren and Nicole for their help and guidance. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone with immigration needs. They are knowledgeable and very efficient.
Really happy with our experience getting ILR, straightforward stress free and much cheaper than our previous lawyer. Thankyou!
My experience with White Rose visa is great, I had done my ILR through them which was quite critical case. Kim is very calm and helpful. She always listens to my concerns and responded appropriately. When I raise my first enquiry then only I knew I am in safe hands and I had peace of mind. The team is very professional. The great thing I like about White Rose is they still respond to my queries even after 2 years. Thanks for great service.
What is Settlement?
A successful Settlement application results in the grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as Permanent Residence (PR). Put simply, this means you are legally allowed to live, work and study in the UK for the rest of your life.
How do I qualify for UK Settlement?
There are many different routes to ILR. However, the main routes are through employment, family links or length of time spent in the UK (Long Residence).
For all routes, applicants must satisfy the Knowledge of Life and Language requirement.
Employment Route
The general rule is that five years continuous lawful residence in any combination of Work Permit, Tier 1, Tier 2 and Skilled Worker is sufficient to make an application for ILR.
Allowable absences from the UK are those which are less than six months in any 12-month period.
Dependants of workers in these categories can usually be included in an ILR application, i.e. they will qualify after completing 5 years.
Partner Route
‘Partner’ includes a husband, wife, or cohabiting partner of a British Citizen or a person with Settled Status. Find out more about our partner, spouse and marriage visas here.
Initially 30 months of leave are granted (or 33 months in the case of Entry Clearance applications), followed by a further extension of 30 months. At the end of this period, if the relationship is still subsisting, the partner will qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
There is no limit on the amount of time applicants can spend abroad, however if they have spent more time outside the UK than inside, extra care must be taken with an application in order to demonstrate that there is a long term intention to live permanently in the UK.
Long Residence Route
To qualify for ILR through the Long Residence route, the applicant should have 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. Time spent in any category, including that of visitor can be included.
Absences are permitted so long as they are no more than six months for any single trip, and total no more than 18 months in the 10 year period.
Dependants cannot be included in this type of application and will need to complete 10 years in their own right before becoming eligible to apply for ILR.
Other options
There are other less common routes to ILR. To check your eligibility across any route you can fill out the appropriate online form. Please do get in touch with us here at White Rose Visas if you have any questions about your individual circumstances and pathway to settlement.
After ILR
Once ILR has been granted this is a permanent status, and would only be cancelled if an ILR holder leaves the UK for a consecutive period of two years.
Holders of ILR can choose to progress to a British Citizenship Application. The advantages of Citizenship include:
- A British passport
- The right to vote in UK elections
- The ability to be absent from the UK for any amount of time whilst retaining Citizenship
How can we help?
Here at White Rose Visas we would be delighted to assist you with your Settlement application. Our advisers will use their expert knowledge and extensive experience to ensure that your application is successful. We are waiting for your call.
