Permanent residence UK

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The United Kingdom remains a desirable destination for many people from outside the EU in search of a better life for their families. Obtaining permanent residence UK (PR UK) status is usually a lengthy process, taking an average of 5 years, depending on which route you are applying under.

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This article explains who is eligible for permanent residence in UK, the various routes to residency, how to apply and how long it all takes.

Permanent resident UK

Also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain, UK permanent residence is an immigration status granted to a person without the Right of Abode – basically the UK green card or permanent residence card UK.

An individual with permanent resident status can live and work in the UK indefinitely. You will no longer have any immigration restrictions on working or business in the UK and no time limits on your stay. You will have the permanent residence card UK that allows you to stay in the country, with no time limitations.

However, the right can lapse if an individual spends more than 2 years continuously outside the country.

If you’re looking for a residence permit in Europe that does not require you to live continuously in the country, you may be interested in Portugal’s Golden Visa program. It has a stay requirement of just 7 days per year.

Who is eligible for resident status?

You can apply for permanent residence in the UK after having legally resided in the nation for a certain amount of years. Usually, you can apply for the permit after five years of residing in the UK, however, there are other paths to permanent residency and they depend on the initial visa you acquired.

Below is a list showing the length of time you must spend in the UK on various visas to be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR):

Marriage or unmarried partner to UK citizen: 2 years
Lawful stay on any basis (long stay): 10 years
Unlawful stay: 14 years
Tier 1 and Tier 2 work permit: 5 years
Investor, sportsperson, business owner, arts: 5 years
Ancestry: 5 years

If your stay in the UK is within any of the categories above and you have completed the stated length of time, you may be eligible to apply for British residency and obtain a permanent UK residence permit.

Check out our article about UK Visa.

How to get Permanent Residency in the UK for Non-EU Citizen

Applying for indefinite leave to remain is often complex in some cases. However, if you have lived legally in the UK for at least 5 years, chances are you qualify for residency and PR UK is on the cards. Here we will provide how to get PR in the UK.

When it comes to residency, completing the application is, indeed, one of the last things you will do. First, you need to check your eligibility and collect all the relevant paperwork. Then you need to ensure you have access to all details about your immigration history, especially if you have been on a variety of visas since your arrival in the country.

Finally, when you put all this together, you can complete the application form with a degree of confidence.

There are two types of application forms you can use, make sure you choose the correct form applicable to your personal situation:

You can use this application form if you are the partner of a UK citizen or the parent of a child settled in the UK.

Use this form if you have lived in the UK in any one of the immigration categories above.

You will need to provide documents as proof of your legal stay in the UK as part of the application process. These may include:

Payslips
Bank account statements
Council tax letters
Letter from employer on company headed paper

Registering your non-EU family members in the UK

If you’re a citizen of a non-EU country and would like to settle permanently in the UK, you may apply for permanent residence. This is a UK permit for non EU nationals who can apply for permanent residence in the UK.

The eligibility criteria above applies to all family members wishing to join you. Each member of the family has to submit an application form in their own capacity as an individual. For children under the age of 18, you will make the application on their behalf as they are considered as minors.

If you’re here on Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa, your family may join you in the UK, considering you meet the criteria under each particular permit for sponsoring a spouse or dependent children.

Settling as a family member of a UK Citizen

This is one of the most common pathways to UK residency and you can apply if your partner is a UK citizen or settled in the UK.

Eligibility for settlement

Many people thinking about the settlement because they are a partner of a British citizen are currently on a family visa as a partner or spouse. This type of visa has three routes:

2-year route
5-year route
10-year route

If you are on any of the above visas, you need to have lived the UK for 2 years, 5 years and 10 years, respectively. Once you meet the time spent in the country criteria, you are ready to submit an application, on the condition you meet the other criteria below:

Marriage

Your current visa should be in the partner category, so you must either be married to your British partner or be in a civil partnership or in a subsisting relationship though not married.

Living together

You must provide proof that you’re living together and intend to continue doing so after you are granted residency. Evidence may take the form of joint bank accounts, a joint tenancy agreement and other official documents.

To demonstrate your knowledge of British life, you must pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test.

English test

Also, if English is not your first language, you must prove you can speak and understand the language by meeting the English Language requirements to get PR in the UK. An English qualification or holding an educational qualification from a recognised UK institution will often be enough to satisfy this requirement.

Proof of finances

You will need to provide proof of funds to support your family if you’re on the 5-year route visa. The funding expectations are currently as follows:

At least £18,600 a year if you no dependent children
At least £22,400 a year if you have one child
Extra £2,400 a year for each child

Count all the children under the ages of 18 even if you’re not including them as part of the application. Children who are British or European Economic Area citizens should not be included when you’re calculating your annual earnings. Note, the earnings are joint and take into account both partners earnings.

There is no minimum earnings requirement on the 2-year route. However, you will need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support your family without public funds. If you’re on the 10-year route, there’s also no requirement to meet the minimum earnings but you will need to provide proof of income.

Take a look at our
Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts

click here

Permanent residence as a family member of someone settled in the UK

If your partner is settled in the UK after coming here on a work visa (Tier 1, 2 or 5 visa), you could be eligible for settlement.

You must be married or in a civil partnership or be in a relationship for at least two years.

Eligibility for partners

You must currently be on a visa as your partner’s dependent. If you received your visa after your partner was already settled, you will need to apply as a partner of a settled person.

If your current visa was issued before 9 July 2012, you must have lived with your partner for at least 2 years. This will go up to 5 years if your visa was granted on or after 9 July 2012.

When you apply, you must still be living together with your partner and intend to continue doing so. You should not be claiming benefits (accessing public funds) when you apply.

English Language and knowledge of life in the UK requirements also apply so you should make sure you satisfy these requirements before making your application for residency in the UK.

How to apply

For the UK PR process, you can make your application online. You will receive a response to your application within 6 months.

If you prefer to use the premium processing service, you can. You will receive an appointment where your application will be considered in person and you can get a decision on the day.

Residency application fees and processing times

You should expect up to 6 months of processing time for permanent residency applications made in the UK. Some applications may exceed the time limits, but most applications are decided within 6 months.

A processing fee is applicable, and as of the time of writing, the cost is £2389 for an individual application by post. You will pay more if you decide to make an application in person. The benefit of an in-person application is that you will receive a decision on the day and will not have to wait up to 6 months for your request to be processed.

Things to keep in mind about permanent residency

Although it is called permanent residency, there are a few conditions that apply, otherwise, it may not be permanent.

Although the status removes any time limits to your stay in the UK, if you spend more than 2 years outside the country, you will lose the status. If this happens, you will need to reapply for it.

Secondly, if you commit any criminal offenses which could lead to deportation, you may lose your right to stay in the UK as a permanent resident.

Global Citizen Solutions provides expert advice on residency and property investment in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions about permanent residence in the UK

What is permanent residence in the UK?

Who is eligible for permanent resident status in the UK?

In most cases, you can apply for permanent residence and get a UK PR visa if you have been living in the UK with a visa for at least 5 years. If you are married to a UK citizen, this period is usually shorter.

How do you apply for permanent residence in the UK?

Applications for permanent residence in the UK can be made online, and usually require a copy of the correct completed form, your passport, biometric information, and the required supporting documents.

Does permanent residence in the UK expire?

The right to permanent residence can lapse if an individual spends more than 2 years continuously outside the country.

When can I get my green card UK?

You may apply for your green card in the UK after having resided there for at least five years. You may expect receiving your permanent residency six months after filing your application.

Can UK citizens get a green card?

Uk citizens are not required to get a green card since they already hold British citizenship.

How can I get a green card in the UK?

If you have lived legally in the UK for at least 5 years, you may qualify for permanent residency. In that case, you may file your application online through the government site.

How much it cost to get PR in UK?

The cost for an individual application by post is about £2389.

How long it takes to get PR in UK?

Obtaining permanent residence in the UK is usually a lengthy process, taking on average up to 5 years, depending on your route of investment.

Is it easy to get PR in UK?

Although the process of obtaining permanent residency in the UK is straightforward, it requires a lot of time commitment on your end.

Which Countries Can Green Card Holders Travel to Without a Visa?

Citizens of the US are allowed to fly to 184 countries worldwide visa free. As a result, several countries have granted the same right to those who have lawful permanent resident status. However, foreign nationals residing in the United States who hold a Green Card are allowed to travel without a visa to some non-US countries. See other benefits of Green Card.

You can only fly abroad with your residence permit if you are traveling to a country that grants equal rights to U.S. residents.

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Countries that Green Card holders can travel to without a visa

Below you can find the list of some countries that Green Card holders can travel to without the need of having a visa.

Canada

Traveling to Canada is simple if you have a valid U.S. Green Card. However, you do need to obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), in other words a permission that grants you access to legally cross the border with Canada.

Once you reach the border of Canada, you will only need to show your eTA to the border agents. You will however, be asked to also present your passport and Green Card as well.

Find out more about Green Card from these articles:

Can I Travel if the Names on My Passport and Green Card Don’t Match?
Emergency Travel with an Expired Passport
Can You Fly if You Have a Warrant?
Visa Application Support Letter
Do Green Card Holders Need Visa For Mexico?
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Alaska?
Traveling With a Damaged Passport

Mexico

Similar to Canada, when travelling to Mexico, you will also have to show your passport and your Green Card.

Nevertheless, you do need one of the following to get a Mexico Tourist Card:

You’ll get one from the aircraft crew if you are traveling by plane.
Another way is to print your online tourist card and bring it with you.
Before you fly, you can get one at the Embassy of Mexico in the U.S.
At the immigration office after your arrival in Mexico.
If you’re traveling by sea, you can collect it at the port call.
At the entry point if you are traveling by land.

Belize

For Belize, you will need a passport that has been valid for a period of at least 6 (six) months after the end of your stay. You will need a copy of your Green Card that has been notarized, a visa registration form, and evidence of appropriate funds needed for your stay in Belize.

Costa Rica
Virgin Islands of Britain
Dominican republic
Jamaica.

Costa Rica

With a Green Card you can visit Costa Rica’s natural parks, beautiful islands and enjoy the tropical weather. A Green Card is all you need in order to travel to Costa Rica. Thus, a visa will not be required.

The necessary documents are:

a valid passport
the Green Card
the booked ticket which indicates the return date.

With a Green Card you can only stay for up to 30 (thirty) days. If you are looking to stay longer then you will be required to apply for an extension.

Travel to Costa Rica, Mexico and Canada without a visa.

Georgia

There are also some European countries that you can visit with a Green Card, one of them being Georgia. You might know Georgia for its splendid wines, but that’s not all you can look forward to when visiting this country. In Georgia, you can visit many beautiful sites, old town streets, parks, and some breathtaking mountains.

A visa will not be required for your visit for Green Card holders. As for the documents, they are similar to those necessary when traveling to other countries: you will need your passport, Green Card, and boarding pass. As a Green Card holder you will be able to stay in Georgia for up to 90 (ninety) days visa free.

The Balkans

The Balkans are an absolutely stupendous area of Southern Europe, including countries like Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. These three countries allow Green Card holders to visit them visa free for a maximum of:

90 days within a 180-day period – Albania
30 days – Montenegro
15 days – North Macedonia.

The upside of visiting Balkan countries is that they’re a lot more affordable than their more mainstream European counterparts such as, for example, France, Spain, or the UK. They have tons of wonderful attractions and absolutely phenomenal views to offer, and they’re also more low-key in terms of tourist traffic.

Virgin Islands of Britain

If you are looking for a beautiful place with gorgeous beaches and a place to spend an amazing summer, then these British Islands are definitely a destination you should take a look at.

Besides your Green Card you will need your passport, return flight ticket, and also proof of accommodation on the islands.

U.S. Green Card holders can stay for a maximum of 30 (thirty) days visa free in the British Virgin Islands.

Curaçao and Aruba

With their amazing swimming spots and underwater life, these two countries have a lot to offer to their tourists.

All you’ll need is your Green Card, and you’ll be good to go and have an amazing time on any of the picturesque beaches of Curacao and Aruba.

Singapore

Singapore is yet another wonderful location that Green Card holders can visit without a visa. However, U.S. permanent residents will only be able to enjoy Singapore visa free for 4 (four) days unless they happen to be happy holders of either a Chinese or Indian passport.

If they fulfill the specified criteria, Chinese and Indian citizens are qualified for the Singaporean Visa Free Transit Facility:

travel by sea or air
have a legitimate plane ticket or ferry ticket booked for the next 96 hours from Singapore
are granted a Green Card.

Peru is yet another state where you can travel with a Green Card only if you are an Indian or Chinese citizen.

You have probably heard of Peru’s destinations such as Machu Picchu or other historical sites, sometimes filled with mysteries that have yet to be uncovered. If you are obsessed with history and archaeology then Peru can offer just that.

The documents you need are: a passport, boarding pass, and your Green Card. Once you reach the entry point, you will be granted a tourist card which will serve as evidence of how long you plan to stay in Peru. You cannot stay for longer than 90 days.

Traveling to European countries with a Green Card

Green Card holders’ travel to Europe is limited to only a few non-EU countries, as some European states provide a visa waiver to Green Card holders where you will not be required to have a valid visa to travel.

It all depends on which country’s passport you hold. For instance, if the citizens of your country of origin are normally required to apply for a Schengen visa (or any other European country’s tourist visa) prior to a Euro trip, then as a U.S. Green Card holder you will still be required to apply for such a visa.

If you do obtain a Schengen visa, you will be allowed to stay in the Schengen Area (which includes 26 countries) for a period of up to 90 days.

Can I travel to the UK with only a Green Card?

Unfortunately, you cannot. Even if you do have a U.S. Green Card, you will still be required to obtain a UK visa to travel to the UK.

The UK visa program requires residents of many nations (which are mostly EU and Commonwealth nations) to be granted visa-free access for up to six months. You would have to request a regular UK visitor visa if you don’t come from any of the countries listed in the visa exemptions.

Do I need a passport if I have a Green Card?

The short answer is yes. A valid passport will be required regardless whether you have a Green Card or not.

You won’t be allowed to fly abroad if you don’t hold a valid passport. When you cross a country’s border, whether by land or air, the border officials will most likely ask for your passport and probably a visa or residency permit.

In certain situations, you won’t be asked to show your passport at the border. Only citizens of neighboring countries or regions with an arrangement of some kind in place (such as Schengen Area citizens) do not need to display a passport.

Get your U.S. Green Card photo with Passport Photo Online

If you need to get your Green Card photo (or any other document photo for that matter) fast, you can help yourself with our U.S. passport photo tool to easily get your shot online – Passport Photo Online. All you will need to do is upload a photo for your Green Card and within a few seconds, it will be sent to you via email.

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Visa free countries for U.S. Green Card holders – wrap up

The U.S. Green Card has been known for its many benefits, and one of them is definitely the ability to travel to some exquisite locations around the world visa free.

Some of the visa free countries that you can enjoy visiting as a Green Card holder include Albania, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Peru, and more.

Each one of these countries has their own established maximum period of stay, the shortest one being 4 days (Singapore). Always make sure that you have a valid passport, with a minimum of 6-month validity to be on the safe side.

Visa free countries for US Green Card holders: FAQ

I am a Green Card holder. Can I travel to Europe visa free?

As a Green Card holder you can visit a couple European countries, including Albania, Georgia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. If you’re planning to visit an EU country, you will be required to obtain a Schengen Visa that will allow you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.

What countries can I travel to as a Green Card holder?

The visa free countries that US permanent residents with a Green Card can travel to are: Albania, Aruba, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Georgia, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Peru, and Singapore.

As a Green Card holder, do I need a tourist visa to travel to Mexico?

You won’t need a tourist visa to travel to Mexico, but you will be required to obtain a tourist card, which you can either apply for online before your trip, get it on the plane, or upon your arrival in Mexico.

Will I need a visa to travel to Canada as a U.S. permanent resident?

If you have a valid Green Card you won’t need to apply for a Canadian visa in order to travel, however if you plan to cross the USA-Canada border by plane you will have to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

How long can Green Card holders stay in Peru visa free?

Upon your arrival in Peru, an immigration officer will give you a tourist card that will include the maximum amount of time that you can spend in Peru visa free – it will usually be a period of no longer than 90 days.