Types of Settlement Visas and citizenship

Indefinite Leave to Remain

The UK Settlement permit, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain, is designed for individuals who have resided in the UK for an extended period under a temporary visa and now wish to obtain permanent residency. This visa is applicable to individuals who have been outside the UK for at least 2 years and wish to return or have lost their passport.

Foreign nationals already residing in the UK with refugee or humanitarian status, seeking permanent settlement or family reunion, are eligible for this permit. Most of these visas require the applicant to have lived in the United Kingdom for a minimum of 5 years.

EEA Residence Permits

  • EEA Residence Card

  • UK Registration Certificate – EEA (QP)

  • UK Permanent Residence Card – EEA (PR)

  • EEA family permit related to the derivative right of residence

  • EEA family permit related to retained rights of residence

  • Certificate of entitlement for the right to abode in the UK

Other Residence Permits

UK Residence permits are intended for acquiring temporary residence in the UK.

Categories:

  • Child Settlement

  • Returning Resident Visa

  • Residence Permit for Commonwealth Citizens

  • Settlement visa as a Refugee or for Humanitarian Protection

  • Electronic Visa Waiver

The Electronic Visa Waiver is established for citizens of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates intending to visit the UK for a maximum of six months for business, tourism, study, or medical care.

Applicants from these countries must apply for other visa types if they plan to visit the UK for different reasons or for longer durations.

The application must be completed online. The application can be submitted three months before the earliest travel date and up to two days before the intended travel date. Dependent applicants must apply separately, as the visa does not allow for joint applications.

The application process is straightforward and requires providing the following information:

  • Passport details

  • UK residence address

  • Travel itinerary with planned entry and exit dates

Child settlement applications
A child can apply for settlement if:
  • Your parent had permission on the Innovator route.
  • Your parent had permission as a partner or parent for 10 years.
  • Your parent had permission on the private life route (and you were born in the UK).
  • Your parent has refugee status.
  • Your parent has humanitarian protection.
Your parent must be applying for settlement at the same time as you or have already settled in the UK.
You can also apply to settle in the UK if you are a child on the private life route. This includes being born in the UK or having permission on the private life route for 5 years.

BRITISH CITIZENSHIP

Upon residing in the UK legally for five years (or three years if married to a British citizen), individuals may qualify for British citizenship through naturalisation. To initiate the naturalization process, certain prerequisites must be met:

  • Age requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.

  • Language proficiency: Proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic is necessary at an acceptable level.

  • Good character: Meeting the criteria of good character, which includes avoiding recent criminal activities.

  • Understanding and awareness: Possessing a comprehensive understanding of the naturalisation process and the legal implications of acquiring British citizenship.

  • Knowledge of life in the UK: Demonstrating sufficient knowledge about life in the UK.

  • Commitment to residency: The intention to either continue residing in the UK or remain in Crown service after the approval of the naturalisation application.