Is it Easy to Get a PR in UK?

The United Kingdom offers the best education, jobs, research opportunities, and healthcare system. As a result, it is the third most popular destination for International students. Living in the UK will give you exposure to diverse environments due to the large immigrant population. The UK also provides world-class facilities to its residents. Hence, choosing the UK for PR is a great idea. Whether you are an International student or an employee, this article will help you learn that is it easy to get a PR in UK or not.

Note: The PR in the UK is called an ‘indefinite leave to remain’. The permit allows you to stay in the country for an indefinite period.

Steps to Get PR in the UK

Getting a PR in the UK is easy. However, it completely depends upon whether you are entering the country as an International student, a relative or spouse of a UK citizen, or are on a work visa. As a result, the eligibility criteria can vary. Below are the steps you can take to get a PR in the UK.

Must Read: Intakes in UK

International Students

To get PR as an International student, you can live and work in the UK for 5 years. The student’s job should also meet the salary requirements, which need to be more than £25,600 (INR 28.85 lakh)  per year.  It has to be INR 20.70 lakh) per year. The job needs to be approved by the Home Office and has been continued by the student even after getting indefinite leave to remain. Those aged between 18 to 64 need to take the ‘’Life in the UK’’ test as well.  Apart from that, the English language criteria need to be met. It has to be B1 level of CEFR or the Common Europen Framework of References for Languages or a degree taught in English.

Get Employed 

Another way to get a PR in the UK is to get employed. Those who have has Tier-2 general work visas can apply for Permanent Residency. However, the applicant needs to hold a work visa for 5 years. The employer can sponsor the candidate in this regard. Also, there is a need to prove that your earnings are at least £25,600 per year. This criterion can be waived if you are working in the healthcare sector in a profession that comes under the occupation shortage list.

Companies hiring international students in UK

Be a Family Member of the UK Citizen

Another way to apply for the PR is by being the spouse, parent, or dependent relative of a UK citizen. In this case, such an individual can apply for the Visa within 2 years. Even in the case of a family member, the English test is mandatory, as well as providing proof of finance. However, there are exceptions. For example, you can’t apply for a work visa if you are living in the UK on a Tier 2 ICT. 

Live in the UK 

Another way to get a PR is to live in the UK for at least 5 years. In this scenario, you can apply for residence. The exceptions are there, such as an individual who is already living in the UK on a Tier 2 ICT work visa.

Must Read: Uk Education System

What are the Benefits of PR in the UK?

Is it easy to get a PR in the UK? Yes. It is. Once you get the PR, you can access a lot of benefits. This is the reason why many people seek out permanent residency in the UK:

1. After getting a PR, you can live, study, or work in the UK without any restrictions. This means you do not need a visa or get a work permit to work in the UK or study. You can even start a business!
2. Moreover, you will be able to access government benefits like free education. NHS (healthcare benefits), and social security support.
3. Your PR also becomes the pathway to citizenship. After 12 months of getting an ILR, you can even become a British citizen!
4. There will no longer be an immigration restriction. This means you do not have to apply for a visa renewal or sponsorship. You are permitted to stay indefinitely.
5. You can also bring your family with you on a dependent visa
6. You are also free to travel out of the UK. However, you must ensure that you are not living outside the country for more than 2 years.

To learn about the fastest ways to get PR in the UK, watch this video:

What are the UK PR Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students?

Is it Easy to Get a PR in UK? Yes. If you stay in the country for 5 years. After completing your studies, you can apply for a post-study work permit and seek employment. Thereafter, you can apply for a work visa. You can get a PR based on your work visa. The basic eligibility criteria that you need to meet are as follows:

Work Visa Eligible for PR	Duration of Stay Required to Get a PR
Tier 2, T2, International Sportsperson or Skilled Worker visa	5 years
Global Talent (Tier 1 Entrepreneur or Investor visa)	2-3 years
Scale up worker visa	5 years
Innovator Founder visa	3 years
You represent overseas business	5 years
You are a private servant of a diplomatic household/have a diplomatic worker visa	5 years

On the other hand, those born in the UK and who have stayed there for 7 years can directly apply for an indefinite leave to remain. Adults who want to apply to settle on the private life route must be above the age of 18, have lived in the country for 10 continuous years, and have been given a visa based on their private life.

Additional Eligibility Criteria for PR in the UK

It is not sufficient that you have stayed in the country for 5 years. Is it easy to get a PR in the UK? Yes. If you meet the additional criteria as well.

Additional Eligibility Criteria to Get a PR in the UK	Description
Continuous stay	You need to stay in the country for at least 5 years (or 2-3 years, depending on your visa)
Clear the Life in the UK test	That is, if you are between the ages of 18 to 64
Speak English	Must have at least B1 level language proficiency; otherwise, you must have completed a degree that is taught in English
Meet the salary requirement	You must earn a minimum salary (around EUR 38,700 per year/or the going rate for your job)
Documents	You must have the necessary documents to apply for an indefinite leave to remain

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Permanent Residence UK?

Is it easy to get a PR in the UK? Yes. However, to get a PR, you need to submit the relevant documents.

S.No	UK PR Documents Checklist	Description
1	Passport	A valid passport or any other document that can prove your identity
2	Biometric residence permit (BRP)	This can be an expired
3	Proof of your immigration status (If you have an eVisa)	Get a share code for the same (visit the UK Visas and Immigration account for this purpose)
4	Previous passports	Proof of all the passports you have held
5	Clear the life in UK test, and submit the unique reference number or the test reference ID	That is, if you are between the ages of 18 and 65
6	Certificate of translation	If you are submitting any documents that were not originally in English
7	Proof of salary (if applicable)	You need to show your employment contract and salary slips to prove you receive the minimum salary to work in the country
8	Additional documents	Any other additional documents based on your circumstances

How to Apply for PR in UK after Study?

Is it easy to get a PR in the UK? Yes. If you meet the requirements. You won’t get a PR directly after your studies. You need to stay in the country for 5 years and meet the duration of stay. After you have met the duration requirement and have gathered the relevant documents, you can start the PR application process. The application process is as follows:

1. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a PR. 
2. Ensure you have the relevant documents 
3. Make the application online by visiting the official website of the UK government 
4. You are permitted to add your partner or any children if they are your dependents 
5. You will be told of the next steps when you submit the application 
6. Additionally, as a part of the visa application process, you are required to submit the PR application fees. 
7. The PR application processing starts only after the visa fee has been paid
8. A decision will be made, and you will be informed of the same.

Where to Apply for a UK PR?

It is important to know where to apply for a UK PR. Assuming that you are/will be already in the UK at the time of application, the form can be submitted online at:

UK PR	Where to Apply
Indefinite Leave to Remain	Gov.UK (offical website of the UK government)

How Much is the Application Fee for PR in the UK?

The application fees for PR in the UK are as follows:

Particulars	PR Application Fee
UK PR cost	EUR 2,885 per applicant.

Note: Visa fees are subject to change.

How Long Does It Take to Get PR UK?

Is it easy to get a PR in the UK? Yes. It is. However, you will have to stay in the country for 5 years continuously. This is the duration of stay you need to meet. However, if you are holding a Tier 1 visa, you only have to spend around 2-3 years in the country before applying for a PR. Thereafter, you can apply for a PR if you meet the requirements. The UK PR processing time is provided below:

Particulars	PR Application Fee
UK PR processing time	6 months (approximately)

However, the exact PR processing time depends on your application type. Also, it is important to note that just like the visa fee, the processing time is also subject to change.

How Many Years to Get a British Citizenship on a Student Visa?

First of all, you cannot get British citizenship on a student visa. The PR is the pathway to get citizenship in the country. After you have held the indefinite leave to remain (UK PR) for 12 months, you can apply for citizenship. To get the citizenship you must meet additional requirements apart from meeting the PR requirements. For example, 

1. You must be above the age of 18
2. Must prove that you have stayed in the UK for at least 5 years 
3. Prove that you can communicate in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic or English
4. Must intend to continue living in the country
5. Must be of good character.

Visa Application Centres in India for UK PR Information

A visa application centre in India is not responsible for granting you the UK PR. You can, however, approach a visa application centre to learn about a Uk work visa, or a student visa that can later on become the pathway for UK PR. Consulting any of the visa application centres, you can learn more information about how long it takes to get PR, and other additional information.

City	Address
Delhi	VFS Global Services, Schengen JVAC, Shivaji Stadium Metro station, Connaught Place, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, 110001
Mumbai	German Visa Application Centre, Axis Building, Third Floor, Mumbai West, Mahalaxmi, 400011
Kolkata	VFS Global, Joint Visa Application, Fifth floor, Rene Tower, Rajdanga Main Road, Near Gitanjali Stadium, Kolkata, 700107
Chennai	VFS Global Services, Fagun Tower, Third Floor, Ethiraj Salai Egmore, Chennai, 600008
Bengaluru	22, Bannerghatta Main Road, Sarakki Industrial Layout, Phase III, JP Nagar, Bengaluru, 560076
Pune	Office Number 501, 5th Floor, Sohrab Hall, Tadiwala Rd, Railway Station, Pune, 411001
Gurugram	VFS Global Services, Germany Visa Application, Fourth Floor, ILD Trade Centre, Sec-47, Sohna Road, Gurugram, 122001
Ahmedabad	GCCI Building, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad, India, 380008

Is it Worth Moving to UK from India?

Yes. It is worth moving to the UK from India. There are several reasons why I recommend it. Some of these reasons are as follows-

1. The UK offers better career opportunities. There is high demand for employees in sections like engineering. IT, finance, and education. Moreover, they offer a competitive salary.
2. The quality of life of really high. You can live in clean cities, access reliable public transport, better healthcare facilities, and get social security.
3. Moreover, the UK universities are among the best in the world. Therefore, you can access quality education.
4. There are clear pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Moreover, you can also get British citizenship! That is, only if you meet the requirements 
5. The UK has a diverse and multicultural society and welcomes people from all backgrounds
6. Living in the UK means you can access the rest of Europe easily
7. Moreover, if you become a permanent resident, you can access free NHS healthcare, unemployment support, and childcare benefits as well.

However, you might take time to culturally adjust. UK also have a high cost of living. The weather conditions are also unpredictable, and there are strict immigration policies set up.

Is it Easy for Indians to Settle in the UK? An Opinion

It is moderately easy for you to get a PR in the UK. We say this for many reasons. Some of these reasons are provided below-

1. You will get a post-study work visa after completing your studies. This will give you time to look for jobs in the country.
2. However, to get a work permit, you need to meet the salary requirements. (which can be quite difficult) Unless you are taking up a job that requires foreign employees. For example, if you are in the healthcare field, you can easily get a work permit.
3. Once you get a work permit, you have to stay in the country for 5 years. (This is easy if you already have a work permit)

In short. It is easy for Indians to settle in the UK. However, you must plan ahead, and prepare accordingly. For example, understand the job market and look for jobs that are more accepting of foregin employees.

FAQs

Getting PR in the UK is possible for those who have entered the United Kingdom as an International student or as an employee. In such cases, it is easy to apply for PR. Another way, to get PR is to be related to a UK citizen or to have lived in the UK for more than five years. The PR will make you a citizen of one of the best countries in the world. Don’t forget to check out our blog on studying in the UK.

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