Step by Step Guide for UK Immigration

Currently, everybody is trying to, or wanting to move to United Kingdom (UK), considering the economic status of the UK, with Great Britain Pound being one of the highest trading volume and 5th most valuable currency in the world. To make your move and life easier, this article provides a step-by-step guide for you to apply for an indefinite visa for UK.

In order to settle down in UK one needs to have an indefinite leave to remain (ILR). After getting an ILR one can stay for as long as they want while having the right to work and study within the UK, and can also apply for benefits according to the eligibility criteria along with British citizenship.

Here are the steps that you’ll need to follow to obtain your UK visa:

Step 1: Select the right visa type and determine eligibility.

Step 2: Collect required documentation

Step 3: Submit Online Application

Step 4: Schedule your appointment in an embassy near you

We have outlined the documentation and eligibility requirements for different visa types below:

• People present in UK on work visa are eligible to apply for an indefinite visa after five years, but if you have entered UK on an entrepreneur or innovator visa you can apply for ILR after two or three years.

For a person to lie under this category he or she will have to meet the minimum requirement of using English language in correct manner along with the money that you will be using to set up your viable business in UK. For reliable immigration advice UK, it is recommended to discuss your case with an immigration lawyer.

You will also have to show the means in which you have been able to acquire the money that you will be investing. However, the restriction of investing a minimum amount in UK has been lifted in order to acquire this visa. People who are residing in UK because of their talents, for example if they are a sportsperson representing UK, are also eligible to apply for ILR under the same conditions.

• People having family in UK are also allowed to apply for an ILR. If a person is already a British citizen and is married, their spouse can apply for an indefinite visa after residing in UK for five years. Nonetheless this is not the only requirement to apply for an ILR, the income threshold of your partner should also be £18,600 per annum.

The person residing in UK on spouse visa should also meet the minimum requirement of English language usage. The same process goes for a parent or any other dependent, you just have to prove that you have enough funds to support the dependent and if you apply after 10 years you are not even required to do so.

• People who have already resided in UK for more than ten years are also eligible for an indefinite visa if they have the knowledge of language and life, meaning they will have to take life in the UK test along with having to prove sufficient English language skill. They are also required to have resided in the UK for 540 days without any gaps.

To apply for an ILR under this category one will also be required to provide all the passports that have been used over the years, a valid travel ID, and biometric residence permit. Other documents can also be required of you depending on the circumstances. Online service has been provided in order to make an appointment at UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services. After you have gotten the ILR you cannot stay out of the UK for more than two years, however, if you do you will have to apply for a returning UK visa.

• People from Commonwealth states are also eligible to apply for an ancestry visa that allows you to live in UK indefinitely. To apply for this visa, you need to prove that you belong to a Commonwealth state along with being a resident of UK for at least five years without leaving UK for more than 180 days. You will also have to prove the means of supporting yourself, along with the plan on residing and working in UK.

Other ways to immigrate to UK include getting an asylum on the basis of human rights violation, if you are returning to UK after having acquired an indefinite visa before, and if you have served in the armed forces of the Great Britain.

In case of a refusal on visa application you can always appeal the decision within ninety days, even when no right of an appeal has been granted. A Newcastle Immigration Lawyer can assist you with your appeal, to ensure a positive outcome.

It is important to note that UK’s immigration process is not like other countries requiring a point-based system, however it requires for you to be present in the country for some time when applying for an indefinite visa.