This section relates to those who have the right to live in the UK either temporarily or permanently, and illustrates the various routes available. Generally, an applicant will have to spend a set period of time (typically two to five years) meeting the criteria of their chosen immigration status in order to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Once they have completed this qualifying period, they will be entitiled to remain in the UK permanently. Following one year of Indefinite Leave, the applicant may wish to apply for British Citizenship.

The majority of our customers got their permanent residence visa through SET(O) route. You must have lived legally in the UK for a specified length of time before you qualify to apply for permanent residence. This period depends on which category you are in. The qualifying periods are:

four years - for former members of HM Forces;
five years - for work permit holder; employment not requiring a work permit (but sole representatives should use form BUS); writer, composer or artist; United Kingdom ancestry; and highly skilled migrant; and
10 years legal stay (e.g. as a student ) or 14 years illegal stay - for long residence