Work Related Settlement in the UK

The UK offers several pathways to settlement through employment, including the Skilled Worker visa, Innovator visa, Sole Representative of an Overseas Business category, and the UK Ancestry visa.

Main Eligibility Requirements for Work Related Settlement

To qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK under any of these categories, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You have resided lawfully in the UK continuously for a period of 5 years in a permitted category.

• You have not exceeded 180 days of absence from the UK in any rolling 12-calendar month period leading up to your application.

• You possess sufficient knowledge of the English language, unless exempt.

• You have successfully passed the Life in the UK test, unless exempt.

Each work-related settlement category also has specific additional eligibility criteria, summarized below.

Additional Information on Work Related Settlement

Once granted ILR:

• You can reside in the UK without any time constraints.

• Your settled status may lapse if you are absent from the UK for more than 2 years. To return, you might consider applying for a Returning Resident visa.

• Obtaining ILR is crucial for qualifying for British citizenship through Naturalisation, which requires settlement in the UK.

Exceptions to the English language and Life in the UK test requirements include being under 18 or over 65 years old. The Home Office may also waive these requirements due to specific mental or physical conditions, among other exemptions.

If you are already in the UK but unable to meet the English language requirement, you may have options to extend your permission to stay to demonstrate your English proficiency.

For tailored guidance, it's advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer.