Your first step towards getting British citizenship may be getting an Indefinite leave to remain visa in the UK. You must fulfil particular standards and provide copious supporting documents regarding your status in order to be eligible.
It is advisable to get professional immigration advice because this application process could be challenging and time-sensitive. The most frequently asked issues about Indefinite leave to remain visa UK are fully addressed in this article.
You can speak with one of our knowledgeable immigration lawyers in London if you have any additional questions concerning your ILR application. ILR is a settled status given to non-EEA nationals who have lived in the nation for a sufficient time.
ILR Visa FAQs:
Question 1: What is the difference between an indefinite leave to remain visa and citizenship?
Answer: It is not the same as citizenship, even though Indefinite Leave to Remain allows you to live in the UK without facing immigration limitations. If you have ILR, you are not a citizen of the UK.
You must wait one from the date your ILR is granted if you want to change your status and become a citizen. You do not have to wait much longer if you are married to a UK citizen, though. ILR is, therefore, a requirement in order to settle and get a British passport.
Question 2: I am a citizen of the EEA. Can I submit my application for an ILR?
Answer: Non-EEA nationals who want to move to the UK are eligible for the ILR status. If you’re from an EEA nation and want to live there permanently, you must apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Until December 2020, the settlement status will be accessible. EU citizens can only confirm their legal permanent residence in the UK in this manner.
Also Read: Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Possible to Expire?
Question 3: Are ILR and UK permanent resident status equal?
Answer: If you have ILR, there are no temporal limits on how long you can stay in the UK. Likewise, having permanent residence gives you unrestricted entry and exit from the nation. Both ILR holders and permanent residents enjoy the same advantages under UK immigration laws.
These immigration requirements aren’t equivalent, though. Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK can only be applied for by non-EEA nationalities. To be able to settle in the UK and become British citizens, applicants from the EU should apply for permanent resident status.
Question 4: My work visa is a Tier 2 one. Do I qualify for ILR?
Answer: To be able to work in the UK, non-EEA workers must apply for a Tier 2 Visa. After five years of eligible, continuous, and legal residence, you can settle if you desire to stay in the nation.
You must earn a minimum of £35,800 and continue to work for a registered sponsor at the time of your application in order to change your status.
Question 5: Can I travel to the UK while my application for an ILR is being processed?
Answer: You must send your passport in its original form as part of your ILR application, along with your form and supporting documentation. It also holds for your dependents. In other words, during this time, you won’t be able to leave the UK and travel abroad. Only after processing of your application will your passport be returned. Usually, you’ll have it 10 working days after making your decision.
Also Read: What To Do When Your Bio-metric Residence Permit Expires
Question 6: I study full-time in the UK. Do I qualify for ILR?
Answer: The student visa status is currently eligible for ILR. To qualify for permanent residency, you must first have lived in the UK continuously for 10 years so as to fulfil the ILR eligibility requirements. You will be eligible to submit your application on the basis of “long residence” after this time.
Conclusion:
My Legal Services, an Immigration lawyer in Central London will be satisfied to provide you with the best advice for your ILR application. We can also assist your family in settling in the UK if you already hold an ILR and want to bring your dependents with you. If you require assistance with your immigration issue, contact us.