Have you been living in the UK for a continuous 5 year period as a PBS (Points-Based System) dependant? Then we might have some good news for you! You have met the first formal requirement to apply for settlement in the UK.
What if your spouse is a British citizen by now?
If you are applying for settlement as a dependant of a PBS migrant, then it shouldn’t be a problem provided that your spouse held indefinite leave to remain status as a relevant PBS Migrant prior to become a British citizen.
What is ILR?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a status which gives you the right to stay, work, or study in the UK without any time limit. Much better than extending your visa all the time, right? Now that you’ve heard some good news, let’s start looking at what else needs to be done to obtain this status.
First of all
As always everything starts with an application form, which has to be filled in online. It may not be easy because some questions can give you a hard time.
You will need to prove everything you state in the application form. Let’s take a look at some of the most important statements that you will need to support with evidence.
Absences from the UK
There is a limit to your absences from the UK. You are only allowed to be away for 180 days in any 12 months during the qualifying 5 year period. The application form asks to provide evidence of your absences from the UK, but please bear in mind that as a PBS dependant you will not need to give reasons for absences if you do not exceed the 180 day limit.
Knowledge of English and life in the UK
According to the rules a person who is applying for settlement in the UK needs to prove that they can speak English to the required standard and have the essential knowledge of life in the UK. The only way to prove that you know life in the UK is to pass a test called “Life in the UK”. If you pass you will get a Pass Notification Letter. As for proof of knowledge of English, this could be in the form of a degree taught in English or an English language qualification at levels B1, B2, C1 or C2. Shouldn’t be a problem after 5 years, right?
Who doesn’t need to prove their knowledge of English?
Please note that you do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are aged 65 or over or unable to, because of a long-term physical or mental condition. You will need to provide a completed exemption form from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition.
The same applies to those who are from one of the countries listed here.
How we can help
The process of obtaining your ILR is not easy by any means. We offer help to those who want to settle in the UK without having to worry about anything. Be it professional advice, document checking or acting on your behalf. If you wish to stop worrying about what to do to obtain your settlement status, then we hope to hear from you soon.