The UK offers several routes to settlement by working in the UK.  Work related settlement routes include the Skilled Worker visa, the Innovator visa, the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business category and the UK Ancestry visa.

What are the main eligibility requirements for work related settlement?

In order to be eligible for indefinite leave to remain, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the requirements, regardless of the category you apply under.

• You have resided in the UK for a consecutive period of 5 years in a lawful manner under a permitted category.
• You must not have been away from the UK for more than 180 days in any consecutive 12-month period prior to the application date.
• You possess an ample understanding of the English language (unless there is an exemption that applies);
• You have successfully completed and achieved a passing score on the Life in the UK test, unless you are exempted from taking it.

What else do I need to know about work related settlement?

If you meet the requirements for settlement or indefinite leave to remain, you will be permitted to reside in the UK without any limitations on the duration of your stay.

If you are away from the UK for a period exceeding 2 years, your settled status will expire. If your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has expired, you may want to contemplate applying for a Returning Resident visa to be able to come back to the United Kingdom.

Attaining permanent resident status is crucial for eligibility for a British passport, as becoming a British Citizen through Naturalisation necessitates that the individual is established in the UK.

If you are under 18 or at least 65 years old, you are exempt from fulfilling the English language requirement or passing the Life in the UK test.

The Home Office also possesses the authority to exempt you from the obligation if it would be impractical to anticipate you to meet such obligation due to a mental or physical condition. Additionally, there are several other exemptions that are applicable.

If you are currently residing in the UK but are unable to meet the English language requirement, you may have the option to extend your stay permit in order to demonstrate your proficiency in English.