There are several ways to achieve UK PR, depending on your individual circumstances, career, or family situation. Below are the most common routes to UK Permanent Residency.

1. Skilled Worker Visa Route (Tier 2)

The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most common pathways for professionals seeking to live and work in the UK. Here’s how it works:

Step-by-Step Process:

• Step 1: Secure a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.
  
  

• Step 2: Apply for a Skilled Worker visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK.
  
  

• Step 3: After staying in the UK for 5 continuous years, you become eligible to apply for ILR.
  
  

• Step 4: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once you meet all criteria, such as salary thresholds and residency requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa:

• You must earn at least £26,200/year (or a job-specific salary threshold).
  
  

• English proficiency through IELTS or an equivalent test.
  
  

• Continuous employment in a skilled role is necessary for ILR eligibility.

2. Student Visa → Graduate Visa → Skilled Worker Visa Route

This pathway is ideal for international students who wish to stay and work in the UK post-graduation.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Step 1: First, apply for a Student Visa to study at a recognized institution in the UK.
  
  

• Step 2: Upon completing your degree, apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation.
  
  

• Step 3: After your graduate visa expires, switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if you find an eligible job.
  
  

• Step 4: Stay on the Skilled Worker Visa for 5 years, after which you can apply for ILR.

Key Notes:

• Time spent on a Student Visa doesn’t count toward the 5-year requirement for ILR.
  
  

• The Graduate Visa is a great bridge for those looking to gain work experience in the UK before switching to a skilled worker route.

3. Spouse or Partner Visa

For those who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), this pathway allows you to apply for permanent residency.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Step 1: Apply for a Spouse Visa or Civil Partner Visa if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a UK national or someone settled in the UK.
  
  

• Step 2: Stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa.
  
  

• Step 3: After 5 years, apply for ILR.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must demonstrate a genuine relationship.
  
  

• Meet the minimum income requirement of £18,600 annually or more, or show savings.
  
  

• Prove you have a basic understanding of the English language.

4. Innovator Visa & Global Talent Visa (Business and High-Skilled Workers)

These routes are for individuals with unique skills, especially entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. The Global Talent Visa is aimed at individuals who are leaders or emerging leaders in fields such as science, tech, medicine, engineering, humanities, arts, and digital technology.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Step 1: Get endorsement from a recognized UK body in your field.
  
  

• Step 2: Apply for the Global Talent Visa or Innovator Visa, which are tailored for high-skilled workers.
  
  

• Step 3: Stay for 3-5 years, depending on your visa type.
  
  

• Step 4: After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, apply for ILR.

Benefits of This Route:

• Faster track to ILR (within 3 years for Global Talent).
  
  

• Opportunities to bring dependents to the UK.
  
  

• Flexibility to switch jobs and work for multiple employers.

5. Long Residence Route

For individuals who have lived in the UK continuously on any valid visa for 10 years, the Long Residence Route can lead to PR.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Stay legally in the UK for 10 years.
  
  

• Absence from the UK must not exceed 540 days over the 10 years, and no single absence can be more than 180 days.
  
  

• No immigration violations during your stay.