Should I apply for Indefinite leave to remain?
In this article we look at what Indefinite Leave to Remain might mean for you and the benefits of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
UK Immigration and Indefinite Leave to Remain solicitors
London based OTS Solicitors specialise in immigration law. If you are interested in applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain and need specialist immigration law advice call the friendly expert team at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form. Appointments are available through video conferencing, Skype or by telephone appointment.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Indefinite Leave to Remain can also be referred to by Immigration solicitors as ‘settlement’ as although Indefinite Leave to Remain doesn’t confer British Citizenship on you it does give you a right to live and work in the UK without any Immigration restrictions. That means you don’t need a visa to stay in the UK and you won't therefore be subject to visa restrictions and conditions.
Do I need Indefinite Leave to Remain?
UK visas are time limited and if you know that you want to stay in the UK, without the hassle of regular visa applications and the risk that because of changing visa eligibility criteria you may not be successful when you next apply to renew your visa, then an Indefinite Leave to Remain application may be the best option for you.
In addition, if you are a non-EEA national who wants to apply for British Citizenship then you will need to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain status first.
How long can you stay in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Once you have Indefinite Leave to Remain you can stay in the UK on an indefinite basis free from Immigration control. That means you can leave and enter the UK without having to worry about visa requirements.
What are the benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain?
If you obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain you can:
- Live in the UK
- Study in the UK
- Work in the UK without needing a work visa or an Entrepreneur Visa, such as a Start-up visa
- Claim benefits in the UK.
What are the limitations of Indefinite Leave to Remain?
There are limitations to Indefinite Leave to Remain as it isn’t British Citizenship. With Indefinite Leave to Remain you can't:
- Apply for a British passport
- Vote
- Leave the UK for more than two years.
Also, your Indefinite Leave to Remain can be revoked by the Home Office if you commit an offence that could lead to deportation or for reasons of national security.
Should I apply for permanent residence rather than Indefinite Leave to Remain?
If you are a non-EEA national you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you are an EEA citizen you can apply for permanent residence or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Therefore your choice of what you can apply for depends on your nationality rather than your personal preferences. However, Indefinite Leave to Remain, permanent residence and settled status can all lead to an applicant being able to apply for British citizenship.
Do I need to apply for British Citizenship?
If you secure Indefinite Leave to Remain then you don’t have to go on to apply for British citizenship as you can remain in the UK indefinitely on Indefinite Leave to Remain . It is a matter of personal choice of whether you want to apply for British naturalisation or not.
You do need Indefinite Leave to Remain before you can apply for British Citizenship. Most people need to hold Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least a year before they can make a British naturalisation application. You don’t need to wait a year if you are married to a UK citizen or settled resident.
What are my options if I want to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain but I’m not eligible?
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain then it is best to speak to Indefinite Leave to Remain solicitors as they can check the eligibility criteria on your behalf. If the Immigration solicitors conclude you aren’t eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain they can advise you on your other options, such as an application to extend your work visa or family visa or to switch visa. It is important that you make any visa extension application or switch application before your existing visa expires to prevent the Home Office classifying you as an overstayer.
How can OTS Solicitors help?
If you are interested in applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain then it is best to get expert legal advice from specialistIndefinite Leave to Remain solicitors and immigration law experts who can advise on the best way to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain.
UK immigration and Indefinite Leave to Remain solicitors
London based OTS Solicitors specialise in Indefinite Leave to Remain applications and Immigration law. If you need specialist immigration law advice on your Indefinite Leave to Remain application call the friendly expert team at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form. Appointments are available through video conferencing, Skype or by telephone appointment.