The UK is one of the most popular destinations for people looking to immigrate. However, there are many different types of immigration status in the UK, and it can be complicated to identify which one will serve best for your situation.
In this article, we will go over each type of immigration status to make an informed decision about what’s right for you!
Permanent Residency Status in the UK
Permanent residency status gives you permission to stay and work indefinitely. However, you cannot vote or hold public office. You can demand citizenship after five years of owning this immigration status. If your situation changes, such as getting married or divorced while on permanent residency status, it may impact your status in the UK.
Temporary Residency Status
If you plan to stay for a limited amount of time, this is what you want! You can apply for temporary residency, which will be valid for up to five years or 30 months if it’s an option. Once applied, there isn’t much paperwork required, and you can change jobs, open bank accounts and buy property. After five years, permanent residency is permitted on this type of immigration status in the UK.
Study Visa
If you intend to study at a school or college in the UK for three months or more, apply for your student visa! You can bring family members with you while going to school, but they need to apply for their own visa (student or spouse). The good news is that students can stay after graduation and work in the UK.
Work Visa
If you plan to work while living in the UK, this type of immigration status is right for you! You may bring family members with you, but they will need to apply separately. The work visa is valid for six years and can be extended if required.
Temporary Work Visa
If your job search in the UK isn’t fruitful, maybe a temporary work visa is what you want! This immigration status allows you to stay for up to 12 months and work for a specific employer. You can bring family members with you, but they must apply separately.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
This type of immigration status is the final step in the UK points-based system for non-EU citizens. It enables you to stay in the kingdom indefinitely, leave and come back as many times as you want (and work/study without restrictions). You must have lived there on a family visa or another type of immigration status for five years before applying.
This variation can sometimes be complex such as, if you have lived around 20 years of private life in the UK, applying for ILR can be a hassle and confusing as you need to deal with a lot of things. Consider consulting expert immigration solicitors to find your way out in such situations.
Spouse Visa
If your spouse plans to move to the UK and live their long term (for more than six months), this immigration status may be correct for them! The good news is that spouses of citizens and permanent residents don’t need to apply for their visa (they can come and live with you), but spouses of temporary residents will need a separate visa.
Marriage Visa
This immigration status is specifically designed for people who are not citizens or permanent residents and wish to marry someone living in the UK. It allows them to come and live in the UK for up to six months. There isn’t a time limit on this kind of immigration status, but you can only apply if your spouse will live or work in the UK at the end of your stay.
Fiance Visa
If you are engaged to someone already living/working in the UK, this immigration status may be for you! You can apply for a fiance visa, allowing the two of you to visit each other. Once married, your spouse can then live in the UK.
Nurses Visa
If you are currently serving as a nurse in another country and want to work in the UK, this immigration status may be for you! You can apply as a temporary worker and have an employment contract before applying.
Ancestry Visa
If your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents were born in the UK (and you also fulfil specific requirements), this type of visa could allow you to move there without needing sponsorship from an employer. However, you will need to prove that all your grandparents were born in the UK, and at least one of them is a British citizen or permanent resident. You can also apply for this visa if both parents are citizens or permanent residents living outside the UK (as long as they don’t live in Ireland).
Dependent Visa
If you plan to move to the UK with your spouse or partner already living there (with their visa, work visa or citizenship), this immigration status may be for you! You can apply as a dependent family member and have an employment contract before applying.
Asylum Status
This immigration status will allow you to stay in the UK if you are scared of returning to your country. It can require up to six months for this type of immigration status application, and there is no limit on how long they will need you while processing it.
These are just the popular variations of immigration visas in the UK. There are obviously other variations.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom offers many immigration statuses. These are primarily for people who wish to work or study in the UK but can also be applied to those with close ties to an EU citizen, refugees and asylum seekers. To discover which one is best suited for your situation, you’ll need first to determine what type of visa you would like.
