Home Office
You may be able to settle permanently in the UK if you have a Scale-up Worker visa.
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. Its also called settlement. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if youre eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
Eligibility
You must:
- have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years - there are rules for what counts towards your time in the UK
- meet the financial requirements
If youre not eligible using your Scale-up Worker visa, there are other ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Knowledge of language and life in the UK
If youre 18 to 64 youll need to book and pass the Life in the UK Test.
You do not need to prove you meet the English language requirements when you apply to settle using your Scale-up Worker visa. This is because you did this when you applied for your visa.
When to apply
The earliest you can apply is 28 days before youve been in the UK for 5 years on a qualifying visa. Check which visas count towards your time in the UK. Your application may be refused if you apply earlier.
Do not wait until your current visa expires. If your visa expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, youll need to renew it first.
Fees and how long it takes
It costs 2,404 for each person applying. You can include your partner and children on the same application form, if theyre eligible.
Youll each need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - theres no fee for this.
Youll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service.
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Get a faster decision on your application
You can pay an extra 500 to use the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.
You can pay an extra 800 to use the super priority service to get a decision:
- by the end of the next working day after providing your fingerprints and photo (known as biometric information) if your appointment is on a weekday
- 2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.