UK Permanent Residence Application
Permanent Residence (PR) is a type of residency status you can seek in the UK if you are an EU citizen living in the UK. You must meet certain other requirements to be eligible before you can file a Permanent Residence Application.
This particular type of residency is available to EU citizens under the European law. A PR is similar to the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which is granted to non-EEA citizens who must adhere to the UK immigration law. The requirements for PR and ILR are similar and so are the residency rights available once you are granted either status.
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If you live in the UK and want to stay there for a long time, it’s important to know the right way to settle down. If you used to live in the EU permanently, are now a refugee, have humanitarian protection, discretionary leave, or another visa type that leads to settlement, getting professional legal help can greatly increase your chances of success.
Our experienced Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors in London give personalised advice to clients all over London and the UK. They make sure that applications are correct, follow the rules set by the Home Office, and are protected up by the right evidence.
Get in touch with our expert Solicitors today.
UK Permanent Residence Application
Under EU law, EEA nationals living in the UK could get Permanent Residence (PR), which was a type of long-term residency. But the UK Permanent Residence (EEA PR) route is now closed because of Brexit.
If you are an EU, EEA, or non-EEA citizen who wants to live in the UK permanently, you must now apply through other UK immigration routes, such as the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Stay as a Refugee or Under Humanitarian Protection
Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London give people in London and the UK expert advice on how to settle down, protect refugees, and stay in the country for a long time.
Settlement Routes Available in the UK
Today, most people in the UK get settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Settlement as a Refugee or Holder of Humanitarian Protection
Family and Work Visa Paths to ILR
Each route has strict rules about who can apply, and picking the wrong category is one of the most common reasons applications are turned rejected.
Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residence Application
You are eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence if you meet the following requirements:
- You are an EEA national
- You have been living in the UK for at least 5 years
- You have been exercising your Treaty rights
- You have not been away from the UK for more than 6 months
If you are applying as the non-EEA family member of an EEA citizen, the following requirements apply:
- You have been living in the UK with an EEA family member for 5 years.
- Your EEA family member had permanent residency rights or legal immigration status throughout these five years.
- You have lived with an EEA national in an EEA country for five years before coming to the UK. This is possible through the ‘Surinder Singh Route.’
You can consult our European nationals solicitors to know the precise set of requirements you must fulfil. Our British residence solicitors London can also advise you how best to satisfy these requirements.
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EEA Permanent Residence Application After Brexit
As noted above, it is no longer possible for you to apply for an EEA Permanent Residence in the UK following Brexit. At the same time, the EUSS deadline has passed and unless you qualify as an exemption, you can’t apply for PR any more.
If you already have a Pre-Settled or Settled Status under EUSS, you can continue living in the UK. Once you have been in the UK for five years, you can then apply for a permanent residency status and ultimately apply for British citizenship. You also have the option of seeking a Frontier Worker Visa as a European national in the UK.
The Home Office is yet to devise new immigration rules for the European nationals who want to arrive, work, live, or settle in the UK. For this reason, the precise UK immigration options for European citizens are unclear at this time. You can consult reputable European national solicitors to get the latest updates in this area.
If you have been living in the UK as a European national and are no longer sure of your status, or if you want to come and settled in the UK, it is critical that you consult reliable British residence solicitors London.
Get in touch with our expert Solicitors today.
After Receiving Permanent Residence
An EEA PR grants you the right to live in the UK for the rest of your life. There are no restrictions on your entry or exit, which means that you don’t need a visa to enter or leave the UK. You can also work, study, and reside anywhere in the British territories.
However, the continuity of the PR status is subject to certain conditions. If you leave the UK for 2 continuous years without returning, the Home Office can revoke your permanent residency status on its discretion.
Your PR status is also subject to your adherence to British law and any serious or criminal offences may have an impact on it.
Applying for Settled Status After Brexit
If you are an EU national who arrived in the UK after 1 January 2021, you must meet specific requirements to qualify for settled status. Non-EEA nationals can also settle in the UK by applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once they meet the required residence period.
In most cases, you may be eligible for ILR if you have:
- Lived in the UK lawfully for at least 5 years
- Held a qualifying visa, such as a Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Spouse/Partner, or Family visa
- Met the financial requirements (where applicable)
- Passed the Life in the UK Test and met the English language requirement
To apply for ILR, you must submit supporting documents, provide biometric information if required, and meet all Home Office criteria. Our Permanent Residence application lawyers London can guide you through each step to ensure your application is accurate and complete.
Get in touch with our expert Solicitors today.
Who Can Apply for ILR in the UK?
In addition to refugees, ILR may be available to individuals under various routes, including:
Refugee and Humanitarian Protection Route
- Five years’ continuous residence
- Ongoing need for protection
Work Routes
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa
Family Routes
- Spouse or Partner Visa
- Parent or Child of a settled person
Long Residence
- 10 years’ lawful residence in the UK
Each route has different requirements. Consulting Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London ensures you apply under the correct category.
Common Reasons ILR Applications Are Refused
Many ILR applications fail due to avoidable mistakes, including:
- Gaps in lawful residence
- Incorrect application category
- Failure to disclose criminal convictions
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- Missing deadlines
Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London review every application carefully to minimise risks and avoid refusals.
How Adam Bernard Solicitors Helped You Secure Indefinite Leave to Remain
At Adam Bernard , we understand that applying for settlement in the UK can be overwhelming—especially for refugees and migrants who have already faced uncertainty. Our experienced Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London provide clear, practical, and compassionate legal support at every stage of your immigration journey.
1. Personalised Legal Assessment
We begin with a detailed review of your immigration history, refugee or humanitarian status, and current visa conditions. Our solicitors assess your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain and advise you on the most appropriate route under UK immigration law.
2. Expert Guidance on Eligibility Requirements
ILR applications are governed by strict Home Office rules. Adam Bernard’s ensures you fully understand:
- Continuous residence requirements
- Good character and criminal record rules
- Refugee-specific settlement conditions
- Risks that could affect your application
Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London explain everything in plain language, so you know exactly where you stand.
3. Preparation of a Strong Application
We handle every aspect of your ILR application, including:
- Completing the correct Home Office forms
- Preparing detailed legal representations
- Organising and reviewing supporting documents
- Ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout
This careful approach significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
4. Refugee and Humanitarian Protection Expertise
Refugee settlement applications require specialist legal knowledge. Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London have extensive experience working with:
- Refugee status holders
- Humanitarian protection cases
- Complex immigration histories
- Vulnerable clients and families
We ensure your protection status is properly reflected and defended in your application.
5. Biometric and UKVCAS Support
If your application requires biometric enrolment, we guide you through the UKVCAS process, helping you:
- Book appointments
- Prepare required documents
- Avoid delays or missed deadlines
6. Handling Refusals, Appeals, and Reviews
If your ILR application is refused, Adam Bernard can:
- Advise on administrative reviews
- Prepare appeals where legally available
- Submit fresh applications with stronger evidence
Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London act quickly and strategically to protect your lawful status.
Why Clients Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors
Clients across London and the UK choose Adam Bernard Solicitors for the following reasons:
- We specialise in refugee and settlement law
- We offer personalised legal strategies
- We provide clear, honest advice
- We have a strong track record of success
- We offer free initial consultations
Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London understand the emotional and legal challenges refugees face and provide compassionate, results-driven representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refugees can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK after completing 5 years of continuous residence with refugee status or humanitarian protection. The application is made to the Home Office and must include proof of residence, identity documents, and compliance with UK immigration laws. Many applicants choose Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London to avoid errors that could lead to refusal.
Most people search this when planning settlement. Refugee ILR applications usually take up to 6 months, although complex cases may take longer. Using experienced Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London can help reduce delays caused by missing documents or incorrect information.
Yes. Refugees are eligible to apply for permanent residence through Indefinite Leave to Remain after living in the UK lawfully for 5 years. This is one of the most common search queries related to refugee settlement in the UK.
Many people ask this before applying. While it is not legally required, refugee ILR applications can be complex. Using Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London significantly increases the chances of success, especially if there are absences, criminal records, or previous immigration issues.
Yes, this is a very common search concern. ILR can be refused due to criminal convictions, false information, long absences from the UK, or failure to meet eligibility rules. Specialist Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London can assess risks before submission.
People often search this when planning family settlement. Family members such as spouses and children may apply for ILR if they were granted leave in line with the refugee or meet family immigration requirements under UK law.
This question is frequently searched by refugees nearing settlement. ILR allows permanent residence in the UK, while British citizenship provides a UK passport and voting rights. Most refugees can apply for citizenship 12 months after getting ILR.
Adam Bernard’s provides end-to-end legal support for refugee ILR applications, including eligibility assessment, document preparation, application submission, and Home Office correspondence. Our Indefinite Leave to Remain Refugee Solicitors London ensure your application meets all legal requirements and avoids common refusal reasons.
