For OFWs and their families, the United Kingdom symbolizes more than just a work destination; it’s a place to establish deep roots and build a secure future. Central to this journey is the attainment of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), colloquially known as settlement, which grants individuals the irrevocable right to call the UK their permanent home.
In this comprehensive guide tailored specifically for dependents of visa holders, we explore the intricate process of applying for ILR after 10 years of continuous residence in the UK. From deciphering the eligibility criteria to navigating the intricacies of the application procedure, our aim is to empower OFWs and their families with the knowledge and resources necessary to embark on this significant journey towards permanence and prosperity.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
How to Apply for an ILR for Tier 2 Dependent Visa Holders in the UK
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTuber who lives and works in the UK. In this informative video, the vlogger shares important information on how to process the indefinite leave to remain for qualified Filipinos. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Before you start your application, it’s important to make sure you’re eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a dependent of someone with a working visa. You need to have lived in the UK with your partner for at least 5 years.
To find out if you meet the requirements, visit the gov.uk website. They have all the information you need about who can apply for ILR. Checking this first will help you understand if you qualify before you go ahead with your application.
When Can You Apply
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) either 28 days before completing 5 years in the UK or after completing the 5-year period. But, don’t apply before your current visa expires. If you apply earlier, your application might get refused.
If your visa expires before you apply for ILR, you need to renew your leave to remain visa first.
Before starting your online visa application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Your passport
- BRP card
- Life in the UK test reference number
- Main visa holder details
- Travel history outside the UK
- Your debit or credit card ready
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain Under a Tier 2 Dependent Visa
- Check Your Location: First things first, are you currently in the UK?
- Home Office Applications: Do you have any other ongoing applications with the Home Office?
- Register Email: You’ll need to register an email address specifically for this application. Use your own email as the applicant, without any immigration advisor.
- Select Category: Choose the category you’re applying under. For example, if you’re under the Skilled Worker Tier 2 Dependent Visa, select “partner.”
- Main Visa Holder Details: Now, enter the details of the person you’re applying to remain in the UK with. You’ll need their passport and BRP. If available, include their National Insurance number and Home Office reference number.
- Visa Type: Provide the type of visa your main visa holder has. If you have the VAF or GWF number, you can include it. Otherwise, simply state the visa type, such as Skilled Worker Visa.
- Applicant Details: Ensure you have your passport with you. Provide your details as they appear in your passport, including any other names you’ve used, like a maiden name or a professional name.
- Contact Information: Confirm if the provided email can be used for inquiries about your application. Also, provide a contact number, either mobile or landline, for further communication.
- Postal Address: Lastly, provide your most recent postal address for correspondence.
- Sex and Relationship Status: Provide your sex and relationship status.
- Nationality, Country, and Date of Birth: Ensure these details match what is reflected in your passport.
- Valid Passport: Answer whether you have a valid passport. For example, if you have one, select “yes.”
- Valid National Identity Card: Answer whether you have a valid national identity card. If not, select “no.”
- Other Nationalities or Citizenship: Provide details if you hold or have ever held any other nationality or citizenship.
- Current Home Address: Provide details about your current home address, including how long you’ve lived there and your living arrangement.
- Date of First Entry in the UK: Provide the date of your first entry into the UK, as this will be used to calculate your duration of stay.
- Visa or Leave to Enter/Remain: Indicate if you currently hold or have ever held a visa or leave to enter/remain in the UK.
- Continuous Period in Crown Dependencies: Confirm if you’ve spent any continuous periods in the Crown Dependencies of the UK.
- Absences from the UK: Provide details of any time spent outside the UK, including travel and holidays. Ensure you haven’t spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
- Evidence of English Language Ability: Confirm if you’ve provided evidence of your English language ability in a previous application.
- Equivalence to UK Bachelor’s Degree: If you don’t have an English proficiency test certificate, indicate if your degree is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above.
- Refusals or Deportations: Declare if you’ve been refused entry, deported, removed, or required to leave the UK border.
- Immigration Problems in Other Countries: Declare any immigration issues in countries other than the UK.
- Convictions or Penalties: Declare any convictions or penalties in or outside the UK.
- Involvement in WI Crimes: Indicate if you’re involved in WI crimes.
- Involvement in Terrorist Activities: Declare any involvement in terrorist activities.
- Membership or Support to Terrorist Organizations: Declare if you’ve been a member of or supported terrorist organizations.
- Expressed Views on Terrorism: Indicate if you have expressed views justifying or glorifying terrorist violence.
- Good Character Declaration: Declare any activities that might indicate you’re not considered a person of good character.
- Home Office Reference Number: Provide your Home Office reference number if available.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Details: Provide details about your BRP, including the place of issue, permit number, issue date, and expiry.
- Receiving Public Funds: Declare if you’ve received any public funds.
- Consent for Verification Checks: Consent to verification checks by the Home Office for joint accounts or third-party support.
As we conclude this guide, it’s clear that the road to obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on a dependent visa in the UK demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the application process. From confirming eligibility to compiling essential documents and completing each section of the form accurately, we’ve provided a comprehensive roadmap for OFWs and their families.