Indefinite leave to remain if you have a Tier 5 (International Agreement) visa
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have a Tier 5 (International Agreement) visa.
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle the UK. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
Eligibility
You can apply if:
- you’re a private servant in a diplomatic household with a Tier 5 (International Agreement) visa
- you applied for a visa to do this job before 6 April 2012
- you’ve been living and working in the UK for at least 5 years and spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months (known as ‘continuous residence’)
If you’re 18 to 64 years old when you apply, you must also:
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- meet the English language requirements
Fees and how long it takes
It costs:
- £2,404 for each person applying
- an extra £800 if you use the super priority service
You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service.
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:
- if your supporting documents need to be verified
- if you need to attend an interview
- because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction
Get a faster decision on your application
If you pay extra to use the super priority service you can get a decision:
- by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday
- two working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.
How to apply
You must apply online.
Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.
You’ll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply.
After you submit your application you’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and a digital photo (called ‘biometric information’).
Get help using a computer to apply online
You can get help with:
- accessing a computer or the internet
- finding the right information on GOV.UK
You cannot get advice on:
- whether you’re eligible to apply
- what information to put in your application
- an application you’ve already made
Telephone: 03333 445 675
Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Text: ‘VISA’ to 07537 416 944
Email: visa@we-are-digital.co.uk
Biometric information
You’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) – there’s no fee for this.
You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:
- upload them into the online service
- have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment
Any children aged 6 or over must provide biometric information if you’re applying for them on your form.
Family members (dependants)
Your partner and children under 18 can apply on the same form as you if they’re eligible.
Eligibility for partners
Your partner may qualify if all of the following apply:
- they have permission to be in the UK as your partner
- they’ve been living in the UK with you for at least 2 years if they applied before 9 July 2012 or 5 years if they applied on or after 9 July 2012
- your relationship is genuine
- you intend to carry on living together
- you have enough income to support yourselves and your dependants
- you’re not using public funds
They must:
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- meet the English language requirements
Eligibility for children
Your child can apply if they:
- were previously given permission to stay in the UK as your child
- are not married or in a civil partnership
- will live with you and be supported by you without using public funds
You and your child’s other parent must both be in the UK legally, or currently applying to enter, remain or settle, for the child to be allowed to settle.
Your child can also apply to settle in one of the following situations:
- you’re the child’s sole surviving parent
- you have sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing
- there are serious or compelling family or other considerations, for example you (if you’re settled in the UK) or your child has a serious illness
If your child is 16 or older when you apply you’ll need to provide proof of where they live. Provide 2 documents from this list:
- bank statement
- credit card bill
- driving licence
- NHS registration document
- a letter from their current school, college or university, on headed paper and issued by an authorised official of that organisation
The documents you provide cannot be more than a month old on the date you make your application.
You need to give details of any payments your child makes for rent or upkeep per month.
You must explain why if your child does not live with you and your partner. If it’s because they’re studying, you must provide confirmation from the university or college on headed paper and issued by an authorised official.
You’ll also need to show that you’ve supported your child while they’re away by providing bank statements for you and your child covering the 3 months before the date you apply.
If they’re over 18 by the time you apply, they must:
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- meet the English language requirements
They must apply online.
Last updated 6 April 2022 + show all updates
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Updated the following sections: 'Fees and how long it takes' and 'Biometric information'.
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First published.