Monday, October 22, 2012
Lady Gets Leave to Remain
I have some exciting news: I have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK! After five years of living and working in Britain, I am officially a permanent resident. Take that, Blighty, you’re stuck with me!
I frequently get asked how I came to live and work in the UK, and how I’m allowed to stay here. I thought I would take this exciting occasion to detail my not-so-exciting immigration history.
When I first moved to London, I came on the now-extinct Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), a points-based visa system that allowed foreigners like myself to live and work in the UK for two years without being tied to a particular job or employer.
Two years later, I extended my stay in the UK for another three years by renewing my HSMP visa, which by then was called a Tier 1 visa (for those wondering, they sadly scrapped the Tier 1 program last year, so the only way for Americans to move to the UK to work now is to get sponsored by a company).
Last year at this time I wrote about my four year anniversary in London and my hopes (and fears) about getting ILR, as Indefinite Leave to Remain is known by expats across the UK.
After that, I spent a year in anticipation of more changes in the UK’s immigration laws, hoping that by the time I was eligible, ILR hadn’t gone the way of the Tier 1.
In the meantime, I had to do thrilling things like fill out mountains of paperwork, pull together bank statements from the past 12 months, and have my accountant draw up letters for me.
I also had to take the bizarre Life in the UK Test, which had questions ranging from “On what date is Valentine’s Day celebrated?” (clearly this knowledge is pivotal to a solid understanding of UK culture) to “How many members are there in the Welsh Assembly?” (is there a Welsh Assembly?).
Thankfully, I passed the test and the rules didn’t change. And now, next year, I am eligible for full UK citizenship. While the goalposts could move in the meantime, I’m breathing much easier knowing that regardless of what happens, my Indefinite Leave to Remain grants me the right to live and work in Britain for as long as I want to.
So here’s to another five years…and another…and another…!
Congrats! I was not so lucky to make the switch from Tier 2 to Tier 1 before they scrapped it. Glad to know your UK (and international) adventures will continue. Big fan of your blog
Thanks Natalie. That’s too bad you weren’t able to make the switch in time, but I hope you can still get ILR when you reach your 5-year mark.
Congrats! My boyfriend is about to submit his application for permanent residency in Canada…it’s so much work! And it’ll take another two years to know whether he’s approved… I can totally relate to the sense of relief I’m sure you’re feeling. Celebration time!
Thanks Lindsay! I hope your boyfriend’s application goes well. It is such a stressful process, but feels so good when it’s all over!
I’ve been wondering what would happen with your visa situation. Very jealous but so happy for you!
Thanks Adam! It’s such a relief to know that I can stay!
Congrats! *positively green with envy*
Thanks!
Congrats!!!!!!
Thanks Andi!
Wow, congratulations! I’m in awe how you have come to really love the UK. I think it’s a beautiful country.
Thanks! I agree.
Congrats! I’m so glad you made it before the rules changed – nice to know that next time we’re in London we’ll be able to meet up again. And very glad to know that you’re up on your Welsh Assembly trivia
Thanks Emily! I agree!
Woo hoo! Congratulations! I know my poor husband really swotted hard with his UK Life Test and he finally got his British passport last year. It has been great for him not to have had to get a visa every time we travel! Do you want citizenship? Are Americans allowed to have dual citizenship?
Thanks Emm! I’m glad it worked out for your husband. I would love to get citizenship, so we’ll see!
Hopefully it will just be a matter of money! It’s certainly not a cheap process, is it?
Yeah, it’s pretty expensive!
Despite the fact I married an American Woman,
It still took over a year to obtain the
“Permanent Resident” status which still
has to be renewed every 5 years. I am loath however to relinquish my British Citezenship and replace it with an American one. Did you relinquish your American one?
I have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is different from citizenship, so I only have American citizenship.
Congratulations. I am very happy for you.
Do you have to take the Life in the UK Test again when you apply for citizenship? Or is British citizenship a mere formality now. Any major hoops to jump through?
Thanks Lauren! You don’t have to take the Life in the UK Test again for citizenship, thankfully!
Congratulations.Am so happy for you.
Please, how long does it take for the home office to deside. Thank you
Thanks! I went in person, so it only took a couple of hours. I have heard that if you mail your application in it can take up to six months.
congrats! I was on tier 2 but my employer got nasty and fired me, thinking I had no other option. Fortunately, my appl for ILR has just been allowed by the Tribunal! …after 13 months of waiting. It’s s a relief ‘cos I’ve got my family here and my former employer would be very happy for me now…NOT!!!
Wow, what a story! I’m glad you got your ILR in the end!