Tier 1 (General)
Settlement
This section explains whether and how you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK (known as 'indefinite leave to remain') if you are currently here under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system.
The information in this section is based on Part 6A (paragraph 245CD) and Appendix A of the Immigration Rules, which you can find on the right side of this page. The Immigration Rules are subject to change, and you must meet all the requirements of the rules that are in place at the time when you apply for settlement.
This section is not for migrants who are covered by the terms of the HSMP Forum judicial review judgments. For more information, see the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme pages.
Can you apply for settlement?
To be able to apply for settlement, you must meet 5 requirements.
1. You must currently be in the UK under Tier 1 (General).
2. You must have spent a continuous residence period of 5 years here in any combination of the following immigration categories:
- Tier 1 (General)
- Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- work permit holder
- innovator
- self-employed lawyer
- writer, composer or artist
- Tier 2 (General)
- Tier 2 (Minister of religion)
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
- Tier 2 (Intra company transfer), if your permission was granted under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010
3. You must have sufficient English language ability and knowledge of life in the UK, unless you are under 18 years old or over 65 years old when you apply. You can find more information in the Knowledge of language and life in the UK section.
4. You must pass a points-based assessment. To find out how many points you must score in the assessment, and how you can score points, see the Scoring points for settlement applications page.
5. You must have no unspent convictions within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and you must not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.
How can you apply for settlement?
You should apply using the SET(O) application form. For more information and to download the application form, see the SET(O) page.
Can your dependants apply for settlement?
Your partner and children might be able to apply for settlement as your dependants, at the same time as you make your application. See the Settlement for dependants page.