Overseas government employees
How can I settle in the United Kingdom as an overseas government employee?
This section explains how you can apply to stay in the United Kingdom permanently (we call this an application for settlement) as an overseas government employee. You should read this section if you have been in the United Kingdom as an overseas government employee for at least five years.
If you are currently outside the United Kingdom or are here under a different immigration category you should read the section on eligibility. If you have been in the United Kingdom as an overseas government employee for less than five years you should read the section on extending your stay.
The requirements for settlement
To qualify for settlement in the United Kingdom as an overseas government employee you must:
- have been living legally in the United Kingdom for the last five years; and
- currently have permission to stay in the United Kingdom as an overseas government employee; and
- have been in the United Kingdom as an overseas government employee throughout the five years; and
- have maintained and accommodated yourself and any dependants without the use of public funds throughout the five years; and
- intend to continue to work full-time as an overseas government employee for you current employer; and
- have sufficient knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.
Making an application
In order to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom as an overseas government employee you will need to make an application for indefinite leave to remain using application form SET(O). You should read the information in this section before you make an application to make sure you meet the requirements to settle in the United Kingdom. You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. This fee will not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful because you do not meet the requirements.
If you meet the requirements it is important you complete the application form correctly and provide all the supporting documents we need. Your completed application form and the processing fee should be sent to our offices.
After your application
If your application for settlement (sometimes called indefinite leave to remain) is successful you will be able to remain in the United Kingdom permanently. You will not need to apply to extend your stay any further and you will no longer have any time limit on your stay. You may want to consider applying for British citizenship.
Transferring your settlement to a new passport
If you have been issued with a new passport or travel document you can apply for us to transfer your settlement (also refered to as indefinite leave to remain) stamp. You can travel with your new passport or travel document without having your leave transferred providing that you carry your old passport or travel document with the stamp or the letter in which your leave was granted.
If you wish to transfer your permission to your new passport or travel document you should apply using application form NTLTOC. Full details of how you can apply are available from the UK residency section of the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?
If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.
See also
Policy & Law
Contact
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Immigration enquiry bureau
0870 606 7766
UK Border Agency Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 2BY