Living in a foreign country can be exciting You get to explore a new culture, learn new things, and make memories that will stay with you for a lifetime However, the process of settling down in a foreign country can sometimes be challenging There are visas to obtain, permits to secure, and legalities to comply with before you can finally feel secure in your right to reside If you have lived in the UK for over 20 years and want to stay, there are several things that you need to do in order to secure your right to reside.
First, you need to understand your legal status in the UK If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, you currently have the right to reside and work in the UK without the need for a visa However, since the UK officially left the EU on January 1st, 2021, EU citizens who arrive in the UK after that date will need to apply for a visa to enter the UK If you have already lived in the UK for over 20 years and want to stay, you may already have secured your right to reside in the UK before Brexit, but there are still legal requirements that you need to comply with.
One of the most important requirements that you need to comply with is to register for settled status Settled status, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), is proof that you have the right to reside and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions You can apply for settled status if you have lived in the UK for 5 years or more continuously If you have already lived in the UK for over 20 years and want to stay, you are likely to be eligible for settled status.
To apply for settled status, you need to complete an online application form and provide the required documents, such as your passport, proof of residence in the UK for the past 5 years, and evidence of employment or self-employment You can also include family members in your application, such as your spouse or children Lived in UK for over 20 years and want to stay. The process is relatively straightforward, and you can use the government’s EU Settlement Scheme online application service to apply for settled status.
If you have lived in the UK for over 20 years and want to stay but are not eligible for settled status, you may need to apply for other types of visas For example, you may be eligible for a family visa if you have a partner or family member who is a British citizen or settled person Alternatively, you may also be eligible for a work visa, such as a skilled worker visa or a startup visa, if you have a job offer in the UK or meet certain eligibility requirements.
Another important consideration if you have lived in the UK for over 20 years and want to stay is your right to access public services As a resident of the UK, you are entitled to access most public services, such as healthcare, education, and social security However, you may need to prove your eligibility to access these services, especially if you are not a British citizen.
For example, if you are not a British citizen, you may need to provide evidence of settled status or a visa to access healthcare in the UK You may also need to pay higher tuition fees if you are an international student studying in the UK It is important to be aware of these requirements and plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary difficulties or delays.
In conclusion, securing your right to reside in the UK can be a complex process, but it is essential if you have lived in the UK for over 20 years and want to stay Whether you are eligible for settled status or need to apply for other types of visas, it is important to understand your legal status and comply with the required legalities You also need to be aware of your right to access public services and plan ahead to avoid any potential issues By taking these steps, you can finally feel secure in your right to reside in the UK and continue to make meaningful contributions to society.