UK Is Giving PR Visa To Indians: Here's How Much It Will Cost You

For many Indians, obtaining permanent residency in the United Kingdom is the ultimate goal. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), commonly known as the UK PR visa, allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. It is also the first step towards applying for British citizenship. With thousands of Indians moving to the UK every year for work, study, or family reasons, understanding the PR process is essential. This guide explains visa routes, eligibility criteria, costs, timelines, common mistakes, and the step-by-step application process.

UK PR Visa Routes for Indians

Several visa routes can lead to UK PR for Indians. Each route has specific rules, eligibility, and timelines:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

Professionals employed in eligible roles with approved sponsors can apply. You need to meet the minimum salary requirement (usually £26,200 per year for most roles as of 2025) and have a continuous residence in the UK for five years to qualify for ILR.

2. Student Visa to PR Route

Students in the UK can eventually transition to PR, but it requires moving through multiple visa stages. The typical pathway is:

• Student Visa - valid for the duration of your degree (undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral). Time on this visa does not count towards ILR.
• Graduate Route Visa - allows 2 years of work experience (3 years for PhD graduates). This period also does not count for ILR.
• Skilled Worker Visa - once employed in an eligible role, you can start accumulating the 5-year qualifying period for ILR.
• ILR Application - after completing 5 continuous years on an eligible visa, you can apply for PR. This is one of the most popular routes for Indian students seeking permanent residency.

3. Global Talent Visa

For exceptional talent or promising individuals in fields like technology, academia, or the arts. Some applicants can apply for ILR after three years if endorsed; otherwise, the usual five-year rule applies.

4. Investor or Business Visa

Although less common, business and investor visas provide a pathway to ILR. These visas often require substantial investment (e.g., £2 million minimum) and compliance with business continuity rules.

5. Family Route

Dependents such as spouses and children of PR holders or British citizens can qualify for ILR, typically after five years of continuous residence.

Also Read: What Is Germany's Freelance Visa And Why It Matters To Indian Travellers

PR vs Citizenship In The UK - Know The Difference

ILR is often confused with citizenship:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (PR) - allows permanent residency but no UK passport or voting rights.
• British Citizenship - after holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for naturalisation and a passport.
• Understanding this distinction is critical for long-term planning, especially as India does not allow dual nationality but offers OCI status.

UK PR Visa. Photo Credit: Pexels

UK ILR Application: Possible Changes In Future For The 5-Year Route

For now, if you've spent five years lawfully in the UK under routes like Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or Innovator, you can still apply for ILR under those rules-provided you meet the necessary conditions. The five-year settlement path remains valid until and unless a formal change in law replaces it. However, the UK's 2025 Immigration White Paper proposes a sweeping change: extending the standard period to settle from five to ten years for most migrants. There would be an "earned settlement" system allowing faster ILR for people who demonstrate significant contributions. For example, work in critical sectors, civic participation, or community service. Certain groups of people, like partners of British citizens, refugees, and domestic abuse survivors, would still retain their five-year route. As of now, these changes remain proposals and have not been enacted into law. Whether they will apply to people already on a five-year path is still under consultation.

Application Cost for UK PR Visa

Applying for UK PR is a significant financial commitment. Key costs include:

• Visa application fee - £2,885 per applicant.
• Priority service fee - £500 (optional).
• Super priority fee - £1,000 (optional).
• Healthcare surcharge - roughly £624 per year per applicant.
• Additional expenses - English language tests, Life in the UK test (£50), translation and certification of documents, and proof of maintenance funds.

Understanding these costs is essential for planning a smooth application.

UK PR Visa Processing Time and Timeline

Processing times depend on the visa route and service level:

• Standard applications - typically 6 months.
• Priority service - 5 working days.
• Super priority service - next-day decisions in some cases.

The 5-year continuous residence requirement for ILR includes:

• No more than 180 days of absence in any 12-month period.
• Passing the Life in the UK test and English language requirement.
• Maintaining good character with no serious criminal or immigration violations.

Common Mistakes Indians Make While Applying for UK PR

Many applications are delayed or refused due to avoidable errors, such as:

• Failing to meet the minimum salary or investment threshold.
• Not tracking absences from the UK accurately.
• Missing English language or Life in the UK test deadlines.
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation, including payslips, tenancy, or bank statements.
• Applying under the wrong visa category.

Avoiding these mistakes improves the chances of a successful application.

Also Read: Golden Visa On Budget: 9 Countries Offering Most Affordable Residency By Investment

Benefits Of UK PR Visa for Indians

Obtaining ILR offers several advantages:

• Freedom to live and work without visa restrictions.
• Access to NHS healthcare, domestic tuition rates, and public services.
• Eligibility to sponsor family members.
• No need for sponsorship renewals.
• Step towards British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.

Essential Document Checklist for UK PR Visa Applicants

Prepare the following documents for a smooth application:

• Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Proof of residence: tenancy agreements, utility bills, or council tax letters.
• Employment documents: payslips, bank statements, P60s, or HMRC earnings summaries.
• Marriage or birth certificates for family visas.
• Absence records from the UK.
• Life in the UK test certificate.
• English language test certificate if required.
• Translations and certifications for any non-English documents.

For Indians aiming to settle in the UK, ILR - the UK PR visa - is a key milestone. With proper planning, correct documentation, and careful attention to eligibility rules, applicants can increase their chances of success. Whether coming as students, professionals, or family members, ILR paves the way to a stable future and eventual British citizenship.