Other UK Settlement Visa Routes
Discover other UK visa options, including long residence, returning residents, and special status routes like British National (Overseas).
Alternative UK Settlement Routes
Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, particularly for those whose circumstances do not fall neatly into standard categories. This section covers alternative UK settlement routes, including visas designed for individuals with historical ties, long residence, or specific exceptional situations. These visas typically enable applicants to live, work, and study in the UK, with a pathway to permanent residence and British citizenship.
UK Returning Resident Visa
Purpose:
To enable former permanent residents to return and resume their settlement in the UK.
Who it’s for:
Individuals who previously held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) but lost it after being absent from the UK for over two years.
Key features:
Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to the UK. Successful applicants regain ILR without needing to requalify under new immigration routes.
Private Life Visa - 20 Years Long Residence
Purpose:
For individuals who have built significant personal connections and lived in the UK for an extended period.
Who it’s for:
Applicants who have resided in the UK for 20 years (lawfully or unlawfully), children under 18 with 7 years' residence, young adults aged 18–25 who have lived at least half their life in the UK, or adults facing significant obstacles to integration abroad.
Key features:
Allows applicants to regularise their status without meeting standard immigration or financial thresholds.
British National Overseas (BNO) Visa
Purpose:
For Hong Kong citizens holding British National (Overseas) status and their close family members.
Who it’s for:
Hong Kong residents with BNO status, their partners, children, and other eligible dependents.
Key features:
Holders can live, work, and study in the UK for up to 5 years, with the option to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and later citizenship.
Other UK Settlement
The UK offers several immigration routes for individuals with unique or long-standing connections to the country. These include options such as the British National (Overseas) Visa, the Private Life route for those with long residence in the UK, and the Returning Resident visa for former permanent residents. Learn more about each of these pathways, including who they are for, what eligibility criteria apply, and how they may lead to long-term stay or settlement.