Settlement

This section explains how you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK if you are currently here as the parent of a child in the UK.

Permission to settle in the UK is also known as 'indefinite leave to remain'.

You must meet all the requirements of the Immigration Rules at the time when you apply for settlement. If you are considering applying for settlement in the future, you should note that the Immigration Rules are subject to change

Applying for settlement

To apply for indefinite leave to remain in this category you must:

• be in the UK;
• meet the suitability requirement;
• be in the UK with valid leave to remain as a parent (although you can overlook a period where you remained here after your permission to stay ended if it is less than 28 days);
• provide specified evidence that you can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without relying on public funds;
• have completed a period of 5 years in this category if you met all the requirements. If you did not meet all the requirements but were given permission to stay here on the basis of your family or private life you must have completed a period of 10 years;
• have no unspent convictions; and
• meet the knowledge of English and knowledge of life in the UK requirement.

We may allow you to stay for a further period of 30 months if you meet all requirements apart from the:

• the unspent conviction requirement;
• English language requirement; or
• Knowledge of life in the UK requirement.

You will not have permission to claim public funds.