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Working towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
If you hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which is also known as a permanent residency or settled status – there will be no time limit to live in the UK. You have the same entitlements as UK citizens.
Does the MTI Scheme count towards ILR?
It is a common misconception that Doctors on the MTI scheme can use their time in the UK on the scheme towards their ILTR. This is not the case. The MTI scheme is a learn and return scheme for International Doctors to take the knowledge they have gained working in the UK and use it to improve their home country’s healthcare service. The time spent here on the MTI scheme DOES NOT count towards your ILR.
To gain five years in the UK to apply for ILR you will need to find another role after your MTI.
How to Apply
If you are a non-EEA national, you will be subject to UK immigration rules which means that to enter the UK for a limited timeframe, you will need to apply for limited leave to remain. This is unusually a Skilled Worker Visa.
Limited leave to remain requires you to leave the UK at the end of the visa period or make a further application to the Home Office via either a Skilled Worker Visa extension, further leave or indefinite leave to remain.
ILR Criteria:
• 5 years of continuous residence in the UK and adhere to certain income requirements
• Detailed record of any exiting the UK over the last 5 years
• English language skills – You will need to hold an academic qualification taught in English or you will need to sit an approved English test
• Good knowledge of life in the UK, by way of the “Life in the UK” test
The Life in the UK Test
• A government test and it costs £50
• There are over 30 test centres in the UK, and can choose the closest 5 to where you live.
• To prepare, you should study Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents ( link provided to end)
• You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about British traditions and customs.
Cost of Applying for ILTR and Citizenship
It costs around £1,330 to apply for citizenship which you can apply for if you have indefinite leave to remain or 'settled status' for 12 months. This will grant you full rights as a UK citizen.
The cost for your ILR is around £2,389
You will also pay around £19.30 to have your biometrics information taken.
We are here to help
Please contact us on international@permhire.co.uk to speak to our team about opportunities.
Reference:
Life in the UK Guide: https://www.tsoshop.co.uk/product/9780113413409/Society/Life-in-the-UK/Life-in-the-United-Kingdom-A-Guide-for-New-Residents-Paperback/?TrackID=002353
