How to Convert a U.K. Work Permit
- 1). Determine whether you are eligible to adjust to Indefinite Leave to Remain from your type of work permit. Holders of many classes of work permit, such as Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa holders, are allowed to adjust after five years of residence; however, those who are resident on a Tier 1 post-study work visa are not eligible. Participants of the now-defunct Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) who applied to the HSMP before the April 3, 2006, are allowed to adjust after four years of residence.
- 2). Fill out the application form SET(O), available online from the Home Office website (see Resources). This form will cover information for you, your spouse or partner and any dependents under the age of 18.
- 3). Gather the supporting evidence described in section 9 of Form SET(O). All applicants must include both their current and previous passports, identity cards if they have been issued, police registration certificates if police registration has been required, evidence of your finances in the form of original bank statements, and either a pass certificate from the Life in the UK test, a relevant accredited ESOL qualification along with a letter from the college where this course was taken, or a medical certificate explaining why this requirement was not met. Also include two identical, passport-style photographs of each applicant with their names written on the back.
For employment-based settlement, you will need to show a letter from your employer showing that your position is continuing and necessary, documents from any authorized employers over the past four to five years, including payslips and work contracts, to prove you have been continuously employed. - 4). Decide how you will be paying the fee. The visa fee for settlement applications varies based on whether you are choosing standard or premium processing. Determine which type of processing you will choose and attach the appropriate fee. Cash is accepted for in-person applications, other payment methods include check, postal order, Visa Electron or Mastercard, Delta or Maestro (and Solo) debit cards, or banker's draft.
- 5). Decide whether you will apply in person or by post. In-person applications can be made at a public enquiry office (see Resources). You will need to make an appointment with the enquiry office by calling 0870 606 7766 or by booking online (see Resources). Send postal applications to Leave to Remain - SET(O), PO Box 495, Durham, DH99 1WR.
- 6). Submit your application. Postal applications can take several weeks to adjudicate depending upon the difficulty of the application. In-person applications may be adjudicated as soon as the same day. Once your application is approved, your passport will be returned to you with the new visa sticker inside.
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