Subscribe to our newsUK Refugee status and eligibility for settlement
Mar 22, 2010
The UK Border Agency has released on its website some guidance in relation to applicants who have refugee status and their ability to qualify for settlement. Thus, the new guidance states that:
“refugees and migrants with humanitarian protection in the UK will be allowed to apply for settlement and British citizenship under the current rules if their initial five-year permission to stay here will end between August 2010 and the date when the new system of 'earned citizenship' comes into force (scheduled for July 2011).”
If you were granted refugee status or humanitarian protection between August 2005 and July 2006, and your initial five-year permission to stay will expire before earned citizenship comes into force, you will still be able to apply for settlement (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain'). You will be expected to apply no more than 28 days before your initial permission to stay expires.
However, If you have refugee status or humanitarian protection and your initial permission to stay will expire after the earned citizenship system comes into force (scheduled for July 2011), you will need to apply for 'probationary citizenship' and not indefinite leave to remain.
If you have an enquiry relating to your immigration status or your ability to work in the UK, we can help you. Please contact us or call +44 20 3384 3075.
