Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK on 10 Years Lawful Residence
If you have lived lawfully and continuously in the UK for at least 10 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Long Residence route. This category allows individuals who have held any combination of visas to settle permanently in the UK, provided their immigration history meets Home Office requirements. This route is commonly referred to as the 10-year ILR application UK under the long residence provisions.
Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK) assists applicants across the UK in preparing strong and compliant ILR applications under the 10-year lawful residence rules.
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If you have lived lawfully and continuously in the UK for at least 10 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Long Residence route. This category allows individuals who have held any combination of visas to settle permanently in the UK, provided their immigration history meets Home Office requirements. This route is commonly referred to as the 10-year ILR application UK under the long residence provisions.
Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK) assists applicants across the UK in preparing strong and compliant ILR applications under the 10-year lawful residence rules.
Understanding the 10-Year Long Residence Route – What You Should Be Aware Of
The 10-year lawful residence route primarily caters to individuals who have resided legally and continuously in the UK for a decade on any combination of visa types. The Home Office continues to refine the 10-year long residence rules 2025, making compliance and accurate documentation increasingly important. The list includes time spent on student visas, work permits, family visas, and other types of visas. It also provides the opportunity to settle down permanently, even if you have not been living under the same visa category the entire time.
To succeed, your 10-year period must meet Home Office requirements for:
- Lawful residence, and
- Continuous residence (with limited allowable absences).
To be eligible, your 10-year stretch must be both lawful and continuous. Interruptions in your residence, such as overstaying or unlawful entry, will normally break lawful residence unless covered by the exceptional circumstances concession under paragraph 39E. Being in prison will not be taken into account in the 10-year calculation.
Periods that do not count toward long residence include:
- Overstaying unless excused under paragraph 39E (exceptional circumstances)
- Illegal entry
- Immigration detention
- Time in prison
- Time as a refused asylum seeker without extant leave
Main points:
- Most visa categories are accepted, including student, work, spouse, family, and others.
- The period of absence from the UK must not exceed 540 days in total or 180 days in one trip.
- Time with a pending asylum claim counts as lawful residence if you previously had valid leave when the claim was made. Time as a refused asylum seeker without leave does NOT count.
This route is primarily beneficial for individuals who have become accustomed to the UK, both socially and economically. After being granted ILR, you are eligible to work, study, and reside in the UK with no immigration constraints. ISUK provides help in satisfying legal requirements and presenting your application in a clear and comprehensible manner to the Home Office.
Key Requirements for 10-Year ILR
Eligible types of lawful stay
Lawful residence includes (but is not limited to):
- Student visas
- Skilled Worker / Tier 2
- Family visas
- Leave outside the Rules (LOTR, if granted lawfully)
- Asylum/humanitarian protection (while valid)
- Visitor visas only where valid throughout and followed by a lawful in-country grant of further leave
Continuous residence
You must not have:
- Spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any single trip, or
- Accumulated more than 540 days of absences in total over the 10-year period.
These continuous lawful residence requirements must be strictly met to qualify for ILR under the long residence route
The Home Office counts every full day spent outside the UK.
Suitability requirements
You must meet good-character standards, including:
- No criminality
- No use of deception
- No outstanding NHS debts
- No breaches of immigration law
39E rule (Important)
Any period of overstaying will normally break continuous residence unless covered by paragraph 39E exceptional circumstances.
1. Verify Continuous and Lawful Stay
First, determine the start and end dates of the ten years. Your stay throughout must have been lawful, and you must not have:
- Gone beyond the terms of your visa (overstaying), unless the period is covered by paragraph 39E exceptional circumstances.
- Been out of the country for over 180 days continuously.
- Declared absences from the UK adding up to more than 540 days over the past 10 years.
Switching visa categories does not reset the 10-year clock
Lawful stay means:
- Student visas
- Work permits (Tier 2/Skilled Worker)
- Family visas
- Leave Outside the Rules (LOTR), where granted lawfully and not for medical treatment
- Asylum or humanitarian protection status
2. English Language & Life in the UK Test
The Life in the UK test is part of the requirements, and so is demonstrating your English skills to the level of B1 of CEFR or above, unless you meet criteria such as age or disability, which exempt you. Tests must be on the SELT (Secure English Language Test) approved list.
Unless exempt, you must:
- Pass the Life in the UK Test, and
- Meet CEFR B1 English language level, using a test from the Home Office SELT list, unless you are aged 65+ or medically exempt.
3. Check Your Immigration History
Ensure your records are complete and free from gaps, overstays, or criminal incidents. The Home Office may not accept applications if there are doubts about the applicant’s character or if the immigration records are incomplete.
You should review:
- all Home Office grants of leave
- absences from the UK
- any previous overstaying
- any criminal convictions or civil penalties
Even a single day of unlawful stay can break your 10-year period unless covered by 39E.
4. Prepare Your Application Using Form SET(LR)
The SET(LR) form must be completed online, and the application fee must be paid before biometric enrolment. UKVI instructions must be followed when uploading supporting documents.
Tips:
- A good time to apply is 28 days before the 10-year expiration.
- Get a legal advisor to help you check your history of continuous residence and immigration.
- If you qualify, you can use faster services to receive a decision in less time.
- Pay the correct Home Office fee (fees change annually)
How Can We Help? Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK) Support for ILR Applications
At Immigration Solicitors UK (ISUK), we have successfully assisted customers in London and throughout the United Kingdom in obtaining ILR via the 10-year lawful residence route. Our team provides:
- Full assessment of your lawful and continuous residence
- Addressing suitability concerns
- Checking absences, overstaying issues, and 39E applicability
- Thorough application drafting and document verification
- Help with a complicated immigration background
- Legal support in case of refusals or appeals
- Clear communication and fixed-fee professional services
We assist in reducing mistakes, increasing your chances of winning, and providing you with personalised advice every step of the way.
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Filing for ILR through the long residence route implies meticulous preparation and detailed evidence. Here is a guide to the application process:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review your immigration documents to verify that your stay was lawful and uninterrupted for 10 consecutive years. Ensure there were no periods of unlawful stay, unless covered by paragraph 39E. You must meet the suitability requirements, meaning no criminal convictions, dishonesty, NHS debts, or breaches of immigration law.
Step 2: Life in the UK and English Language Tests
Unless you are exempted, you are obliged to pass the Life in the UK Test plus an English language exam at the level of CEFR B1.
Step 3: Complete Form SET(LR)
You can fill out and send the SET(LR) form online through the UKVI portal. This form is intended for those who want to apply for ILR based on long residence. Our SET(LR) application guidance ensures that all supporting documents and declarations meet Home Office standards.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The Home Office fee is subject to annual change. Applicants must check the fee at the time of submission.
Step 5: Biometric Appointment
Make a reservation and visit the UKVCAS office to register your biometric data.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
You can provide electronic copies of all necessary documents, such as evidence of residence, visas, and financial records, if applicable.
Step 7: Await a Decision
The usual processing time is up to 6 months. Priority and super-priority services enable you to have your application decided within five working days and 24 hours, respectively.
Having a representative from ISUK by your side will secure that each criterion is met and will increase your chances of success.
Common Reasons ILR Under Long Residence Is Refused
- Gaps in lawful leave (even short gaps)
- Overstaying not covered by 39E
- Miscalculated absences
- Time spent as a refused asylum seeker without leave
- Criminal convictions or pending cases
- Incorrect or missing documents
- Applying too early (before 10 years completed)
Understanding the common ILR refusal reasons long residence applicants face helps strengthen your application and avoid preventable mistakes.
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A strong ILR application depends on providing clear, consistent, and well-organised evidence. You should prepare the following:
- Current passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Evidence of lawful residence: all previous visas, Home Office decision letters, and UKVI correspondence
- Full travel history showing all absences from the UK during the 10-year period
- Evidence of residence: tenancy agreements, council tax bills, utility bills, bank statements, or official letters confirming your address
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate
- Approved English language qualification at CEFR B1 level (unless exempt)
- Employment or education evidence, such as employer letters or school/university attendance records
- Criminal record certificates (if applicable)
Any foreign documents must be translated by a qualified translator. ISUK will thoroughly review all your documents to ensure compliance with UKVI requirements.
Financial Requirement for 10-Year Lawful Residence ILR
The 10-year long residence route does not require meeting a financial threshold, unlike other ILR categories. However, applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves without relying on public funds. Proof may consist of:
- Recent bank statements
- Payslips or employer letters
- Self-employment evidence such as SA302 forms or tax returns
- Accommodation proof (rental agreement or mortgage)
- Sponsor consent (if living with family or friends)
Though the financial requirements are minimal, however, the Home Office expects applicants to demonstrate financial stability and independence. At ISUK, we are always here to help you gather this evidence properly.
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ILR through 10 years of lawful residence is a settlement route that grants people who have been in the UK legally for ten years the ability to stay without any immigration restrictions.
This path is a good option for individuals who have been in the country for an extended period and have changed the type of visa several times. For example, switching from a student visa to a work visa to a family visa. It is only essential that their stay has been lawful and continuous, and they may be eligible.
Main Benefits:
- There is no need to renew the visa anymore
- The right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions
- Access to the NHS and some public services
- The freedom to travel in and out of the UK (up to 2 years away without losing ILR)
- The possibility of applying for British citizenship after 12 months
This route provides legal stability to those who have chosen the UK as a place to reside in the long term. This route also demonstrates that the Home Office recognizes a person’s contribution to UK society and their established life here.
ISUK helps clients navigate this complex application process, identifying loopholes, providing evidence of lawful stay, and addressing any issues that may arise in the case. The legal team we have is very professional and ensures that your ILR application for the 10-year route is completed correctly and with care.
- Applying at the wrong time – Applications must be submitted within 28 days after the 10-year mark has been reached.
- Not giving enough evidence of continuous residence – Refusal may result from there being gaps in the stay, too many absences, or if the renewals are not done.
- Travel records that are incorrect or incomplete – Long absences without a reason may lead to the disqualification of applicants.
- Submitting an incorrect form – For a 10-year ILR, only SET(LR) is allowed.
- Not passing the Life in the UK or English tests – These are compulsory if you do not have an exemption.
We have a team of experts who thoroughly review each step of the process to ensure there are no issues that could cause delay or refusal.
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Criteria | ILR (10-Year) | British Citizenship |
Immigration Status | Settled (no visa renewal needed) | Full UK citizen |
British Passport | No | Yes |
Right to Vote | No | Yes |
Eligibility for Benefits | Limited | Full access |
Travel Abroad | Allowed, but max 2 years away | No restriction |
Further Application | Citizenship after 12 months | None required |
While ILR grants stability, citizenship offers complete integration and rights in the UK.
Lawful Residence
You must have held valid permission to stay throughout the 10 years.
Any period of unlawful stay breaks the 10-year period unless it falls within the exceptional circumstances concession under paragraph 39E. The old “14-day” rule no longer applies.
These rules form part of the wider Home Office Long Residence policy, which governs how applications are assessed and what factors can break continuity.
The Home Office counts every full day outside the UK when calculating absences.
Continuous Residence
- 180 days outside the UK in a single trip
- 540 days outside the UK in total over the 10 years
None of these periods of detention or imprisonment is considered lawful or continuous. These periods must be completely confirmed with ample documentary evidence.
ISUK can review your case to determine if you may be eligible.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
The Home Office fee for ILR applications changes annually. Applicants must check the official fee at the time of application
Current indicative costs:
- Application Fee: £3,029 (subject to annual change)
- Biometrics: usually £19.20 (subject to change)
- Priority Processing (5 working days): £500 (extra)
- Super Priority (24 hours): £1,000 (extra)
Typically, non-priority applications can be processed within six months. However, if additional documentation or verification is required, processing may take longer.
This fee is indicative and subject to possible changes in the future.
Overall duration estimate:
- Getting ready: 2–4 weeks to gather papers and take tests
- Handing in: Same day
- Reply: From 1 day to 6 months, based on the chosen service
At ISUK, we can complete your application in a few days, which means a short turnaround time. This is especially convenient if you are close to the eligibility period.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for ILR early?
Yes, but no more than 28 days before reaching the 10-year mark.
What if I overstayed my visa?
Overstaying normally breaks lawful residence unless covered by paragraph 39E, which applies only where exceptional circumstances caused the late application.
Do all visa types count towards the 10 years?
The majority of visa categories do, such as student, work, and family.
Does time in prison count?
Time spent in prison is not counted, so it is not included in the 10 years.
Can I apply even if I was outside the UK for a while?
Of course, if your trips were shorter than 180 days and absences in total did not exceed 540 days.
What form should I use?
SET(LR) is the designated form for this particular ILR category.
Do I need to pass a language test?
You certainly do unless, due to your age or health condition, you are exempt.
Can I apply if my current visa is about to expire?
The answer is yes; however, you should not miss the deadline of your current visa if you want to continue being legal.
Will I get a BRP after ILR?
That is correct, you will have a Biometric Identity Card as proof of your ILR status.
Can ISUK help with urgent applications?
We are still here to provide our service in the speedy and accurate processing of your urgent and complex ILR applications.
This page is regularly updated in line with the latest Home Office Long Residence policy and UKVI guidance to ensure accuracy.
