Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK on 10 Years Lawful Residence
Provided you have been a lawful resident and have maintained continuity in the UK for 10 years, it is possible to obtain ILR under the Long Residence route. This route offers an opportunity for individuals holding various types of visas to become permanent residents in the UK. ISUK is available to applicants in London and throughout the UK to assist them in obtaining their permanent status under the 10-year lawful residence category.
Provided you have been a lawful resident and have maintained continuity in the UK for 10 years, it is possible to obtain ILR under the Long Residence route. This route offers an opportunity for individuals holding various types of visas to become permanent residents in the UK. ISUK is available to applicants in London and throughout the UK to assist them in obtaining their permanent status under the 10-year lawful residence category.
How to apply for ILR through 10-Year Long Residence in the UK – 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 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 be eligible, your 10-year stretch must be both lawful and continuous. Interruptions in your residence, overstaying, or illegal entry may result in your eviction unless you are in an exceptional situation. Being in prison will not be taken into account in the 10-year calculation.
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 spent in immigration detention, unlawful stay, or with pending asylum claims is not counted unless it is resolved.
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.
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 and have not fixed the situation within 14 days.
- 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.
Lawful stay means:
- Student visas
- Work permits (Tier 2/Skilled Worker)
- Family visas
- Visitor visas (if properly extended or changed)
- 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.
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.
4. Prepare Your Application Using Form SET(LR)
Filling in the SET(LR) form electronically and making a payment for the fee is necessary. 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.
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:
- Detailed surveys of your continuous lawful residency
- Thorough application drafting and document verification
- Help with a complicated immigration background
- Legal support in case of refusals or appeals
- Clear communication and reasonable prices
We assist in reducing mistakes, increasing your chances of winning, and providing you with personalised advice every step of the way.
Need urgent help? Call:
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 that there were no breaks or instances when you were illegally present in the country.
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.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
By 2025, the application cost will be £2,885. The payment for priority or super-priority services is to be added to this.
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.
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A good ILR application is one with clear and consistent documents. You should provide:
- Current passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Proof of legal residence: all visas granted in the past, approval letters, and UKVI correspondence
- Travel history indicating all absences from the UK in the last 10 years
- Letters from schools or workplaces giving evidence of your stay in the UK
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate
- English language qualification (unless exempt)
- Utility bills, tenancy agreements, or council tax letters to show residence
- Criminal record certificates (if applicable)
Any foreign documents have to be translated by a qualified translator. ISUK is going to thoroughly check all your documents to make sure they are in compliance with UKVI requirements.
Financial Requirement for 10-Year Lawful Residence ILR
The 10-year lawful residence route to ILR does not specify any financial threshold. Nevertheless, applicants should not be dependent on public funds, and they must demonstrate that they can support themselves. Proof may consist of:
- Bank statements and pay slips
- Documents showing the income from self-employment (SA302, tax returns)
- Proof of accommodation (rental contracts or mortgage)
- Consent of the sponsor or the family, if you are allowed
Though the financial requirements are minimal, the Home Office is still expecting evidence of your ability to be financially independent. 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 forever
- Access to the NHS and some public services
- The freedom to come and go in the UK without limitations (up to 2 years)
- The possibility of applying for British citizenship after 12 months
This road 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.
You can only …
- Lawful: At no time in the course of your stay in the UK, you must not have committed an illegal act in terms of your visa or any other immigration status. Minor violations of the period of stay, even if brief, can cause an interruption unless a solution is found within 14 days with valid reasons.
- Continuous:
- 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 price of applying for ILR by way of the 10-year unlawful residence route in 2025 is stated to be:
- Application Fee: £2,885 (subject to change)
- Biometric Enrollment: No additional charge
- 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: On the spot
- Reply: From 1 day up to 6 months, based on the chosen option
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?
If the overstay was short (less than 14 days) and a good reason was provided, it might still be acceptable.
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.
