Long Residence ILR – Settle in the UK Through the 10-Year Route

If you’ve lived in the UK lawfully for a continuous 10-year period, you may be eligible to apply for long residence ILR—a route to permanent settlement under the UK’s long residence immigration rules. This pathway acknowledges the stability and ties individuals build over a decade, offering an opportunity to remain in the UK without further immigration restrictions.

Who Qualifies for Long Residence ILR?

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on long residence grounds, you must:

• Have completed 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK
  
  

• Not have gaps or significant breaks in your immigration status
  
  

• Meet good character requirements
  
  

• Have passed the Life in the UK Test and meet English language standards
  
  

“Lawful residence” includes time spent on most visa categories, such as student, work, family, or humanitarian protection visas.

What Counts as a Break in Residence?

Understanding what interrupts continuous residence is essential. Breaks include:

• Over 180 days outside the UK in one visit
  
  

• More than 540 days outside the UK in total over 10 years
  
  

• Periods spent without valid leave
  
  

• Deportation or removal decisions
  
  

Any such issues must be carefully addressed in your application with strong legal representations and supporting evidence.

Documents You’ll Need

A successful application requires:

• Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
  
  

• Records of all visas held over the 10-year period
  
  

• Travel history (entry/exit stamps or flight confirmations)
  
  

• Proof of life in the UK, such as tenancy agreements, employment, or education records
  
  

How Visa and Migration Ltd Can Help

At Visa and Migration Ltd, we specialise in long residence and complex ILR applications. Our expert team:

• Reviews your immigration history and advises on eligibility
  
  

• Assists in gathering and organising all necessary documents
  
  

• Prepares a strong application with legal justifications
  
  

• Manages communication with the Home Office
  
  

Secure Long Residence ILR with Confidence

Applying for long residence ILR can be complex, especially if your history includes visa changes or absences. Trust Visa and Migration Ltd to help you present a solid case and secure your future in the UK with permanent settlement.