Overview
The 10-Year Long Residence route allows individuals who have legally resided in the UK continuously for a decade to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Achieving ILR status means you can live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions and may eventually apply for British citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for ILR under the 10-Year Long Residence route, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Continuous Lawful Residence:
You must have legally lived in the UK for 10 continuous years. This period can include various visa categories, excluding time spent as a visitor, short-term student, or seasonal worker.
Absence Limits:
i) Before 11 April 2024: Total absences from the UK should not exceed 548 days, with no single absence longer than 184 days.
ii) On or after 11 April 2024: You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period.
Current Visa Duration:
If your current visa was granted after 11 April 2024, you must have held this visa for at least 12 months before applying for ILR.
English Language Proficiency:
Demonstrate English language skills at level B1 or higher on the CEFR.
Life in the UK Test:
Pass the Life in the UK Test to show knowledge of British customs and traditions.
Application Process
1. Online Application: Submit your application through the official UK government website.
2. Biometric Information: Provide your fingerprints and a photograph at a UKVCAS service point.
3. Supporting Documents: Upload necessary documents online or have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment.
4. Stay in the UK: Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision, as this will withdraw your application.
Fees and Processing Time
- Application Fee: £3,029
- Biometric Information: No additional fee.
- Processing Time:
• Standard Service: Decision within 6 months.
• Super Priority Service: For an additional £1,000, receive a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment.
After Approval
Upon successful application:
eVisa: You will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) confirming your immigration status.
Rights and Benefits:
• Live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions.
• Access public services and benefits if eligible.
• Apply for British citizenship, typically after holding ILR for 12 months.
Family Members
Separate Applications: Dependants (partners and children) must apply separately for ILR based on their eligibility.
Alternative Routes: If dependents are not eligible under the long residence route, they may apply as the partner or child of a settled person.
Important Considerations
Loss of ILR: If you stay outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years, you may lose your ILR status and will need to apply for a Returning Resident visa.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF): Some individuals may have a condition on their visa preventing access to public funds. If this causes hardship, you can apply to have the NRPF condition lifted through the ‘Change of Conditions’ process.
For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/long-residence
To book an appointment with our immigration expert visist: www.rmzlaw.co.uk