What is 10 Year Long Residence ILR?
If you have lived legally and continuously in the UK for 10 years or more, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through the long residence route, even if you do not meet the requirements for the faster 5-year settlement routes.
The 10-year long residence rule (paragraph 276B) allows you to apply for permanent settlement after a decade of lawful residence in the UK. Unlike most other ILR routes, you do not need to pass the Life in the UK test or prove English language ability at B1 level. This makes it a valuable option for people who have spent many years in the UK on various visas but do not qualify under the standard spouse, work, or ancestry routes.
Key benefits of 10-year long residence ILR
- Permanent right to live, work and study in the UK with no time limit
- No need to renew leave or meet ongoing financial/English requirements
- Access to most public funds (after ILR)
- Ability to sponsor family members more easily
- Clear pathway to British citizenship (usually after 12 months of ILR)
- Security. ILR can only be revoked in very serious circumstances
Many people in Leicester, Wrexham and across the UK reach this milestone after a long combination of student, work, graduate, family or other visas. If you think you might qualify, this guide explains everything you need to know.
If you want to confirm your eligibility and make sure your application is strong from the start, contact Bushra Ali Solicitors for a clear, honest assessment.
Who Can Apply for 10 Year Long Residence ILR?
You can apply if you meet these basic conditions:
- You are aged 18 or over (children use different routes)
- You have completed 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK
- You are currently in the UK with valid leave (or in exceptional cases, with good reason for any gap)
- You meet the good character and suitability requirements
What counts as lawful residence?
- Time spent with permission to stay (student visa, work visa, spouse visa, graduate visa, Tier 1, Tier 2, etc.)
- Time on leave granted outside the Immigration Rules (discretionary leave, leave under private/family life rules)
- Time spent awaiting a decision on a timely application (Section 3C leave)
What does NOT count?
- Time spent as a visitor, short-term student, seasonal worker or on other routes that do not allow long-term stay
- Any period of overstaying (even a few days can break continuity, unless exceptional circumstances apply)
- Time spent abroad that exceeds the allowed absence limits
Dependants (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, children) can apply at the same time as you or separately later.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To succeed, you must satisfy four main requirements.
1. Continuous lawful residence for 10 years
You must have lived in the UK lawfully for a continuous period of at least 10 years immediately before the date of application. Breaks in lawful residence (e.g. overstaying) usually reset the clock.
2. Absences from the UK
The Home Office has strict rules on time spent outside the UK:
- No more than 540 days total absences in the 10-year period
- No more than 180 days in any single 12-month period
- No single absence lasting more than 180 days
The Home Office can sometimes exercise discretion and allow higher absences if there are strong reasons (e.g. serious illness, caring for a family member abroad, work secondment with clear UK ties). However, discretion is rare and requires very strong evidence.
3. Good character and suitability
This is one of the strictest parts of the 10-year route. You must not fall for refusal under:
- Serious criminal convictions (any imprisonment almost always leads to refusal)
- Immigration offences (deception, overstaying without good reason)
- Outstanding NHS debts
- Bankruptcy or serious financial misconduct (in some cases)
- Any behaviour that makes you unsuitable to remain in the UK
Even minor matters can lead to refusal if they suggest you are not of good character. Full disclosure is essential. Non-disclosure usually results in refusal.
4. No English language or Life in the UK test
Unlike 5-year ILR routes, the 10-year long residence route does not require you to pass the Life in the UK test or prove English language ability. This is one of its biggest advantages.
Absences from the UK – Detailed Rules & Examples
Absences are the most common reason for refusal on this route. Here’s a quick reference:
| Rule | Limit | Notes & Examples |
| Total absences over 10 years | 540 days maximum | All trips abroad count, even short holidays |
| Absences in any 12-month period | 180 days maximum | Rolling 12 months, not calendar year |
| Single absence | 180 days maximum | Any one trip longer than 180 days usually breaks continuity |
| Discretion for excess absences | Possible with strong reasons | E.g. serious illness with medical evidence, unavoidable work |
Examples:
- 2-month trip to care for a sick parent: usually acceptable
- 7-month holiday or family visit: almost always exceeds single absence limit, refusal likely
- Multiple 3–4 month trips for work: can quickly reach 540-day total, refusal likely
How to prove absences:
- Keep passport stamps, flight tickets, boarding passes
- Provide a full list of absences with dates and reasons
- Include evidence for any long trips (medical letters, employer letters, etc.)
Application Process Step by Step
You can only apply for 10-year ILR from inside the UK.
- Confirm you meet all requirements. Carefully review your visa history and absences.
- Gather supporting documents. See checklist below.
- Complete the online application form. Use Form SET (LR) on the gov.uk website.
- Pay the application fee. Online payment required.
- Book and attend a biometric appointment. At a UKVCAS centre.
- Submit supporting documents. Upload online or bring to appointment.
- Await decision. Standard processing is usually around 6 months.
- Collect your BRP. If approved, a new biometric residence permit is issued showing ILR.
Typical timeline overview
| Stage | Estimated Time |
| Preparation & documents | 4–12 weeks |
| UKVI decision | 6 months (can be longer) |
| BRP collection | 10 working days after approval |
Need expert help with your 10-year ILR application? Contact Bushra Ali Solicitors for full support.
Required Documents Checklist
Identity & current leave
- Current passport and previous passports covering the 10 years
- All previous BRPs / visa vignettes
- Proof of current valid leave (or Section 3C leave)
Residence evidence
- Full visa/leave history (letters, BRPs, passports)
- Evidence of lawful stay throughout the 10 years (e.g. university letters, payslips, tenancy agreements)
Absences evidence
- Full list of absences (dates, reasons)
- Flight tickets, boarding passes, passport stamps
- Supporting documents for long absences (medical letters, employer confirmation)
Good character
- Police certificates if required (usually not for UK residence)
- Evidence addressing any past issues (e.g. spent convictions)
Other
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate (if including partner)
- Birth certificates for dependants
- Proof of address in the UK
Always provide certified translations for non-English documents.
Fees, Costs & Processing Times 2026
Main fees (indicative 2026 – always check gov.uk for exact amounts)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
| Application fee (main applicant) | £2,885 | Per person |
| Application fee (child under 18) | £2,885 | If applying at same time |
| Biometrics | Included | |
| Priority service | Not usually available | Standard processing only |
Processing times: typically 6 months, but can be longer if the Home Office requests more information or if the case is complex.
Common Reasons for Refusal & How to Avoid Them
- Excessive absences. Solution: carefully calculate total and per-period absences; provide strong reasons for any excess
- Breaks in lawful residence. Solution: ensure no overstaying; explain any gaps with evidence
- Good character issues. Solution: full disclosure of all history; seek advice on minor matters
- Missing or weak evidence. Solution: submit comprehensive visa history and absence records
- Applying too early. Solution: wait until exactly 10 years of qualifying residence
- Not addressing suitability. Solution: disclose everything honestly
Many refusals are avoidable with thorough preparation. If you would like Bushra Ali Solicitors to review your residence history and eligibility before submission, reach out today.
After ILR: What Happens Next?
If approved:
- You receive Indefinite Leave to Remain. Permanent residence with no expiry
- You can travel in and out of the UK freely (re-entry rules apply)
- After 12 months of ILR, you can apply for British citizenship (subject to English, Life in the UK test, and good character)
- You can sponsor family members under partner or family routes more easily
FAQs
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test for 10-year ILR?
No. The long residence route does not require the Life in the UK test or English language proof.
How many days can I spend outside the UK?
No more than 540 days total over 10 years, 180 days in any 12-month period, and no single absence over 180 days.
Does time on a visitor visa count towards 10 years?
No. Visitor visas and most short-term routes do not count as lawful residence for this purpose.
Can I apply if I overstayed for a short time?
Overstaying usually breaks continuity, but in very exceptional cases it may be overlooked. Seek advice.
Do dependants need to meet the same 10-year requirement?
No. Dependants can apply based on your qualifying residence.
How long does 10-year ILR take to process?
Usually around 6 months, but complex cases can take longer.
Can I apply for 10-year ILR from outside the UK?
No. You must be in the UK at the time of application.
What happens if I exceed the absence limits?
The application will normally be refused unless you provide strong reasons and evidence.
Can I work while waiting for a decision?
Yes. If you applied before your current leave expired, Section 3C leave continues your existing work rights.
Can Bushra Ali Solicitors help even if I have a complicated visa history?
Yes. We regularly assist clients with long residence applications, especially where absences or character issues need careful explanation.
How We Can Help
Reaching 10 years of lawful residence in the UK is a major achievement, and applying for ILR under the long residence route is a significant step towards permanent security and a future British citizenship.
At Bushra Ali Solicitors, we are the team to support you through your 10-year long residence ILR application. We offer a complete, hands-on service that removes the stress from the process for you and greatly reduces the risk of refusal.
We will leave no stone unturned to help you achieve the outcome you want. Our dedicated team will be with you every step, checking your residence history, calculating absences accurately, gathering strong evidence, preparing a robust application, and supporting you until your ILR is granted.
If you have lived in the UK for 10 years or more and are ready to apply for permanent settlement, call us today on 0116 283 4567 so we can discuss your situation and explain exactly how we can help you. You are also very welcome to email us at reception@bushraalisolicitors.co.uk at any time.
We treat every client’s case with the same care and commitment we would want for ourselves or our own families.
Contact Bushra Ali Solicitors now. Let us help make your path to ILR after 10 years clear, smooth and successful.