How to Apply for 10 Years Long Residence ILR Route?

Written by: Muhammad Usman Rasheed
Last Updated: 09 November 2025

You can be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you’ve been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years (known as ‘long residence’). The Long Residence route is for a person who has lived in the UK lawfully and continuously for 10 years or more. The Long Residence indefinite leave to remain route is for a person who has lived in the UK lawfully and continuously for 10 years or more.

Key Points About the ILR 10 Years Long Residence Route

  • You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you’ve lived in the UK legally and continuously for 10 full years.
  • Your stay must be both lawful (no overstaying) and continuous (no absences exceeding 180 days in any 12 months or 540 days total).
  • Visitor visas, short-term student visas, and Ukraine Scheme visas do not count towards the 10-year period.
  • You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1).
  • You must hold valid leave to remain at the time of applying and must not be on immigration bail.
  • The standard ILR application fee in 2025 is £3,029, with an additional £1,000 for Super Priority Service.
  • You must remain in the UK while your ILR application is pending.
  • The Home Office can exercise discretion for short gaps or excessive absences in some cases.
  • If refused, you may have options to appeal or pursue a judicial review.

After new immigration changes in Appendix Long Residence you will need to have held your current permission for one year.

For best UK visa and immigration advice in Manchester & London, speak to our experienced immigration solicitors. We offer expert help with visa applications, extensions, refusals, appeals, judicial reviews, ILR, and British nationality matters. Call 01614644140 or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk to book your consultation

What Is the 10-Year Long Residence Route?

The 10-year long residence route allows individuals who have continuously and lawfully lived in the UK for 10 years to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also known as permanent residence.

This route is especially valuable because it does not depend on one visa category. It recognises lawful time spent in the UK under different visas — such as Student, Graduate, Skilled Worker, or Private Life visas — as long as the residence was lawful and continuous.

Unlike the 5-year ILR routes, which usually require five years under one visa type, the 10-year long residence rule rewards consistent lawful stay regardless of visa transitions, as long as all applications were made in time and no unlawful gaps occurred.

You must apply online for indefinite leave to remain. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Super Priority For ILR Long Residence Application

Our UK immigration lawyers for 10 years long residence ILR can assist you make an application under super priority service for a decision within 24 hours. You will need to pay an additional fee of £1000 on top of your £3,029 application fee. Our long residence lawyers can prepare and submit your ILR 10 year residence application faster and get you a decision faster through super priority service. This way, you will not have to wait for the decision of your ILR 10 year route application for months and years.

Eligibility requirements for settlement on the Long Residence route

To apply for ILR on the long residence route under 10 years, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Qualifying period requirement for settlement on the Long Residence route – The applicant must have spent a qualifying period of 10 years lawfully in the UK
  • The applicant must have met the continuous residence requirement set out in Appendix Continuous Residence for the entirety of the qualifying period
  • English Language requirement for settlement on the Long Residence route
  • Knowledge of life in the UK requirement for settlement on the Long Residence route (Life in the UK test)

Once an applicant has built up 10 years of continuous lawful residence, there is no limit on the length of time afterward when they can apply. This means they could leave the UK, re-enter on any lawful basis, and apply for settlement from within the UK based on 10 years of continuous lawful residence they built up in the past. There is also nothing to prevent a person from relying on a 10-year period that they may have relied on in a previous application or grant.

Documents required for 10 years long residence ILR

When applying for ILR based on 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, you need to provide the following documents to support your application:

  • Current passport and any previous passports showing your presence in the UK
  • Your current BRP Card
  • Evidence of continuous and lawful residence in the UK
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • Life in the UK test certificate
  • Any evidence of your private and family life established in the UK during the past 10 years
  • Any evidence or information to prove exceptional circumstances or reasons why your application must be approved if relying on Home Office’s discretion
  • Evidence of accommodation, tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Evidence of education or employment
  • Travel tickets and receipts

To discuss your 10 years lawful residence ILR application, you can call our experienced ILR immigration lawyers on 01614644140. You can book an appointment with our indefinite leave to remain lawyers to discuss your immigration matter.

Understanding “Lawful” and “Continuous” Residence

You must have lawful and continuous residence to apply for ILR using SET (LR) application form.

Lawful Residence

Your stay in the UK must have been legally authorised under immigration laws for the full 10-year period. You must not have overstayed a visa or remained in the UK without valid leave at any time.

Continuous Residence

Continuous residence means you:

  • Have not been outside the UK for more than 540 days total during the 10 years.
  • Have not spent more than 6 months abroad at any one time.
  • Have not left the UK without valid leave to return or with the intention of ending your stay.

If you’re unsure of your travel history, you can make a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the Home Office, which will provide an official record of your absences. Our solicitors at Deluxe Law Chambers can assist with this process to ensure accuracy.

Absences from the UK That Breaks Continuous Residence for 10 years long residence ILR

Continuous residence is broken in specified circumstances such as when an applicant:

  • is absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period without permitted reasons
  • is applying under Appendix Long Residence and was absent for a period of more than 6 months (184 days) at any one time or spent a total of 18 months (548 days) outside the UK and the absence started before 11 April 2024 without permitted reasons
  • is applying under Appendix Long Residence, left the UK before 24 November 2016 with no valid leave to remain on their departure from the UK, and failed to apply for entry clearance within 28 days of their previous permission expiring (even if they returned to the UK within 6 months (184 days))

Appendix Long Residence: transitional arrangements for applicants where the absence started before 11 April 2024

Appendix Continuous Residence (at paragraph CR 2.2A) recognises that its provisions are different from the previous long residence rules at paragraph 276A and makes transitional arrangements specifically for long residence applicants. These transitional arrangements preserve the position that continuous residence will be broken if an applicant has been absent from the UK for more than 184 days at any one time or for more than a total of 548 days overall, where that absence started before 11 April 2024. This means that:

  • any single absences started before 11 April 2024 must be no longer than 184 days
  • a 10-year period completed before 11 April 2024 must not have total absences of more than 548 days – for 10-year periods which extend beyond 11 April 2024, there is no 548-day limit
  • from 11 April 2024 the applicant must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period

Overstaying exceptions for 10 years long residence ILR

Overstaying means remaining in the UK after a person’s permission has expired. Overstaying will break a person’s continuous residence unless certain circumstances apply:

  • see circumstances where paragraph 39E of the Rules (exceptions for overstayers) applies, which are explained in the overstayer guidance
  • see CR 4.2 of Appendix Continuous Residence of the Immigration Rules for exceptions for applications for permission made before 24 November 2016, which are explained in the Applications from outside the UK section of this guidance Where an application is made and paragraph 39E of the rules applies (or the applicant made a successful application before 24 November 2016 for permission within 28 days of the date of their previous permission), the period of time where the applicant did not have permission, will not break continuous residence but will not be counted towards the qualifying period as a period of lawful presence in the UK.

English Language requirement for settlement on the Long Residence route

Unless an exemption applies, applicants are required to meet the English language requirement at level B1 or above. How applicants can demonstrate they meet this English language requirement is set out in Appendix English Language (see English language guidance).

Knowledge of Life in the UK requirements for settlement on the long residence route

Unless an exemption applies, applicants must meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement as set out in Appendix KOL UK (see Knowledge of language and life in UK guidance).

How early can I apply for ILR application?

You can apply for ILR 10 years long residence category up to 28 days in advance of completing your qualifying period of continuous lawful residence.  An application for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) based on 10 years long residence made more than 28 days in advance will be refused.

Processing Times and Fees of 10 years long residence ILR (2025 Update)

  • Standard Fee ILR fee for 10 years long residence is £3,029 in 2025.
  • Super Priority Service: £1,000 extra (decision by the next working day)
  • Average Processing Time: Around 6 months for standard applications

Applicants do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for ILR.

What is the processing time for 10 years long residence ILR application?

The processing time for 10 years long residence ILR is around 3 to 6 months.

Our legal fee for an indefinite leave to remain application starts from £1000.

Qualifying period requirement for settlement on the Long Residence route

The applicant must have spent a qualifying period of 10 years lawfully in the UK, for the entirety of which one or more of the following applied:

  • (a) the applicant had permission, except permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student (English language) or Seasonal Worker (or under any of their predecessor routes); or
  • (b) the applicant was exempt from immigration control; or
  • (c) the applicant was in the UK as an EEA national, or the family member of an EEA national, exercising a right to reside under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 prior to 11pm on 31 December 2020 (and until 30 June 2021 or the final determination of an application under Appendix EU made by them by that date).

The following periods will not count towards the qualifying period for Long Residence:

  • (a) time spent on immigration bail, temporary admission or temporary release; and
  • (b) any period of overstaying between periods of permission before 24 November 2016 even if a further application was made within 28 days of the expiry of the previous permission; and
  • (c) any period of overstaying between periods of permission on or after 24 November 2016 even if paragraph 39E applies to that period of overstaying; and
  • (d) any current period of overstaying where paragraph 39E applies.

The applicant must have had permission on their current immigration route for at least 12 months on the date of application, or have been exempt from immigration control in the 12 months immediately before the date of application.

What Rights Do I Gain After 10 Years with ILR?

Once granted, Indefinite Leave to Remain gives you the right to:

  • Live and work in the UK without restrictions
  • Access public funds (if eligible)
  • Sponsor family members to join you
  • Apply for British citizenship after 12 months

However, ILR can be lost if you leave the UK for more than 2 years. In such cases, you must apply as a Returning Resident to re-enter the UK.

What Happens If My 10 years long residence ILR Application Is Refused?

Refusals can occur due to:

  • Missing evidence of lawful or continuous residence
  • Excessive absences
  • Failure to meet English or Life in the UK test standards
  • Character or conduct concerns

If refused, you may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or seek Judicial Review if the decision was unfair or unlawful.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our immigration solicitors can review your refusal letter, advise on your legal options, and prepare an effective appeal or JR strategy.

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Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions for SET (LR) Application

Is Section 3C leave counted towards 10 years long residence to qualify for ILR?

Yes, any time spent in the UK under section 3c leave counts towards 10 years of residence in the UK for 10 years long residence ILR.

Can a child under 18 apply for SET (LR) on the grounds of 10 years lawful residence?

Yes, a child who has completed 10 years continuously and lawfully in the UK can apply for ILR based on 10 years long residence.

How long does it take to get a decision on an ILR application?

It can take up to six months.

What if I do not meet any of the requirements for 10 years long residence ILR, can I extend my limited leave?

Limited leave to remain is granted under Appendix Long Residence the Immigration Rules, and not as an extension of their previous category of limited leave to remain. This means an applicant must meet the rules for long residence, and not the rules for their previous category.

What happens if my 10 years long residence ILR application is refused?

If your long-residence ILR application is refused, you can appeal the decision.

Can I apply for 10 years long residence ILR if I have gaps in my stay?

Gaps in your stay can break your 10-year residence requirement, but certain exceptions may apply, such as absences for work or study.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK test for 10 years long residence ILR?

Yes, you will need to pass the life in the UK test and the B1 English language test to apply for 10 years long residence ILR.

Can I include time spent in prison towards my 10-year requirement?

Continuous residence is broken if an applicant receives a custodial sentence by a
court of law and is sent to:

  • prison
  • a young offender institution
  • a secure hospital

Any time the applicant spends in one of the above establishments does not count as continuous leave to meet 276A and 276D of the Immigration Rules. Any leave accumulated before sentencing will be disregarded and only residence after release from custody will be counted as continuous residence. Continuous residence is not broken if an applicant receives a suspended sentence from a court of law. It is also important to note that time spent on remand awaiting trial does not break continuous residence.

How Long Does Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) Last For?

Once you have been granted indefinite leave to remain, it will not expire.  You will be permanently free of immigration time restrictions. However, if you spend more than 2 years outside the UK then you may lose your ILR.

Accordion item 10What is the set LR application?

The SET LR application is an application for indefinite leave to remain made based on 10 years continuous lawful residence in the UK.

What is the difference between ILR and LR?

ILR is known as indefinite leave to remain (settlement) and LR is known as leave to remain (limited leave to remain).

Does ILR status expire?

Although ILR status does not expire on its own, there are instances in which your status can be lost or revoked.