How to Apply for ILR Under the 10-Year Long Residence Route

If you’ve lived lawfully in the UK for 10 continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 10 years long residence route. This gives you the right to stay in the UK permanently, without needing to renew visas or worry about immigration status again.

This guide breaks down who qualifies, how to apply, what documents you need, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to refusals. Whether you’ve been here as a student, worker, or under different visas it all counts, as long as you’ve followed the rules.

What is the ILR 10 Years Residence  Route?

The ILR 10 year long residence route allows people who have lived in the UK for a full decade on valid visas to apply for settlement. It doesn’t matter what type of visa you’ve held, the key is that your stay was both lawful and continuous throughout the 10 years.

Unlike other routes that may require 5 years on the same visa type, this one adds up your entire immigration journey, as long as each step was legal and within the rules set by the Home Office.

Who is Eligible for ILR Through 10 Years of Legal Residence?

To apply, you must meet these key requirements:

• You’ve lived in the UK continuously for 10 years
• Your stay has been lawful (you always had valid leave to remain)
• You haven’t spent more than 540 days outside the UK in total
• You haven’t been out of the UK for more than 180 days at a time
• You passed the Life in the UK Test
• You meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 or higher)

Your 10 years can include time on different visas such as Student, Graduate, Skilled Worker, or family-based routes. Time on visitor visas or short-term study visas doesn’t count.

Exceptions and Discretion by the Home Office

Gaps in Your Visa History

If you overstayed a visa briefly or had a gap between applications, the UKVI might still grant your ILR if:

• You left the UK before 24 November 2016 and returned within 6 months of reapplying
• You applied for a new visa within 14 days of your last one expiring (after 24 November 2016)
• The gap was short and you had a reasonable excuse (e.g., illness, postal delays)

This is called discretion it’s not guaranteed but possible if you meet all other requirements.

Excess Absences from the UK

If you’ve spent more than 540 days outside the UK or left for over 6 months in one trip, your continuous residence may be broken. However, if the absences were for good reasons (e.g. medical emergency, family death), the Home Office might still approve your ILR. You’ll need strong evidence.

ILR Application Process under 10-years route

Here’s how to apply for ILR under the 10-year route:

• Apply online via the GOV.UK website using the correct form for long residence.
• Book a UKVCAS appointment to submit biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
• Upload your documents online or bring them to your appointment.
• Remain in the UK while your application is under review.

You’ll get a decision by email or post. Leaving the country during processing will automatically cancel your application.

Checklist: Documents You’ll Need for a Strong ILR Application

It’s essential to show clear evidence of your 10-year stay. Here’s what most applicants include:

Type	Examples
Proof of lawful residence	Visa letters, BRPs, Home Office decisions
Proof of continuous stay	Tenancy agreements, council tax bills, bank statements, GP registration letters
Proof of absences	Passport stamps, travel itineraries, SAR from Home Office
Identity documents	Valid passport, BRP
English language	B1 SELT test or degree taught in English
Life in the UK Test	Pass certificate

If you’ve lost old documents or don’t remember your full travel history, you can make a Subject Access Request to the Home Office to check your records.

How Long Does ILR Take to Process?

Standard Processing

The standard timeline is around 6 months from the date of your biometric appointment.

Super Priority Service

If you need a quicker decision, you can pay an extra £1,000 for a next working day result under the Super Priority Service but this depends on availability in your location.

Costs (as of 2025)

• ILR application fee: £3,029
• Super Priority (optional): +£1,000
• No IHS payment is required for ILR applications

What Rights Does ILR Grant Me?

Once you’re granted ILR, you’ll have settled status in the UK. This means:

• No more visa renewals or immigration restrictions
• Access to public funds (if eligible)
• Freedom to work, study, and run a business
• Pathway to apply for British citizenship after 12 months

You must avoid staying outside the UK for over 2 consecutive years, or your ILR could be lost.

What if My ILR Application is Refused?

Refusals can happen for several reasons:

• Not meeting the 10-year requirement
• Missing documents or inconsistent records
• Too much time spent outside the UK
• Failing the English or Life in the UK test

If you’re refused:

• Check the refusal letter for the reason
• Speak to immigration solicitors in Manchester for advice
• You may be able to appeal the decision or request a judicial review if the refusal seems unfair

See: ILR page for detailed help on refusals and appeal support.

Why Legal Advice Can Make the Difference

Applying for ILR under the 10-year rule might seem straightforward, but small mistakes can cost you time, money, or even lead to a refusal.

An immigration solicitor can:

• Review your documents before submission
• Spot potential issues (e.g. visa gaps or long absences)
• Help you respond to Home Office requests
• Support you in an appeal or judicial review if needed

Speak to Immigration Solicitors in Manchester

If you’ve been living in the UK for 10 years and are ready to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, don’t risk delays or rejection.

Call 0161 464 4140 or Book an appointment online with our team of experienced immigration solicitors in Manchester.

We’ll guide you through the process, check your eligibility, and give you peace of mind as you take the next step toward settling in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for ILR if I had a visa gap? 

Yes, in some cases. If you applied within 14 days of your visa expiring or had a valid reason, the Home Office may use discretion.

Does time on a student visa count? 

Yes, as long as your stay was lawful and continuous. Student visas are acceptable in the 10-year ILR calculation.

Can I travel during the ILR process? 

No. If you leave the UK while your application is being processed, it will be withdrawn automatically.

What happens if I fail the Life in the UK Test? 

You’ll need to wait and rebook the test. You cannot apply for ILR until you pass it.

Can ILR lead to British citizenship? 

Yes. You can usually apply for citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR, as long as you meet the other requirements.