No Time Limit (NTL) Application – A Complete Guide for 2025

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK but do not hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), applying for a No Time Limit NTL application could be an important step to confirm and protect your status. As the UK continues its move towards digital immigration records, having up-to-date proof of your right to live and work in the UK is more essential than ever.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NTL process, including who should apply, how to complete the application, what documents you may need, and how this fits into the wider shift from physical documents to digital immigration status.

What Is a No Time Limit NTL Application?

A No Time Limit (NTL) application allows individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) to obtain official confirmation of their immigration status.

Many people were granted ILR before the introduction of BRPs or received it in the form of a stamp in an old passport. Others may have lost or damaged their documentation over time. An NTL application gives these individuals the chance to update their status and receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) at least until the full transition to digital-only records takes place.

From October 2024, new applicants no longer receive a physical BRP. Instead, they are issued with a digital record known as an eVisa, accessible through a UKVI account. This change reflects the government’s ongoing effort to modernise immigration management and move away from paper-based systems.

Who Should Apply for a No Time Limit BRP?

You may want to consider making an NTL application if:

• You were granted ILR but only have a vignette in an old passport
• Your BRP has been lost, stolen, or damaged
• You have changed your name or other personal details
• You never received a BRP after being granted ILR
• You want a secure, updated form of proof for employment, renting, or accessing public services

In short, if you already have ILR but lack modern, verifiable proof of that status, an NTL application can help ensure your rights are properly recorded and easy to demonstrate when needed.

Why Apply? Benefits of the NTL Process

There are several practical reasons to make a No Time Limit application:

Easier Proof of Status

With a BRP or digital eVisa, you can quickly show your immigration status to employers, landlords, or public service providers. This avoids confusion or delays when proving your right to work or rent property in the UK.

Smoother Employment Checks

Employers must carry out right to work checks before hiring someone. Having a current BRP or eVisa makes this process faster and more reliable.

Better Access to Services

Whether you’re opening a bank account, renting a home, or accessing healthcare, having clear evidence of your immigration status helps avoid unnecessary complications.

Preparation for Citizenship

If you plan to apply for British citizenship in the future, having confirmed ILR status via an NTL application provides a solid foundation for your naturalisation process.

How to Apply for an NTL BRP

The process for making a No Time Limit application is straightforward and can be completed online. Here’s how to go about it:

Start Online via GOV.UK

All NTL applications must be submitted using the official form on the GOV.UK website. You’ll need to create or log in to your UKVI account before starting the process.

Upload Supporting Documents

You’ll be asked to upload scanned copies or photos of relevant documents. These might include:

• Your current passport or travel document
• Any previous passports showing ILR stamps or endorsements
• Letters from the Home Office confirming your ILR
• Evidence of any name changes (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll)

If you don’t have formal proof of your ILR, explain why and provide alternative evidence such as payslips, tenancy agreements, or utility bills showing long-term residence in the UK.

Book a Biometric Appointment

Once you’ve completed the online form, you’ll need to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your biometric information this includes a photo and fingerprints.

Appointments can usually be booked within a few days, though availability may vary depending on location.

Wait for a Decision

Most NTL applications are processed within 6 to 12 weeks, although some cases may take longer if additional checks are required.

If successful, your BRP card will be sent to you by courier. From October 2024 onwards, instead of a physical card, you’ll receive access to your digital immigration status (eVisa) through your UKVI account.

What Documents Will I Need?

To support your NTL application, you should provide:

• A valid passport or national identity card
• Proof of Indefinite Leave to Remain (such as a visa vignette, Home Office letter, or ISD)
• If applicable, documents showing any changes to your name, gender, or other personal details
• Optional: Evidence of UK residency, such as council tax statements, tenancy agreements, or employment records

If you cannot find any formal proof of your ILR, you can still apply. The Home Office will review internal records to confirm whether you were previously granted indefinite leave.

Is There a Fee for the NTL Application?

One of the biggest advantages of the NTL process is that it is free of charge for eligible applicants. However, there may be costs associated with optional services such as:

• Priority processing (if available)
• Document scanning at UKVCAS centres
• Courier delivery of your BRP (if applicable)

These extras are not mandatory, so you can choose whether or not to use them based on your needs and budget.

Processing Times and Receiving Your BRP

As mentioned earlier, most NTL applications are decided within 6 to 12 weeks. In some cases, it may take up to six months, especially if further checks are needed.

Once approved, your BRP card will be sent to the address you provided during the application. From October 2024, instead of receiving a physical card, your immigration status will be stored digitally and linked to your UKVI account.

Your BRP or digital record will typically remain valid for 10 years, unless the government phases out BRPs entirely before then.

What Happens After I Receive My NTL BRP?

Once you have your BRP or digital immigration record, you can use it to:

• Prove your right to work or rent in the UK
• Confirm your eligibility for public services like healthcare and benefits
• Travel in and out of the UK without issues
• Support future applications, such as for British citizenship

It’s also worth noting that from January 2025, all immigration status verification must be done digitally. This means that even if you currently hold a BRP, you will eventually need to register for a UKVI account and transition to an eVisa format.

Legacy Documents vs Digital Immigration Status

Many older ILR holders still rely on legacy documents such as passport vignettes or wet ink stamps. While these were once widely accepted, they are becoming increasingly outdated in the face of digital reforms.

A legacy document is any physical proof of ILR issued before the BRP system was introduced. These include:

• Passport vignettes (sticker-style visas)
• Wet ink stamps in passports
• Paper-based Indefinite Leave to Remain documents

While these forms of documentation are still legally valid, they are not always easy to verify and may cause problems when used for official purposes.

By making a No Time Limit application, you can upgrade your status to a modern, secure format that aligns with the UK’s digital-first approach to immigration.

Am I Eligible for an NTL Application?

To qualify for a No Time Limit application, you must:

• Already hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE)
• Not currently hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa
• Be able to prove your ILR status through existing documentation or historical records
• Be physically present in the UK when submitting your application

You must also ensure that your ILR has not lapsed due to absence from the UK for more than two continuous years since the year 2000.

Who Is Not Eligible for an NTL Application?

The following individuals are not eligible to apply for an NTL:

• Those who do not already have ILR
• People who currently hold a valid BRP or eVisa
• Individuals who have been absent from the UK for more than two consecutive years
• Anyone whose ILR has been revoked or curtailed

If you fall into one of these categories, you may need to explore alternative routes such as reapplying for ILR or applying for a returning resident visa.

What If I Don’t Have Proof of Indefinite Leave?

If you believe you were granted ILR but no longer have any documentation to prove it, you can still make an NTL application.

The Home Office will check its internal records to see if you were previously granted indefinite leave. If no formal record exists, you may be asked to provide alternative evidence such as:

• Payslips or employment contracts dating back to when you settled in the UK
• Utility bills or council tax letters
• Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
• GP registration letters or school records for children

You can also request a Document Certifying Recognition of Indefinite Leave if you need official confirmation of your status.

Can I Travel While My NTL Application Is Pending?

Yes, you are allowed to travel outside the UK while your NTL application is being processed. However, doing so comes with certain risks.

Without a BRP or digital eVisa, you may face difficulties re-entering the UK, especially if border officers cannot immediately verify your status. To reduce the risk, make sure you carry as much supporting documentation as possible, including:

• A copy of your NTL application confirmation
• Any previous documents confirming your ILR
• Evidence of long-term residence in the UK

Even better, wait until your application is approved before making international trips.

What Are My Options If My NTL Application Is Refused?

If your NTL application is not successful, the Home Office will provide a written explanation outlining the reasons for refusal.

Common grounds for refusal include:

• Inability to prove ILR status
• Identity mismatch between applicant and original records
• Evidence of prolonged absence from the UK

If your application is refused, you may:

• Request an administrative review of the decision
• Reapply once you have addressed the issues raised
• Seek legal advice if you believe the decision was incorrect

It’s always a good idea to speak with an immigration specialist if you’re unsure how to proceed after a refusal.

How to Confirm Immigration Status Without a BRP

Until recently, many people relied on physical BRPs to confirm their immigration status. Now, with the shift to digital records, you can check and share your immigration status directly through your UKVI account.

Employers, landlords, and service providers can also access this information securely through the online verification service. All you need to do is provide your permission using your date of birth and a share code generated through your UKVI profile.

This system removes the need to carry physical documents and makes it easier to manage your immigration status remotely.

The Shift to eVisas and What It Means for NTL Applicants

Since October 2024, all new NTL applicants receive an eVisa rather than a physical BRP. This digital format contains the same information as a BRP but is accessed online through a UKVI account.

From January 2025, the UK government requires everyone with immigration status to use digital records for verification. This means that even those with existing BRPs will eventually need to transition to the digital system.

Making an NTL application now ensures your status is correctly recorded and ready for this transition.

Frequently Asked Questions About NTL Applications

What is a No Time Limit (NTL) application?

An NTL application allows individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to confirm their status and obtain a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or digital eVisa.

Who needs to apply for NTL?

Anyone with ILR who does not have a BRP or eVisa, or who has lost or damaged their documentation.

Is the NTL application free in 2025?

Yes, it is completely free for eligible applicants.

How long does the NTL process take?

Most applications are decided within 6 to 12 weeks, though some may take up to six months.

Do I need a BRP if I already have ILR?

Having a BRP or eVisa makes it easier to prove your immigration status for employment, housing, and public services.

Can I apply for British citizenship without a BRP or eVisa?

Yes, but you will need to provide strong evidence of your ILR status. Having an NTL record makes this process simpler.

Will my NTL BRP still be valid after 2025?

New BRPs issued after October 2024 no longer expire on a set date. However, the UK is moving towards fully digital immigration records, so you may need to transition to an eVisa in the near future.

If you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain but do not have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa, making a No Time Limit (NTL) application is a smart way to bring your immigration status up to date.

With the UK shifting to digital-only immigration records, securing verified proof of your status now will help you avoid complications later — whether you’re applying for a job, renting a home, or preparing for British citizenship.

Need Help With Your NTL Application?

If you’re unsure where to start or need support with your application, professional guidance can make all the difference. We offer free advice and assistance to help you complete your No Time Limit application with confidence.

Call us today at 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for free immigration advice from solicitors in Manchester.

Let us help you confirm your status and prepare for the future with ease.