Long Residence
Long Residence in the UK
The long residence is a UK immigration route that permits individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for a continuous 10 years to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Also referred to as ‘settlement’ in the UK. With ILR you can live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions and apply for British citizenship when you become eligible.
To apply, you need to show continuous lawful residence of 10 years in the UK on a valid immigration category as specified in the immigration rules. There are also other requirements to fulfil to be eligible for a long residence route to apply for ILR.
At MGBe Legal, we specialise in guiding you through the long residence application process. Our experienced immigration lawyers ensure your long residence application is accurate and compliant.
Requirement for Long Residence in the UK
Current leave to remain
Applicants must hold valid leave to remain in the UK at the time of applying for indefinite leave to remain under the long residence route. This ensures that your current stay in the UK is lawful.
Continuous 10-year lawful residence
You must provide evidence of 10 continuous years of lawful residence in the UK. The continuous residence should be uninterrupted and include valid leave under eligible immigration categories.
Absence limitations
The rules regulating the continuous residence route have changed several times and are complex. Appendix Continuous residence of the immigration rules makes transitional arrangements specifically for long residence applicants. To apply under this route, it is important to be familiar with the relevant requirements.
Life in the UK test and English language proficiency
You must pass the life in the UK test and prove English language proficiency at CEFR level B1 or higher.
No breach of immigration laws
During your continuous stay in the UK, you must have remained compliant with immigration laws, by adhering to your visa conditions and not overstayed. If there are breaches of immigration laws during your residence, you may not be eligible for the long residence route. Some exceptions apply, so it is important to obtain legal advice before proceeding.
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Process to apply for Long Residence in the UK
1Complete the application online
First apply for long residence ILR (indefinite leave to remain) online by filing the application form on the GOV.UK website. You must apply before your current visa to expire; apply up to 28 days before completing the 10-year qualifying period of your continuous lawful residence.
2Book and attend biometric appointment
After submitting your application, book your appointment at a dedicated service point and attend to provide your biometric information, like a scan of your fingerprints and a photograph for identification purposes.
3Submit supporting documents
Along with your application, submit the required supporting documents. You can either upload them through the online application service or bring them to your biometric appointment to be scanned and submitted.
4Avoid travel during application review
Do not travel outside the UK while your ILR application is in the review. If you leave the country during this time, your application will be withdrawn.
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Why choose MGBe Legal for Long Residence in the UK?
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FAQs
1What is long residence eligibility in UK immigration?
You must have lived lawfully in the UK for at least ten continuous years, meeting specific criteria.
2Can absences affect long residence eligibility?
Yes, extended absences from the UK can break continuous residence and affect eligibility.
3How do I apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) via long residence?
Submit an application proving ten years of lawful stay, compliance, and attach required documents.
4Can previous visa overstays impact long residence cases?
Unlawful periods may affect eligibility, but some exceptions exist under UK law.
5What happens if my long residence application is refused?
You may appeal, request a review, or reapply based on the reasons for refusal.
6When should I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) via Long Residence?
You should apply for ILR for up to 28 days before completing your 10-year continuous lawful residence period. It is essential that you apply before your current visa expires. The 10 years route long residence visa is likely to be scrapped from Spring 2026.
7What is the benefit of achieving an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
ILR grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions from the Home Office. After holding ILR for a qualifying period, you can apply for British citizenship.
8What happens to my ILR application if I travel outside the UK while waiting for a decision?
You must avoid traveling outside the UK while your ILR application is pending. If you leave the country during this time, your application is likely to be withdrawn.
9What documentation is required to prove my English language proficiency?
You must prove English language proficiency at CEFR level B1 or higher in addition to passing the Life in the UK test. Certified English translations are required for non-English documents.
10What is the fastest way to get a decision on my Long Residence ILR application?
You can pay for the Super Priority Service if it is available for your case. This service guarantees a visa decision by the end of the next working day after you submit your biometric information.
11Does the Long Residence rule include transitional arrangements?
Yes, due to past rule changes, Appendix Continuous Residence includes complex transitional arrangements. Seeking legal advice is important to understand these specific absence rules.
12Which visas count toward the 10-year route?
Time spent as a Visitor, Short-term Student, or Seasonal Worker no longer counts toward the 10-year continuous lawful residence requirement.
13Is the 5-year settlement rule changing?
The government is currently consulting on Earned Settlement, which may move many routes to a 10-year qualifying period. MGBe Legal can provide the latest status based on your specific visa path.
