Are you considering applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 10-Year Long Residence route? Navigating this process can be challenging, as there are multiple requirements to meet and specific criteria to satisfy. In this blog post, we answer common questions about the application process and provide guidance on how to prepare a strong application.

To qualify for ILR under this route, you must demonstrate 10 years of lawful residence in the UK. You must provide evidence of the visas you have held during this period and show that you adhered to their terms. Any overstays, even for a short time, may break the lawful residence requirement.

Continuous residence means that you have lived in the UK without significant absences. Specifically:

• You cannot have been outside the UK for more than 184 days at a time before 11 April 2024.
• You cannot have been outside the UK for more than 548 days in total over the 10-year period.
• After 11 April 2024, you cannot have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months.

The continuous residence requirement be broken if you have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment (except for a suspended sentence), directed to be detained, subjected to a deportation order or removal directions, or if you did not have valid immigration permission in the UK.

To satisfy the lawful residence requirement:

• You must have had valid leave to remain for the entire 10 years.
• Your residence must not include deportation or other breaches of immigration law.

The Home Office may exercise discretion if absences exceed the allowed limits due to compassionate or compelling circumstances. Key considerations include:

• The timing of the absences within the 10-year period.
• Whether the circumstances were unavoidable.
• The speed with which you returned to the UK once able.

You must demonstrate proficiency in English at CEFR Level B1 and pass the Life in the UK test. The English language requirement can be also met if are nationals of a majority English-speaking country or if you have an academic degree taught or researched in English, subject to the provision of the correct evidence.

You must meet the good character requirement. Criminal convictions or other negative factors, such as breaches of immigration law, can adversely affect your application.

The application fee for ILR under the 10-Year Long Residence route is currently £2,885.

The standard processing time for this ILR application is six months. Using the Super PriorityService, subject to an additional fee, could accelerate the decision-making process.

Applying for ILR under the 10-Year Long Residence route requires thorough preparation and a clear understanding of your immigration history. Small errors or oversights can lead to delays or even refusals. Our team of experienced immigration specialists can provide expert guidance to help you navigate this complex process.

Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and receive tailored support for your application. Let us help you secure your future in the UK.