Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after ten years in the UK marks a major milestone for many long-term residents. It confirms your right to stay without immigration limits and opens the way to stability and future opportunities. To qualify, you must show ten years of lawful residence, good character, and meet all document requirements. This article explains who can apply, what evidence you need, and how to prepare your application correctly so you can take a confident step towards permanent status in the UK.
Understanding the 10-Year Long Residence Route
The 10-year long residence rule, outlined in Part 7 of the UK Immigration Rules, allows a person who has lawfully lived in the UK for a continuous period of ten years to apply for ILR. This route recognises individuals who have built their lives in the country through steady and legitimate residence.
The key factor in this route is continuous lawful residence. This means that your stay in the UK must have been uninterrupted and lawful under any combination of valid visas. Periods spent on most visa types can count towards the ten years, including:
- Student visas (Tier 4 or predecessor routes)
- Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visas
- Family or partner visas
- Private life visas
- Long-term temporary work or limited leave categories
However, time spent as a visitor, short-term student, or under temporary admission does not count towards the ten-year requirement. Similarly, time spent in the UK without valid leave will usually break the period of lawful residence unless the Home Office accepts it under specific transitional arrangements, such as short overstays before 24 November 2016.
Applicants should maintain careful records of all visas, renewals, and entry or exit dates throughout their stay. Any gaps in lawful residence, even for short periods, can cause problems at the application stage.
Eligibility Requirements for ILR After 10 Years
Continuous Lawful Residence
To qualify for ILR on the 10-year route, applicants must prove that they have continuously and lawfully lived in the UK for ten full years. The Home Office allows a maximum total of 540 days outside the UK during the entire period, with no single absence exceeding 180 days. All absences must be supported by travel records, such as passport stamps or flight confirmations.
A “break” in residence occurs if the applicant leaves the UK without valid leave or overstays beyond the permitted period. In most cases, overstays of more than 28 days before 24 November 2016, or any overstaying after that date, will reset the residence clock. Limited exceptions apply if the delay was due to factors beyond your control, such as medical emergencies or Home Office errors.
Those who changed visa categories within the UK must ensure that each transition was lawful. Gaps between visas or delays in submitting extension applications can also affect eligibility. It is advisable to obtain a full immigration history summary from the Home Office to confirm lawful residence before applying.
Good Character Requirement
Applicants must show that they meet the good character requirement. This means having no serious or unspent criminal convictions, immigration offences, or unpaid NHS debts. The Home Office assesses the applicant’s conduct over the ten-year period, including any breaches of immigration conditions or false representations made in previous applications.
Minor offences such as parking fines usually do not impact an ILR application, but repeated or serious offences may lead to refusal. The Home Office also checks tax records, employment history, and compliance with visa conditions to ensure that applicants have maintained lawful and responsible conduct throughout their stay.
Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK
Applicants aged between 18 and 65 must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK. This involves passing two assessments:
- The Life in the UK Test – A multiple-choice test covering British history, culture, and traditions.
- English Language Requirement – Proof of English proficiency at level B1 CEFR or higher through an approved test provider, or a degree taught in English.
Exemptions apply for those aged 65 and above, or individuals with long-term physical or mental conditions that prevent them from taking the tests. Certificates from the test centres must be included in the ILR application.
Current Immigration Status
You must hold valid leave at the time of submitting your ILR application. If your visa is close to expiring, you should apply before it runs out to avoid becoming an overstayer. Those with pending applications or appeals can still qualify, but their 10-year period must remain lawful up to the date of decision.
Applicants whose leave expires during the processing period remain under Section 3C leave, which extends their legal status until a decision is made. However, submitting an incomplete or incorrect application can end this protection, so accuracy and documentation are essential.
Documents Required for ILR (10-Year Route)
Core Identification Documents
Applicants must provide proof of identity and immigration status. The main documents include:
- A valid passport showing all previous visas and entry stamps.
- The current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
- Two recent passport-sized photographs that meet Home Office standards.
All documents must be current and in the applicant’s name. If any passport is lost, a written explanation and police report should be submitted.
Proof of Continuous Residence
Evidence of residence throughout the ten-year period is critical. The Home Office expects consistent proof covering the entire duration, with no unexplained gaps. Supporting documents can include:
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements showing your address history.
- Council tax bills, utility bills, and bank statements from each year of residence.
- Official letters from employers, educational institutions, or the NHS.
- Travel records such as boarding passes and entry or exit stamps.
It is not necessary to provide every document for every month, but there should be at least one reliable record for each half-year across the ten-year period.
Proof of English Language and Life in the UK
Applicants must include:
- The Life in the UK Test pass certificate.
- The English language test certificate at B1 level or above, or evidence of a degree taught in English.
These must come from approved providers listed on the Home Office website. Certificates from non-approved institutions will not be accepted.
Character and Immigration History Documents
Applicants should also include:
- A police registration certificate, if required under the conditions of past visas.
- Home Office correspondence confirming past visa approvals and extensions.
- Any disclosure certificates or letters explaining past legal issues, if relevant.
Clear documentation helps avoid delays or requests for further evidence.
Application Process for ILR After 10 Years
The application for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 10 years is made using Form SET(LR), which is completed and submitted online through the official GOV.UK website. Applicants must provide full details of their immigration history, residence, and supporting evidence to confirm lawful stay throughout the ten-year period.
After submitting the form, applicants must pay the application fee and the biometric enrolment fee. As of 2025, the fee for ILR under the long residence route is £2,885, with an additional £19.20 for biometrics. Fees may change, so checking the latest Home Office rates before applying is essential.
Once payment is confirmed, applicants are prompted to book a biometric appointment through the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS). During this appointment, fingerprints and a digital photograph are taken, and any remaining documents can be scanned or submitted.
The application allows for document upload online, and applicants can either scan their files in advance or use document scanning services during the appointment. All evidence should be clearly labelled, with dates and page numbers if possible.
Processing Time and Priority Options
The standard processing time for ILR applications is usually up to six months. However, applicants may choose the Priority Service, which offers a decision within five working days, or the Super Priority Service, which aims to issue a decision within 24 hours. These faster options carry additional costs and are available only when slots are open.
Applicants should not travel outside the UK while their ILR application is pending, as leaving the country automatically withdraws the application.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Understanding why ILR applications are refused helps applicants prepare more effectively. Common reasons include:
Excessive Absences
If the applicant has spent more than 540 days outside the UK in total or has taken any single trip longer than 180 days, the application is likely to be refused. The Home Office expects applicants to provide proof of travel history and valid reasons for any lengthy absences, such as family emergencies or work obligations abroad.
Gaps in Lawful Residence
Breaks in lawful stay, especially periods of overstaying, can result in refusal. Applicants must ensure that each visa extension or switch was submitted before the expiry of the previous visa. Delays caused by postal or Home Office errors may be accepted with evidence, but unapproved gaps cannot be ignored.
Failing the Language or Life in the UK Tests
Missing or invalid test certificates are common causes of refusal. Only tests from approved providers are accepted. Certificates older than two years are usually still valid, but they must clearly show the applicant’s name and the issuing institution.
Incomplete or Weak Documentation
Insufficient proof of continuous residence, missing passport pages, or unclear evidence can delay or harm the application. The Home Office requires reliable proof for every period within the ten years. Letters from employers, landlords, or educational institutions can help fill any gaps.
Immigration or Criminal Issues
Refusals can also result from breaches of immigration laws or criminal records. False statements or undeclared convictions can permanently affect eligibility. Applicants are encouraged to disclose all relevant history honestly, as transparency is viewed favourably.
After You Receive ILR
Once ILR is granted, you gain permanent resident status in the UK. This allows you to:
- Live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions.
- Access NHS services and public benefits where eligible.
- Leave and re-enter the UK freely without applying for visas.
A new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is issued, confirming ILR status. This card should be kept safe and used as proof when needed.
Keeping ILR Valid
ILR can be lost if you remain outside the UK for more than two consecutive years, as it may be treated as abandoned residence. In such cases, you would need to apply for a Returning Resident Visa to re-enter.
It is advisable to maintain links to the UK, such as a home, job, or family ties, if you plan to travel frequently or stay abroad for extended periods.
Applying for British Citizenship
After holding ILR for at least 12 months, you can usually apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, provided you continue to meet residence and good character requirements. Those married to British citizens can apply immediately after obtaining ILR, without waiting for 12 months.
Citizenship grants the right to a UK passport and voting privileges, marking full integration into British civic life.
Legal Assistance and Expert Support
Applying for ILR through the 10-year long residence route can seem straightforward, but the Home Office applies strict scrutiny to every detail. Even minor errors, such as missing travel dates or gaps in documentation, can lead to delays or refusal.
A qualified immigration lawyer or adviser can review your residence history, ensure compliance with Home Office criteria, and help address complex issues such as short overstays or missing records. They can also assist in preparing representations to explain any irregularities, which may significantly strengthen your case.
Professional support is particularly important for applicants with multiple visa types, old passports, or periods abroad that need clear justification. Legal advice also helps when considering the transition from ILR to citizenship, as eligibility timelines vary depending on personal circumstances.
FAQs
What is the main benefit of ILR after 10 years in the UK?
It grants you permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in the UK without any visa restrictions.
Can I apply for ILR if I have short periods of overstaying?
Short overstays before 24 November 2016 may be accepted, but any unlawful stay after that date can break your residence period.
Do all visa categories count towards the 10-year rule?
Most long-term visa types, such as work, student, and family visas, count. Time spent as a visitor or on temporary admission does not.
Do I need to submit every document for 10 years of residence?
No, but you must provide consistent proof covering the full ten-year period with no unexplained gaps.
When can I apply for British citizenship after ILR?
Usually after holding ILR for 12 months, unless you are married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply immediately.
