UK long residence settlement

People applying from inside the UK who meet the 10-year long residence requirements for settlement.

• 10 years’ lawful residence

  You must have spent a qualifying period of 10 years lawfully in the UK. Time with permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student (English language) or Seasonal Worker, or under Appendix Ukraine Scheme, does not count; neither do periods of overstaying, immigration bail, temporary admission or temporary release.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Continuous residence

  You must meet the continuous residence requirement throughout the qualifying period. The route’s eligibility page says you can be outside the UK for up to 180 days in any 12-month period.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Earlier absences

  For periods abroad that started before 11 April 2024, continuous residence is broken by an absence of more than 184 days in a row or by more than 548 days in total. Only periods abroad that started before 11 April 2024 count towards the 548 days.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Time on current route

  You must have had permission on your current immigration route for at least 12 months when you apply, or have been exempt from immigration control in the immediately preceding 12 months. This requirement does not apply if your current permission was granted before 11 April 2024.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Meet suitability rules

  You must not fall for refusal under Part Suitability, and must not be in breach of immigration laws or on immigration bail, except where the specified Exceptions for overstayers apply.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Prove your English

  Unless exempt, you must show speaking and listening ability of at least CEFR B1 for an application made before 26 March 2027. For an application made on or after that date, the rule specifies at least CEFR B2.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Meet the Life in the UK requirement

  Unless exempt, you must meet the Knowledge of life in the UK requirement. The route’s eligibility page says applicants aged 18 to 65 must pass the Life in the UK Test.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Apply from inside the UK

  You must be in the UK on the date of application.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Provide identity and biometrics

  You must provide a passport or another document satisfactorily establishing your identity and nationality, and provide biometrics when required.

  gov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource

• Indefinite leave to remain applicationgov.uk · checked 5 days agoSource£3,226 per person

1. Get ready

   • Check your residence history

     Check that you have 10 years of qualifying lawful residence and meet the continuous residence and absence rules.

     You’ll need: Passports held during your time in the UK

   • Check your current permission

     Check whether the 12-month requirement on your current immigration route applies to you.

     You’ll need: Biometric residence permit, if you have one, Online proof of immigration status, if you have an eVisa

   • Prepare proof of English

     If you are not exempt, prepare evidence that you meet the English-language requirement applicable on your application date.

     You’ll need: Evidence of English-language ability, if required

   • Pass the Life in the UK Test

     If you are not exempt, meet the Knowledge of life in the UK requirement before applying.

     You’ll need: Life in the UK Test result, if required

   • Gather your documents

     Gather your current travel ID, previous passports and proof of immigration status, and arrange certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.

     You’ll need: Current passport or other valid travel ID, All passports held during your time in the UK, Biometric residence permit, if you have one, or an eVisa share code, Certified translations, where needed

2. Apply

   • Apply online and pay

     Apply online from inside the UK for indefinite leave to remain and pay the application fee.

     You’ll need: Application form, Passport or other identity document

   • Provide biometrics and documents

     Attend a UKVCAS service point to provide your fingerprints and photo, and upload your supporting documents or have them scanned at your appointment.

     You’ll need: Supporting documents

   • Wait for a decision

     Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man before the decision, because doing so will withdraw your application without a fee refund.

3. Settle in

   • Access your eVisa

     If your application succeeds, follow your decision email or letter to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.

     You’ll need: Decision email or letter

You can use indefinite leave to remain to apply for British citizenship.

• gov.uk/government/publications/settlement-customer-service-standards/…Official
• Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix Long Residence - Guidance - GOV.UK gov.ukOfficial
• Indefinite leave to remain if you’ve been in the UK for 10 years (long residence): Eligibility - GOV.UKgov.ukOfficial
• gov.uk/long-residence/documents-you-must-provideOfficial
• gov.uk/long-residence/apply-to-settleOfficial
• Indefinite leave to remain if you’ve been in the UK for 10 years (long residence): Overview - GOV.UKgov.ukOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.