10-Year Long Residence ILR

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through the 10-year long residence route if you’ve lived legally in the UK for 10 continuous years. This route is based on your continuous lawful residence in the UK rather than the specific visa category you have held.

This guide explains the eligibility requirements, continuous residence rules, documents, application process and costs.

Table of Contents

Can I Apply for ILR After 10 Years?

Yes, you may be eligible to apply for ILR after 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. You must meet the continuous residence requirements and other eligibility conditions, including the English language and Life in the UK requirements where applicable.

10-Year Long Residence ILR Requirements

To qualify for ILR under the 10-year long residence route, you need 10 years' continuous lawful residence in the UK, current permission to stay, and to pass the Life in the UK Test and English language requirement.

You may qualify for ILR on the basis of long residence if:

• You have been legally resident in the UK for 10 continuous years.
• You currently have valid permission to stay in the UK.
• You will usually need to have held your current permission to stay for at least one year.
• Your 10 years of residence meet the applicable continuous residence requirements.
• You meet the English language requirement, unless an exemption applies.
• You have passed the Life in the UK Test, unless you are exempt.
• You meet the other requirements for settlement under the long residence route.

The 10 years can generally be made up of time spent in the UK under different immigration categories, provided the relevant periods can be counted towards continuous residence.

Do I Need to Have Been on the Same Visa for 10 Years?

No. You do not generally need to have held the same type of visa throughout the 10-year period. Time spent in the UK under different immigration categories can potentially be combined to meet the 10-year long residence requirement.

However, not all types of UK immigration permission or residence can be counted, so it is important to check your entire immigration history before applying.

What Counts as Continuous Residence?

Continuous residence means time spent lawfully in the UK (including the Isle of Man and Channel Islands) without a break that resets the clock.

For absences that started on or after 11 April 2024, you must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period.

Time that does not count toward your 10 years:

• Time on a Standard Visitor visa, or as a visitor without a visa
• Time on a Short-term Study visa
• Time on a Seasonal Worker visa
• Time under any Ukraine scheme
• Time on immigration bail, temporary admission or temporary release
• Time in prison, a young offender institution or secure hospital
• Time as a British citizen if your citizenship was later removed
• Overstaying, including periods covered by "exceptional assurance" granted during COVID-19

Absences Before 11 April 2024

Absences before 11 April 2024 are assessed under the old rules: continuous residence is broken if a single trip abroad exceeded 184 days, or if total absences exceeded 548 days. Only pre-11 April 2024 absences count toward that 548-day total; this is a transitional rule, so applicants with a long residence history need both the old and new absence limits checked against their travel record.

Important: Check Your Full Immigration History

The 10-year long residence route can be straightforward where your immigration history is continuous and well documented, but gaps in permission, overstaying, absences from the UK and periods that cannot be counted can affect eligibility.

Before applying, check your previous visas, immigration permissions and travel history to establish exactly when your 10-year qualifying period began and whether it has remained continuous.

Knowledge of English for ILR

If you're aged 18 to 65, you must normally meet the English language requirement unless an exemption applies. The level and type of evidence required can depend on your circumstances, so check the current requirements before applying.

Many people applying for ILR need to prove their English language ability, but you may not necessarily need to take a new English test. The requirement depends on your immigration route, previous qualifications and personal circumstances.

Life in the UK Test for ILR

If you're aged 18 to 65, you must pass the Life in the UK Test before applying for settlement, although exemptions can apply. The test is currently £50, and you need to score at least 75% to pass.

You may be exempt in certain circumstances, including depending on your age or a qualifying medical condition. The exact requirements depend on your settlement route.

Read our ILR Life in the UK Test Guide for the requirements, exemptions, booking process and preparation advice.

Documents Required for 10-Year Long Residence ILR

For a 10-year long residence ILR application, you’ll generally need to provide documents confirming your identity, immigration status and continuous residence in the UK. The exact documents required depend on your circumstances and immigration history.

Typical documents include:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Current BRP or eVisa details, where applicable
• Evidence of your 10 years of continuous residence, particularly where your residence or travel history cannot be verified through Home Office records
• Details of your previous immigration permissions and visas
• Evidence of absences from the UK, if required to establish that you have met the continuous residence rules
• Life in the UK Test reference, if applicable
• Evidence of meeting the English language requirement, if applicable
• Evidence relating to any periods of overstaying or gaps in permission, where relevant
• Certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh
• Any additional documents requested by UKVI based on your individual circumstances

How to Apply for ILR Based on Long Residence

You must apply online for ILR based on 10-year long residence using the "Apply to settle in the UK - long residence" application form. You must be in the UK when you apply and provide your supporting documents and biometric information as required.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm eligibility: check your continuous residence, absences, and current permission against the criteria above
2. Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English requirement, if applicable
3. Gather your documents, including certified translations
4. Submit your online application and pay the fee
5. Attend your biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo)
6. Await your decision: do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or Isle of Man
7. Access your eVisa via a UKVI account once approved

Full step-by-step guidance: How to apply for ILR.

How Much Does 10-Year Long Residence ILR Cost?

Since 8 April 2026, the standard Home Office fee for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application is £3,226 per person. Each dependant applying for ILR must also pay the full £3,226 fee. The application fee is generally not refunded if the application is refused.

You may also have additional costs, such as the £50 Life in the UK Test fee and any fees for optional faster-decision services. The total cost will therefore depend on your circumstances and the services you require.

For a full breakdown of Home Office fees, additional costs and solicitor fees, see our ILR Fees & Costs Guide.

How Long Does 10-Year Long Residence ILR Application Take?

A standard 10-year long residence ILR application is usually decided within 6 months of providing your fingerprints and photo. If eligible, you may be able to use the super priority service for a faster decision.

Read our ILR Processing Time Guide for current standard, priority, and super-priority processing information.

Why Choose Wembley Solicitors?

Choosing the right solicitor for a 10-year long residence ILR application is important, particularly where your immigration history involves previous visas, absences from the UK, gaps in permission or other complications.

Wembley Solicitors is an SRA-regulated law firm (SRA No. 806549) with 17+ years of experience in UK immigration law.

Clients choose Wembley Solicitors for:

• Specialist immigration experience – advice on ILR, visas, citizenship and complex immigration matters.
• Experience with ILR applications – including cases involving complicated qualifying-period and residence issues. Recent independent reviews specifically mention successful ILR applications and assistance with complex qualifying-period issues.
• SRA-regulated legal service – providing the protections and professional standards associated with an SRA-regulated law firm.
• Clear, practical advice – help understanding your immigration history, continuous residence, absences and supporting evidence before you apply.
• Transparent pricing – clear information about legal fees before you proceed.
• Local and UK-wide service – based at 561 High Road, Wembley, with immigration services available to clients across London and the UK.

If you're unsure whether your 10 years of residence qualify for ILR, our immigration solicitors can review your circumstances and advise you on the appropriate route before you submit your application.

Need Help with Your ILR Application?

If you’re applying for ILR based on 10-year long residence, getting the eligibility and continuous residence requirements right is important. Our immigration solicitors can review your circumstances, check your qualifying residence and supporting documents, and guide you through the application process.

Contact Wembley Solicitors today on 020 3417 3700 or enquire online for professional advice on your 10-year long residence ILR application.