Settlement – Long Residence

The 10-Year Long Residence route allows individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for at least ten years continuously to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, regardless of the visa route they have been on.

This is an important route for people whose immigration history does not fit neatly into the standard family or work-based settlement paths. It recognises that, after a decade of lawful residence, an individual has established strong ties to the UK and deserves the right to remain here permanently.

To qualify, you must demonstrate ten continuous and lawful years of residence in the UK. All periods of leave must have been valid — any gaps in your leave to remain, or periods of overstaying, will need to be addressed. You must not have been convicted of a criminal offence that would make your application inappropriate.

You will need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement. You must also demonstrate that you have spent the requisite time in the UK — periods of absence are calculated carefully, and extended absences can break the continuity required.

Long residence applications require detailed supporting documentation, including evidence of lawful leave throughout the ten-year period. This can be particularly complex where you have held multiple different visa types over the years.

Terence Ray Solicitors has helped numerous clients navigate the 10-Year Long Residence route successfully. We will review your immigration history in full and advise you on your options.

Contact us on 020 3367 1430 or at info@trsolicitors.co.uk.