Apply for your long residence visa UK with confidence
If you have been living lawfully in the United Kingdom for a continuous period, you may be eligible to apply for the long residence visa UK and secure your future here permanently. At Hedgley Immigration, our specialist advisers guide you through every stage of the application, from gathering the right evidence to submitting a complete and accurate case to the Home Office. We take the complexity out of the process so you can focus on what matters most: building your life in the UK.
What is the long residence visa UK?
The UK long residence visa is an immigration route that allows individuals who have lived continuously and lawfully in the United Kingdom for at least ten years to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Also known as the 10 year long residence route, it is one of the most established pathways to permanent settlement in the UK.
Unlike many other visa categories, the UK long residence visa does not require you to be in a specific employment, family, or points-based category. Instead, it recognises the length and lawfulness of your time in the country. If you meet the qualifying criteria, you can apply regardless of which visa you originally held, provided your overall residence has been lawful and continuous.
Once granted, ILR gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any immigration restrictions. It is also a stepping stone towards British citizenship.
Who is eligible for the 10 years long residence visa UK?
To qualify for the 10 years long residence visa UK, you must meet a specific set of requirements set out in Appendix Long Residence of the Immigration Rules. The key eligibility criteria are:
- You have spent at least ten years of continuous lawful residence in the United Kingdom
- No single gap in your lawful leave has exceeded 28 days, and the total of all gaps does not exceed 180 days across the ten-year period
- You have not been in breach of immigration conditions during your residence
- You pass the good character requirement, which includes having no serious criminal convictions or deception in previous immigration applications
- You have not spent any period in the UK in breach of immigration laws, unless the Home Office exercises discretion in exceptional circumstances
The ten-year period may include time spent on a variety of visa categories, including student visas, skilled worker visas, family visas, and other lawful leave. Time spent as an EEA or Swiss national under the EU Settlement Scheme may also count in certain circumstances.
Not sure whether your circumstances meet the requirements? Our team at Hedgley Immigration will assess your full immigration history and give you a clear, honest picture of your eligibility.
Long residence ILR UK: what happens once you are granted?
Securing long residence ILR UK through the indefinite leave to remain long residence route is a significant milestone. Once you receive ILR, you will benefit from the following:
- The right to live and remain in the UK permanently, with no time limit on your stay
- The freedom to work for any employer and in any role without restrictions
- Access to public funds, including benefits and the National Health Service, on the same basis as a British citizen
- The ability to travel freely and return to the UK without needing a visa
- Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months, subject to meeting additional requirements
The UK ILR long residence route also benefits members of your immediate family. Dependent partners and children may be able to apply for ILR at the same time as you, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
It is worth noting that your ILR will lapse if you spend two or more consecutive years outside the United Kingdom. Planning your travel carefully after settlement is therefore important, and our advisers at Hedgley Immigration can help you understand how to protect your ILR status.
What documents do you need for the long residence visa UK application?
The Home Office requires substantial documentary evidence to support an indefinite leave to remain long residence UK application. Gathering and presenting this evidence correctly is one of the most important parts of the process. You will typically need to provide:
- A valid passport and copies of all previous passports covering the ten-year period
- Documents proving your lawful leave throughout the qualifying period, such as visa stickers, biometric residence permits (BRPs), and decision letters from the Home Office
- Evidence of continuous residence, which may include bank statements, payslips, P60 forms, tenancy agreements, council tax bills, and NHS records
- Your current biometric residence permit, if applicable
- Details of any absences from the UK during the ten-year period, and supporting evidence where absences were for a specific reason
- Police certificate, if required based on your nationality or travel history
- Details of any criminal convictions or civil penalties, if applicable
Missing or incomplete documents are among the most common reasons for delays and refusals on the indefinite leave to remain long residence route. At Hedgley Immigration, we carry out a thorough review of your documentation before submission to make sure nothing is overlooked.
How does the application process work?
Applying for a UK long residence visa involves several important stages. Here is what you can expect when you work with Hedgley Immigration:
1. Free initial consultation
We begin with a detailed review of your immigration history to confirm your eligibility for the UK long residency visa. We identify any potential gaps or complications early so there are no surprises later in the process.
2. Document review and preparation
Our team works with you to compile all the evidence required for your application. We provide a tailored document checklist, review everything you provide, and advise on how to obtain any missing records.
3. Application drafting and submission
We complete the online application on your behalf, prepare a detailed covering letter, and submit everything to the Home Office. We ensure your application is accurate, well-presented, and fully supported by evidence.
4. Bomietrics appointment support
After submission, you will need to attend a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Service and Support Centre (SSC) to enrol your biometrics. We guide you through booking and preparing for this appointment.
5. Decision and post-approval guidance
We keep you updated throughout the process and are on hand to respond to any queries from the Home Office. Once your ILR is granted, we advise you on next steps, including how to apply for a biometric residence permit and, in due course, British citizenship.
Why choose Hedgley Immigration for your long residence visa UK application?
At Hedgley Immigration, we understand that your immigration journey is one of the most important chapters of your life. We are a UK-based team of regulated immigration advisers with deep experience in long residence applications. Here is why our clients trust us:
- Specialist expertise: We focus on UK immigration law and have a thorough understanding of the long residence rules, including complex cases involving gaps in leave, overstaying, and multiple visa categories
- Regulated and professional: Hedgley Immigration is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), meaning we meet strict professional standards and your application is in safe hands
- Transparent pricing: We provide clear, fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs. You will know exactly what you are paying before we begin
- Personalised service: Every application is unique. We take the time to understand your individual circumstances and tailor our approach accordingly
- End-to-end support: From your first enquiry to the moment you receive your ILR, we are with you at every step. We also provide post-settlement advice for clients who wish to progress towards British citizenship
Our clients come from all over the world and from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you have been in the UK on a student visa, a work visa, or a family visa, our team has the experience to help you secure your long residence ILR UK successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need to live in the UK for a long residence visa UK application?
To apply for the long residence visa UK, you must have completed at least ten years of continuous and lawful residence in the United Kingdom. This means you must have held valid leave for the entire period, with any gaps not exceeding 28 days at a time and no more than 180 days in total across the ten years. The ten-year period is calculated up to the date you submit your application.
Can absences from the UK affect my 10 years long residence visa UK application?
Yes, absences can affect your eligibility for the 10 years long residence visa UK. The Home Office allows a total of no more than 180 days outside the United Kingdom across the ten-year qualifying period. Individual absences of more than 28 days where you had no valid leave during that period may also break the continuity of your residence. It is important to keep accurate records of all your travel and absences and to discuss any significant periods abroad with an adviser before submitting your application.
What is the difference between indefinite leave to remain long residence and other ILR routes?
Indefinite leave to remain long residence is based solely on the length and lawfulness of your time in the United Kingdom, rather than your employment status, salary, or family relationship. Other ILR routes, such as those for skilled workers or family members, have specific eligibility criteria tied to a particular visa category. The indefinite leave to remain long residence UK route is therefore particularly valuable for people who have held several different types of visa over the years, as these periods can often be combined to meet the ten-year threshold. The UK ILR long residence route is also used by people who no longer meet the requirements of their original visa but have built a substantial life in the UK over many years.
How long does a long residence ILR UK application take?
The standard processing time for a long residence ILR UK application is currently around six months, though this can vary. If you need a faster decision, it may be possible to book a priority or super priority appointment at a UKVI Service and Support Centre, subject to availability. During the processing period, you are permitted to continue living and working in the UK on the basis of your existing leave or a section 3C leave extension, provided your application was submitted before your current leave expired. Hedgley Immigration will advise you on timing to ensure your application is submitted at the right point.
How much does it cost to apply for the UK long residence visa?
The Home Office application fee for the UK long residence visa is currently set at the standard ILR fee, which applies regardless of nationality or visa history. In addition, you will need to pay the biometric enrolment fee when you attend your appointment. There is also the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to consider, though once ILR is granted you will no longer be required to pay the surcharge. Our team at Hedgley Immigration will provide you with a full breakdown of all costs, including our professional fees, during your initial consultation.
What happens if my long residence visa UK application is refused?
If your long residence visa UK application is refused by the Home Office, you may have the right to an administrative review or an appeal, depending on the grounds of refusal. It is important to read the refusal letter carefully and seek professional advice as soon as possible, as time limits apply. In some cases, it may be possible to submit a fresh application with additional evidence to address the reasons for refusal. Hedgley Immigration can review your refusal, advise on the best course of action, and assist with any challenge or reapplication.
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