Immigration, Simplified

10-Year Long Residence (ILR)

The Long Residence route allows individuals who have lived in the UK lawfully and continuously for a decade to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This path recognizes the deep social and personal ties formed during such a significant period.

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Official UK Government Updates

For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:

UK 10-Year Long Residence (ILR)

Core Eligibility Requirements

To secure settlement through long residence, you must meet the following criteria under Appendix Long Residence:

10-Year Threshold: You must have completed at least 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.
Knowledge of Life and Language: You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement (at least CEFR Level B1) unless exempt due to age (65+) or a medical condition.
General Grounds: You must not have a criminal record or immigration history that would lead to a refusal under the “General Grounds for Refusal.”
Public Interest: The Home Office must be satisfied that granting you residency is not contrary to the public interest.

Defining “Lawful Residence”

Lawful residence means you held valid leave to enter or remain (a visa) throughout the 10 years. You can combine different visa categories (e.g., 4 years as a Student and 6 years as a Skilled Worker).

Exclusions: Time spent as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Seasonal Worker, or on Immigration Bail does not count toward the 10-year qualifying period.
Common Travel Area: Time spent in Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man does not count toward the 10-year UK residence requirement.

The 2026 Rules on Continuous Residence

Significant changes were introduced in 2024 and 2025 to streamline how absences are calculated. As of 2026, the rules distinguish between time spent before and after April 2024.

Absence Type	Rule for Period Before April 11, 2024	Rule for Period After April 11, 2024
Single Absence Limit	Must not exceed 184 days	Must not exceed 180 days
Total Cumulative Limit	Must not exceed 548 days	No specific cumulative limit (applies 180-day rolling rule)

The Rolling 180-Day Rule: For any part of the qualifying period after April 2024, you must not have been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
Gap Disregards: Short gaps in lawful residence (overstaying) of 28 days or less may be disregarded if they occurred before November 2016, or if they fall under “Paragraph 39E” (extraordinary circumstances) for more recent dates.

2026 Costs and Processing

Applying for ILR based on Long Residence is a one-time, high-value investment in your permanent status.

Fee Type	2026 Rate
Standard Application Fee	£3,029
Super Priority (24-hour decision)	£1,000 (Optional)
Health Surcharge (IHS)	Exempt (ILR applicants do not pay IHS)

Breaking Continuous Residence

Your 10-year “clock” will reset to zero if you:

Were absent for more than 184 days (pre-April 2024) or 180 days (post-April 2024) in one go.
Were removed, deported, or left the UK following a visa refusal.
Left the UK with no “reasonable expectation” of being able to return lawfully.
Received a prison sentence (unless it was suspended).

The “Current Visa” Requirement

A key rule introduced in 2024/2025 is that you must have held your current permission (visa) for at least one year before applying for ILR via Long Residence, unless your current visa is as a Skilled Worker or in another specific work category.