ILR: Long Residence (10 Years)

10 year ILR for people with lawful, continuous UK residence — absences, evidence, and Life in the UK explained.

Reviewed by Border & Boundaries Immigration Team·Last updated 30 Aug 2026

Overview

The long residence route may allow people who have lived in the UK lawfully for a continuous period of 10 years to apply for ILR, across different visa categories, if residence was lawful and continuous.

Overview & Eligibility

What is 10-year long residence ILR?

Long residence ILR may be available after ten years of lawful continuous residence. Unlike partner ILR, it is not tied to one family category, but absence and lawfulness rules are strict.

Who may qualify

Applicants who can prove ten years of lawful stay without breaking continuity, and who meet English, Life in the UK, and good-character requirements, may qualify. Gaps need careful analysis.

Lawful vs broken residence

Overstaying, gaps between visas, or excessive absences can break the clock. Some periods may be disregarded under the Rules; others are fatal. Do not assume time “adds up” without a review.

Requirements & Evidence

Proving continuous residence

Tenancy agreements, council tax, utilities, employment, and bank activity across the decade help. Missing years need alternative evidence.

Absences

Count days outside the UK carefully. The commonly discussed limit is 180 days in any 12-month period, but the Rules and case law nuance matters. We map your travel history.

Life in the UK and English

Most adult applicants need both unless exempt. Book tests early so certificates are ready at filing.

Applying, Costs & Refusals

How to apply

Apply online with a full residence chronology and supporting documents. We prepare absence tables and explanations before submission.

Costs & processing time

The ILR fee applies. Priority may be available. Processing times vary; complex histories can take longer to prepare than to decide.

Common reasons applications are refused

Absences that break continuous residence
Gaps or overstays that interrupt lawful residence
Incomplete evidence covering the full 10 years
Missing Life in the UK or English certificates
Good-character issues that were not addressed

Key Requirements

Residence period	Usually 10 years of lawful and continuous residence in the UK
Continuous residence	Absences must not break continuity — generally no more than 180 days in any 12-month period (subject to the Rules)
Lawful residence	Time must usually have been spent with valid leave (or exempt status)
English language	Usually B1 speaking and listening, or exempt
Life in the UK Test	Must usually be passed before applying (unless exempt)
Good character	Serious criminality or immigration breaches can affect eligibility

Calculating Your Residence

Continuous residence calculations are complex where there are gaps, overstays, or multiple visa types. We review your full history at consultation.

Typical Supporting Documents

Passport and previous visas/BRPs covering the 10-year period
Evidence of continuous residence (tenancy, utilities, bank statements)
Travel history showing absences from the UK
Life in the UK test pass certificate
English language test certificate (if required)
Police registration certificate (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 10 years?

Apply online for long residence ILR with evidence of lawful continuous residence, absences, English, and Life in the UK where required. A residence chronology is essential. We prepare this with you.

How many days can I be outside the UK for 10-year ILR?

Guidance often refers to no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, but calculations are technical. We map your travel history against the current Rules.

Does overstaying break long residence?

Often yes. Periods without leave can interrupt lawful continuous residence. Some situations need specialist analysis. Do not assume overstaying can be ignored.

Send an enquiry

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Counting Towards 10-Year ILR?

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