Eligibility Requirements for Long Residence Settlement

To qualify for the 10-year long residence route to settlement, you must meet the following key requirements:

1. Continuous Stay: You must have lived in the UK legally for 10 continuous years without significant breaks in your stay. A break in stay typically occurs if you leave the UK for a significant period or if your immigration status expires for a long duration.
2. Lawful Residence: During the 10 years, you must have held valid visas, such as visitor visas, work visas, student visas, or family visas. You cannot apply if you’ve spent time in the UK illegally or overstayed your visa without proper leave to remain.
3. Absences from the UK: You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 540 days during the 10-year period. Additionally, you should not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
4. Good Character: Applicants must demonstrate good character, which means not having serious criminal convictions, financial issues like outstanding debts, or immigration violations.
5. English Language Requirement: You must meet the English language requirement, which may be satisfied by holding an approved qualification in English or passing a Home Office-approved English language test.
6. Life in the UK Test: As part of your application, you will need to take and pass the "Life in the UK" test, which assesses your knowledge of British history, culture, and values.

Application Process

The application process for settlement through long residence is detailed and requires you to submit a range of supporting documents, including:

• Passport or travel documentation
• Proof of residence in the UK for 10 years (e.g., utility bills, bank statements, rent agreements, etc.)
• Proof of continuous legal residence (visa stamps, letters from employers, etc.)
• English language test results or proof of qualification
• Life in the UK test results
• Police clearance certificates (if necessary)

Application Fees

The current application fees for settlement under the long residence route are as follows (subject to change):

• Application Fee: £3 029 an online application

Please note that visa fees are subject to change, so it is important to confirm the latest fees when applying.

Why Choose Immigration Advice Consultants?

At Immigration Advice Consultants LTD, we have years of experience guiding clients through the complexities of UK immigration law. If you're applying for settlement through long residence, our expert immigration lawyers are here to support you every step of the way.

We’ll assist with the entire process, from gathering the necessary documentation to submitting your application and preparing you for the Life in the UK test. Our goal is to ensure that your application is as strong as possible, giving you the best chance of securing your indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Get in Touch with Us Today
If you're considering applying for settlement under the long residence route or have questions about your eligibility, contact Immigration Advice Consultants LTD for professional advice and tailored support. We’re here to help you navigate the process with ease.