10 Years Long Residence to ILR
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
If you have lived in the UK legally and continuously for 10 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to remain in the UK permanently without restrictions on your stay. ILR is a significant step toward securing your future in the UK, and it grants you the right to live, work, and access public services without time limitations.
Eligibility Criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain
To qualify for ILR, you must meet the following requirements:
1.Legal and Continuous Stay: You must have permission to remain in the UK and have lived continuously in the UK for at least 10 years. This means you have been living in the UK with valid immigration status throughout that period, without violating the conditions of your visa.
2.Compliance with Visa Terms: You must not have breached the terms of your visa or overstayed any previous leave. Any breach, such as working without authorisation or staying beyond the allowed time, could impact your eligibility.
3.English Language Requirement: You must meet the English language requirement, which typically involves passing an approved English language test at a specific level (e.g., A1, B1). However, there are some exceptions to this requirement, depending on your age, nationality, or disability.
4.Life in the UK Test: You must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of British culture, history, and society. This is a key part of your application unless you’re exempt for specific reasons (e.g., age or medical conditions).
Leave and Absence from the UK
You are allowed to leave the UK during your qualifying period for up to 180 days at one time, or a total of 540 days over the 10-year period. If you exceed these limits, it may negatively impact your application for ILR, as it could suggest that you were not continuously residing in the UK.
Application Timeline
Once you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you will typically be informed of the status of your application within 6 months. However, please be aware that in some cases, processing may take longer, depending on the complexity of your case or if additional information is required.
Visa Extension
If you are unable to meet the 10-year continuous residence requirement, you may be able to apply for a visa extension. This will allow you to continue living and working in the UK while you accumulate the necessary time to apply for ILR. Your immigration lawyer can guide you through the process of extending your visa and keeping your status legal while you wait.
Relatives and Dependants
If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain, your relatives or dependants will need to apply for their own visas unless they are your partner or underage children. In these cases, they may be eligible to apply alongside you for ILR as your dependants, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
How We Can Help
The process of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can be complex, and it is essential to ensure that all aspects of your application meet the necessary requirements. Our experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through the process, providing you with:
•Eligibility assessments: We will determine whether you meet the requirements for ILR based on your individual circumstances.
•Document preparation: We will assist in gathering the correct supporting documents, such as proof of residence, your life in the UK test results, and evidence of your English language skills.
•Application submission: Our team will help you complete and submit your application, ensuring everything is in order.
•Advice on absences and visa extensions: If you’ve been outside the UK for extended periods or need to extend your visa, we can help you navigate these complexities.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been living in the UK legally for 10 years and are ready to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert immigration lawyers are ready to help you with the application process, ensuring that everything is done correctly, so you can secure your right to live and work permanently in the UK.
Call us today for a consultation or fill out our contact form, and one of our team members will get in touch to assist you with your ILR application. Let us help you take the next step toward your future in the UK!