Long Residence Application

What is a Long Residence application?

The Long Residence application category of the Immigration Rules enables those who have lived in the UK lawfully for at least 10 years to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Once an applicant has been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain they are able to live in the UK free from immigration restrictions.

What are the main requirements?

In order to make an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain on the basis of ten years Long Residence, an applicant must be able to demonstrate that:

• they have lived in the UK for a continuous lawful period of ten years;
• they have spent no more than 18 months outside the UK during that period;
• they have spent no more than six months outside the UK at any one time;
• they have sufficient knowledge of the English language and have passed a Life in the UK Test;
• there is no public interest reason to refuse the application; and
• they do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Applications for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of ten years Long Residence must be made from within the UK.

It is important to note that Long Residence applications can only be made by single applicants. Their dependents/family members must meet the requirements in their own right

How we can help?

The requirements of the Long Residence visa are highly prescriptive and the Home Office routinely refuse applications that do not fully comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. Our highly experienced team of immigration lawyers will assist in preparing and submitting your application to achieve the best possible outcome.

They will also fully advise on the requirements to be satisfied for extension, settlement and British nationality applications.

If you’d like to discuss matters further, please email our Immigration team on immigration@bishopandsewell.co.uk or complete the online enquiry form on this page.