10-Year Long Residence ILR (Appendix Long Residence)
Achieve permanent settlement based on 10 continuous years of lawful residence in the UK across any combination of visas.
Checked against official Immigration Rules & GOV.UK guidance on 2026-10-30
The 10-Year Long Residence route under Appendix Long Residence provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain for individuals who have resided lawfully in the UK for a continuous period of at least 10 years. Unlike 5-year routes, you can combine completely different visa types—such as Student, Child Student, Graduate, Youth Mobility, and Skilled Worker visas.
Continuous Lawful Residence Rules
Under updated Immigration Rules, continuous residence requires that you have held continuous lawful leave without any gaps (except protected statutory Section 3C leave). Absences must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period, and you must have completed a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence.
Key Requirements & Highlights
- 10 continuous years of lawful immigration permission in the UK.
- Can combine multiple visa categories: Student, Graduate, Visitor, and Work.
- Continuous residence maintained under 180-day rolling absence rules.
- Life in the UK test and CEFR B1 English language test required.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
- SAR Data RequestOptionally submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the Home Office to retrieve complete travel and visa entry records.
- Audit DatesVerify exact arrival date in the UK and calculate rolling 12-month absences.
- Apply SET(LR)Submit online application on GOV.UK up to 28 days before the 10-year mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does time on a Student Visa count towards the 10-year rule?
Yes! One of the greatest advantages of the 10-year Long Residence route is that time spent as a Student or Child Student counts fully towards the 10-year total.
What if I had a gap between visas?
If you submitted an in-time application before your previous visa expired, your lawful status was preserved under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. Short overstaying periods of 14 days or less may be disregarded only if exceptional circumstances applied.
Need Guidance on Your Application?
Priyanshu Decodes provides clear route explanations, document planning, and consultation calls. For regulated legal advice or formal Home Office representation, always consult an IAA-registered adviser or an immigration solicitor.