This route is for applicants looking to settle in the UK on the basis of continuous and lawful 10 years long residence attained in a single or combination of different immigration routes.
Requirements for Settlement under the Long residence
In order to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the Long Residence route, the applicant would normally need to satisfy the below requirements.
- Spent a continuous and lawful period of 10 years in the UK
- Continuous residence is not broken
- Have sufficient knowledge of the English language or exempted
- Passed Life in the UK test or exempted
- Must not in be in breach of any immigration laws except for those disregarded and maintained the terms of all UK visas
Other considerations such as your age, personal history, relationships in the UK, and other variables will be considered by the Home Office as part of the ILR eligibility checks for public interest reasons. When an applicant has a total absence of more than 540 days or a single absence of more than six months owing to exceptional or compelling reasons, the Home Office has the authority to grant lengthy residency petitions.
The continuous lawful residence will be deemed as met if the applicant has fulfilled the following conditions.
- Not absent UK for more than 18 months (540 days in total) during the 10 years period
- Maintained valid leave to remain status under any immigration category for the period
- Not absent from the UK for more than 6 months on any one occasion during the 10 years period
- Not left the UK during the 10 years period with a clear intention or evidence of not returning to the UK.
- Not left the UK with a valid leave to remain, entered the UK without a visa or both
- Not have been removed or deported from the UK during the 10 years period
If the application is refused, the applicants may challenge the decision by making an appeal to First-Tier tribunal if appeal rights are granted or if not, challenge the decision by the way of a Judicial Review.