10-Year Long Residence ILR
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on the basis of 10 years continuous lawful residence offers a pathway to settle permanently in the United Kingdom. If you have legally resided in the UK for a continuous period of 10 years under any combination of immigration visas, you may be eligible to apply for ILR—removing all immigration restrictions.
Our 10-Year Long Residence Legal Services
At HM & Co. Solicitors, our specialist immigration team in London has successfully supported individuals from a wide range of backgrounds in securing ILR under the 10-year rule. We take a personalised and professional approach to help clients achieve settlement and move forward with confidence.
What Are the Benefits of ILR via 10-Year Residence?
Securing ILR through long residence provides significant advantages, including:
The right to live and work in the UK without restriction.
No further need to apply for visas or extensions.
Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Freedom to travel in and out of the UK without limitation.
Access to public services, including NHS care and state benefits, if applicable.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify for ILR via the 10-year long residence route if:
You have lawfully lived in the UK for a continuous period of 10 years.
Your stay has been under a valid visa (or combination of visas) throughout.
You have not breached immigration laws during this time.
You meet the good character and English language requirements.
You pass the Life in the UK Test.
Is ILR the Same as British Citizenship?
Not quite. ILR is a form of permanent residency, which means you are no longer subject to immigration control. However, you will only be recognised as a British citizen once you apply for and are granted naturalisation. Holding ILR is a necessary prerequisite to making that application.
How HM & Co. Solicitors Can Help
Our team can assist you with every stage of your ILR application, including:
Reviewing your immigration history and assessing your eligibility.
Advising on gaps in lawful residence or periods of overstaying.
Preparing and submitting your ILR application to the Home Office.
Supporting you through the Life in the UK Test and language requirements.
Helping with your future application for British citizenship once eligible.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
Applying for ILR under the 10-year long residence rule is an important milestone in your immigration journey. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we ensure your application is prepared to the highest standard to give you the best possible chance of success.
Contact our London office today to book a consultation and find out how we can support your settlement in the UK.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
10-Year Long Residence ILR
What is the 10-Year Long Residence Rule?
The 10-year rule allows individuals who have lived lawfully and continuously in the UK for a period of 10 years to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This route provides a path to permanent settlement for those who have consistently complied with immigration laws throughout the decade.
What is the Difference Between the 10-Year Rule and the 20-Year Route?
The 10-year route requires lawful residence throughout the entire period. If at any point your stay in the UK was without valid immigration status, you would not qualify under this rule. Instead, you may be eligible under the 20-year rule, which applies to individuals who have lived in the UK continuously—regardless of immigration status—for at least 20 years.
How Much Time Can I Have Spent Outside the UK During the 10 Years?
To qualify under the 10-year rule:
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You must not have been outside the UK for more than 540 days in total across the 10-year period.
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You must not have left the UK for more than 6 consecutive months at any one time.
These rules are strictly enforced by the Home Office.
What If I’ve Spent Too Much Time Outside the UK?
If your absences exceed the permitted limits, all may not be lost. Our team at HM & Co. Solicitors has a strong record of success in making discretionary applications for clients who fall slightly outside the standard rules. We can assess your personal circumstances to determine whether a strong case can still be presented.
Are There Any Other Requirements for the 10-Year ILR Application?
Yes, in addition to the residence requirements, you must also:
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Pass the Life in the UK Test
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Meet the English language requirement
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Demonstrate good character, including no serious criminal convictions or recent breaches of immigration rules.
Our legal team can guide you through each of these steps and help you collate the correct supporting documents to strengthen your case.
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I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
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I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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