Anyone who has lived in the UK legally for 10 continuous years may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under the long residence route, GOV.UK says. ILR, also called settlement, gives the right to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit, and usually to apply for citizenship after 12 more months.

The 10 years can combine most immigration categories, and you will usually need to have held your current permission for one year. Guidance summaries note you can apply up to 28 days before completing the 10 years. Time on visitor, short-term study or seasonal worker visas does not count, nor does time on a Ukraine scheme, on immigration bail, in prison, or after permission has run out.

Absence limits

You can leave the UK for up to 180 days in any 12-month period. For time abroad that started before 11 April 2024, the caps are 184 days in a row and 548 days in total.

Tests, fee and decision

Applicants aged 18 to 65 must pass the Life in the UK Test and prove sufficient English. The fee is £3,226, biometrics are free, and a decision usually comes within 6 months; super priority costs £1,000 extra for a next-working-day decision. You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while waiting, or the application is withdrawn with no refund. Success brings an eVisa, but ILR lapses after more than two years abroad. If you do not qualify, you may be able to extend your stay for two years for £1,407.

This is general information, not personal immigration advice. Immigration rules change — check the official GOV.UK page before applying. Sources: GOV.UK, long residence; University of Cambridge HR summary of the long residence rules.