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You must .

There is a different way to apply if you鈥檙e:

• under 18
• between 18 and 25 years old, and came to the UK as a child
• currently in the UK as a dependant on a parent鈥檚 visa and you鈥檙e over 18

.

Parents can apply on behalf of children under 18.

Once you鈥檝e started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Check what documents you鈥檒l need to apply.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you鈥檒l need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you鈥檙e from and the type of passport or resident permit you have.

You鈥檒l either:

• use the 鈥楿K Immigration: ID Check鈥� app to scan your identity document - you鈥檒l also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
• have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You鈥檒l be told what you need to do when you apply.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 28 days before you鈥檙e eligible. Check how long you need to have spent in the UK to be eligible.

Your application may be refused if you apply earlier.

Do not wait until your current visa expires. If your visa expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, you鈥檒l need to renew it first.

How long it takes

There is no standard processing time, but you鈥檒l usually be told whether your application has been successful within 6 months.

Your application may take longer if your case is complex, for example:

• if your supporting documents need to be verified
• if you need to attend an interview
• because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If you urgently need to travel overseas, contact UK Visas and Immigration.

If your application is successful

You鈥檒l get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).

Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. You鈥檒l need to create a UKVI account.

You鈥檒l then be able to do the following:

• work
• run a business
• study
• use public services, such as healthcare and schools
• apply for public funds (benefits) and pensions
• apply for British citizenship, usually after a minimum of 12 months

If you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years

You鈥檒l lose your indefinite leave to remain if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years at a time.

You鈥檒l need to apply for a Returning Resident visa before you can return to the UK.

Get help using a computer to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

• do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
• do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you鈥檙e applying in the UK.