Indefinite leave to remain if you鈥檝e been in the UK for 10 years (long residence)
Overview
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you鈥檝e been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years (known as 鈥榣ong residence鈥�).
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It鈥檚 also called 鈥榮ettlement鈥�. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you鈥檙e eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
You must meet all the eligibility requirements.
Other ways you can stay
There is a different way to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have a visa that鈥檚 on the basis of your private life (because of the time you鈥檝e spent in the UK).听
If you鈥檙e not eligible because of the time you鈥檝e spent in the UK, there are other ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
If you鈥檙e not eligible for indefinite leave to remain, you may be able to extend your stay for another 2 years (known as 鈥榣eave to remain鈥�). You need to have already been in the UK legally for 10 years without gaps (known as your 鈥榗ontinuous residence鈥�).
If you鈥檙e from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
If you or your family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may still be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Fees and how long it takes
The fee depends on what you鈥檙e applying for.
| What you鈥檙e applying for | 贵别别听听 | |
|---|---|---|
| Indefinite leave to remain | 拢2,885 | 听 |
| Extend your stay听 | 拢1,258 | 听 |
You鈥檒l also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - there鈥檚 no fee for this.
You鈥檒l usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service.听
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.听听
Get a faster decision on your application
If you鈥檙e applying to settle you can pay an extra 拢1,000 for the super priority service. You鈥檒l get a decision:
- by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday
- 2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend听
Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.听
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.