Indefinite leave to remain if you’ve been in the UK for 10 years (long residence)

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Apply for indefinite leave to remain

You must apply online for indefinite leave to remain.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

  • upload them into the online service
  • have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

Children under the age of 6 do not need to provide biometric information.

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 Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

When to apply

You can submit your application as soon as you meet all the eligibility requirements - you do not need to wait until your current visa expires.

You must be in the UK to apply.

How long it takes

You’ll be told whether your application has been successful within 6 months of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

  • by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday
  • 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, 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 your application is approved

You can do the following:

If you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years

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

You’ll 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’re applying in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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