Can I get ILR after 10 years in the UK?

Yes. If you have lived continuously and lawfully in the UK for 10 years, you may be eligible for ILR under the long residence rule (paragraph 276B of the Immigration Rules). You must meet the continuous residence requirement and have not spent more than 540 days outside the UK during the 10-year period.

Does any type of visa count towards the 10-year rule?

Most types of lawful leave count, including student visas, work visas, and family visas. However, time spent as a visitor does not count, and any periods of overstaying break continuous residence. The leave must be continuous and lawful.

How many days can I be absent under the 10-year rule?

You must not have been absent for more than 540 days in total during the 10-year period, and no single absence should exceed 180 days. If you exceed these limits, you may not qualify.

ILR 10-Year Long Residence Rule: Complete Guide 2026

The 10-year long residence route to ILR is available to anyone who has lived continuously and lawfully in the UK for 10 years. It is route-agnostic, meaning your visa type does not matter as long as your leave has been lawful and continuous. You must meet absence limits, the English language requirement, and the Life in the UK test.

How the 10-Year Route Works

The long residence route is set out in the Immigration Rules. It provides a path to ILR for people who have accumulated 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, regardless of which visa route they have been on.

This route is particularly useful for people who have switched between different visa categories (for example, student to work visa) and have accumulated 10 years without qualifying through a specific 5-year route.

For the separate proposal to extend the standard ILR qualifying period to 10 years, see our 10-year proposal guide.

Eligibility Requirements

10 years' continuous lawful residence: You must have had valid leave to remain (or been exempt from immigration control) for the entire 10-year period.
Absence limits: No more than 540 days total absence and no single absence exceeding 180 days.
No breaks in leave: Any gap between visas (even one day of overstaying) can break continuous residence. Section 3C leave protects you if you applied for an extension before your current visa expired.
Good character: You must meet the good character requirement.
English language: B1 level in speaking and listening. See our English for ILR guide.
Life in the UK test: Must be passed before the application date. See our Life in the UK test guide.

What Counts as Lawful Residence

The following types of leave count towards the 10-year period:

Student visas (Tier 4 / Student route).
Work visas (Skilled Worker, Tier 2, etc.).
Family visas (spouse, partner, parent).
Section 3C leave (when awaiting a decision on an in-time application).
Discretionary leave and humanitarian protection.

The following do not count:

Visitor visas or time spent as a visitor.
Any period of overstaying.
Time spent on immigration bail.

Calculating Your Qualifying Date

Your 10-year period starts from the date you first entered the UK on qualifying leave. Count forward 10 years, then check your absences:

Add up all days spent outside the UK during the 10-year period.
Check that no single trip exceeded 180 days.
Check that total absences do not exceed 540 days.
Check for any gaps in leave during the period.

For help tracking absences, see our evidence of residence guide.

Application Process

Apply for ILR on the long residence route using the SET(LR) form, available on GOV.UK.

You will need to provide evidence of your continuous residence for the full 10-year period. This typically includes passport stamps, visa grant letters, BRP cards, bank statements, and other documents showing your presence in the UK. See our ILR documents checklist for a complete list.

The application fee is the same as other ILR applications. See our ILR cost guide. Processing times are similar to other ILR routes. See our ILR processing time guide.

Common Issues

Gaps in leave: Even a few days of overstaying can break continuous residence. See our gap in leave guide.
Excessive absences: The 540-day limit is strict but the Home Office may use discretion in exceptional circumstances.
Evidence gaps: If you cannot evidence residence for certain periods, gather as much alternative evidence as possible.