No Time Limit Stamps: What They Mean for ILR Holders

Updated 28 March 20268 min read

What you need to know

A No Time Limit stamp in your passport indicates that you have permission to stay in the UK indefinitely. This guide explains what NTL stamps are, how they differ from BRPs, how to transfer your status to a new passport, and how to prove your ILR status to employers, landlords, and the Home Office.

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What Is a No Time Limit Stamp?

A No Time Limit (NTL) stamp is a physical endorsement in your passport placed by UK Border Force or the Home Office. It typically reads "Given leave to enter the United Kingdom for an indefinite period" or "There is at present no time limit on the holder's stay in the United Kingdom."

NTL stamps were the primary way of evidencing ILR before BRPs were introduced. Many people who received ILR before biometric cards were issued have NTL stamps as their only proof of status.

NTL Stamps vs BRPs

  • BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). The current standard form of evidence for ILR, issued as a card with your photograph and biometric data. BRPs have an expiry date on the card, but the underlying ILR status does not expire.
  • NTL stamp. An older form of evidence, placed directly in the passport. No photograph or biometric data. Valid for as long as the passport it is in remains valid (though the underlying ILR status continues even if the passport expires).

If you have both a BRP and a NTL stamp, your BRP is the primary document. If you only have a NTL stamp, it remains valid evidence of your ILR status.

Transferring to a New Passport

When you renew your passport, the NTL stamp in your old passport is not automatically transferred. You have several options:

  • Transfer of Conditions (TOC). Apply to the Home Office to get a new NTL stamp or a BRP. The fee is £229. Apply through GOV.UK.
  • Keep your old passport. Carry your old passport (with the NTL stamp) alongside your new passport as evidence of your status. This is accepted by most employers and landlords.
  • At the border. When you re-enter the UK, Border Force can place a new NTL stamp in your new passport if you present both passports.

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Proving Your Status to Employers and Landlords

Employers and landlords need to verify your right to work and right to rent. With a NTL stamp:

  • Show your passport with the NTL stamp.
  • If the stamp is in an expired passport, show both your old and new passports.
  • Use the Home Office online checking service if available for your status.

Lost or Damaged NTL Stamp

If your passport containing the NTL stamp is lost, stolen, or damaged, apply for a replacement BRP or a new NTL stamp through the Transfer of Conditions process. You may also need to apply for a "No Time Limit" (NTL) application to confirm your status — this requires the Home Office to verify your records and issue new evidence.

Applying for Citizenship

A NTL stamp is accepted as evidence of ILR when applying for British citizenship. Include your passport with the NTL stamp in your application. Ensure you have met the residency requirements and have held ILR for at least 12 months.

Next Steps

If you have a NTL stamp and are renewing your passport, keep your old passport safely. Consider applying for a Transfer of Conditions to get modern evidence of your status. For official guidance, visit the GOV.UK BRP replacement page and the GOV.UK prove your right to work page.

This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.

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