Long residence is the route for people who have lived in the UK lawfully and continuously for ten years. Whether your residence counts is often the hardest part.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- GOV.UK says long residence means having lived in the UK lawfully for 10 continuous years, and is a basis for applying for indefinite leave to remain.
- If you do not qualify for ILR, you may be able to extend your stay by 2 years, but only if you have already completed 10 years without gaps.
- GOV.UK’s overview does not set out how much time abroad is allowed. That is in the Immigration Rules and detailed eligibility guidance.
- While your application is pending you must stay in the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or the application will be withdrawn.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Whether every year of the ten was lawful, including time on different visas and any gaps.
- The dates and length of every absence from the UK.
- Whether any period relied on was spent as an overstayer or with permission that does not count.
- Evidence for each year, such as visas, letters and records.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.