Long residence ILR after 10 years: the rules and what is changing
Under the current rules, you may be able to get indefinite leave to remain after 10 continuous years of lawful residence in the UK, for example time on student, graduate and work visas combined. The government has confirmed that the long residence route will close under earned settlement, but no closing date has been set yet.
What is changing
The November 2026 government response says: "Under Earned Settlement, the Long Residence route will close." Time on temporary routes such as Student and Graduate will no longer count towards settlement through it. No closing date or transitional rules have been published yet.
The route at a glance
Step 1 of 5
10 years of lawful residence
You must have had permission to be in the UK for the whole 10 years without gaps (with limited exceptions). Different visa types can count together.
- When
- Years 0 to 10
- Cost
- Your visa fees and surcharges along the way
Step 2 of 5
Absences within the limits
Absences from 11 April 2024 are assessed under the 180 days in any 12 months rule. For time before 11 April 2024, older limits apply (no more than 548 days in total, or 184 days in one go, reached before that date).
- When
- Throughout the 10 years
Step 3 of 5
Indefinite leave to remain
Pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement. Decisions usually take up to 6 months, and you must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while you wait, or your application is withdrawn.
- When
- After 10 years (current rules)
- English
- B1 speaking and listening; B2 for applications on or after 26 March 2027
- Cost
- £3,226 + £50 Life in the UK test
Step 4 of 5
British citizenship
You need 5 years in the UK with no more than 450 days abroad and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months, plus good character.
- When
- 12 months after ILR (or straight away if married to a British citizen)
- English
- B1
- Cost
- £1,709 + £130 ceremony
Step 5 of 5
Ceremony and passport
Attend your ceremony, then apply for your first British passport.
- When
- After approval
- Cost
- £102 first adult passport (online)
You will need the Life in the UK test
767 free practice questions and 60 mock tests. No login, no paywall.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get ILR after 10 years of long residence?
Yes, under the current rules. The government confirmed in November 2026 that the long residence route will close under earned settlement, but no closing date has been set. If you are close to 10 years, check GOV.UK regularly and consider applying as soon as you qualify.
What is the absence limit for long residence ILR?
For absences from 11 April 2024, no more than 180 days in any 12-month period. For time before 11 April 2024, the older limits of 548 days in total or 184 days in one absence apply to totals reached before that date.
How much does long residence ILR cost?
£3,226 per person (November 2026), plus £50 for the Life in the UK test. A priority decision costs an extra £1,000.
Can I travel while my long residence application is pending?
No. GOV.UK says travelling outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man before a decision withdraws your application, and the fee is not refunded.
Rules this tool uses
- ILR after 10 years of lawful continuous residence
- Absences: Appendix Continuous Residence (CR 3.1, with CR 3.3 for pre-11 April 2024 absences)
- Route to close under earned settlement (November 2026 response; no date set)
- GOV.UK: Long residence
- GOV.UK: Appendix Continuous Residence
- GOV.UK: Earned settlement government response
Checked against GOV.UK: November 2026.
This is a free guide, not legal advice, and we are not linked to the Home Office. Rules and fees can change. Always check GOV.UK before you apply. For complex cases, speak to a regulated immigration adviser.