The ten year long residence route allows a person who has spent ten continuous years lawfully in the UK to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, regardless of the specific visa routes held during that period. This can be particularly valuable for those who have not built up sufficient continuous residence under a single route, or who have had a mix of different types of leave over the years. The applicant must demonstrate that all ten years were spent with lawful leave, that absences were within permitted limits, and that they are of good character.
The long residence calculation requires careful review of the entire immigration history, including any gaps or periods of overstaying that may break the continuity of lawful residence. Certain types of leave count towards the ten years while others may not, and absences from the UK are counted against the continuous residence requirement. Getting this calculation right before applying is essential, as submitting a premature or incorrectly calculated application can have negative consequences.
NARA Solicitors advises clients on whether their residence history supports a ten year long residence application, helps calculate continuous residence accurately across a complex immigration history, and prepares the application documentation. If there are any complications such as past overstaying, previous refusals, or periods where leave lapsed, we advise on how these affect the application and whether there are other routes that may be more appropriate.