Long Residence ILR 2025: Comprehensive Guide to the 10-Year Rule 

The long residence route is one of the most established pathways under UK immigration law, offering settlement to individuals who have made the UK their home for a decade or more. This guide explains what the long residence route is, how the 10-year rule works, the requirements applicants must meet and the impact of recent changes in 2025. 

The Long Residence route is for a person who has lived in the UK lawfully and continuously for 10 years or more. The person can count time with permission on most routes towards the 10-year qualifying period. 

The long residence rule recognises the contribution and integration of people who have lived in the UK for a substantial period. 

• Immediate settlement (ILR): Available for applicants who meet all requirements, including English language and the Life in the UK test. 

• Temporary permission to stay: Where residence and suitability requirements are met but language or knowledge requirements are not, temporary leave may be granted. 

To qualify for settlement under this route, applicants must: 

• Have lived in the UK lawfully and continuously for 10 years. 

• Not have serious immigration breaches (overstaying, illegal entry, or major violations). 

• Meet the English language requirement. 

• Pass the Life in the UK Test. 

• Show that the total absences from the UK must not exceed 548 days and no single absence can be longer than 184 days.  

Applications must meet strict validity rules. An applicant must: 

• Apply using the correct form (Apply to settle in the UK – long residence). 

• Pay the required fee. 

• Provide biometrics. 

• Submit proof of identity and nationality, such as a passport. 

• Be physically present in the UK on the date of application. 

Failure to meet these requirements may lead to rejection without consideration of the substantive claim. 

UK Home Office must be satisfied that the applicant should not be refused under the general grounds for refusal. Applicants must therefore: 

• Not be on immigration bail. 

• Not be in breach of immigration law, except for limited periods of overstaying covered by paragraph 39E. 

• Not fall within other refusal grounds, such as criminal conduct or deception. 

Applicants must demonstrate a continuous lawful residence of 10 years. The period may include: 

• Time spent under most forms of permission (excluding Visitor, Short-term Student, and Seasonal Worker visas). 

• Time spent exempt from immigration control. 

• Periods as an EEA national exercising treaty rights before 31 December 2020. 

• Time spent as a British citizen, unless citizenship was later deprived. 

Periods on temporary admission, immigration bail or temporary release do not count towards the qualifying period. 

The continuous residence rule requires that applicants must not have been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period. Different rules apply depending on when permission was granted: 

• Before 11 April 2024: No more than 184 days at one time and no more than 548 days in total over the qualifying period. 

• After 11 January 2018: No more than 180 days in any 12 months. 

Certain absences are disregarded, including: 

1. Assisting in humanitarian or environmental crises abroad (with sponsor’s approval if applicable). 

2. Travel disruption due to natural disaster, military conflict, or pandemic. 

3. Compassionate reasons, such as the life-threatening illness or death of a close family member. 

4. Research activity by Skilled Workers, if approved by the sponsor, under the following SOC 2020 codes: 

• 2111 – Chemical scientists 

• 2112 – Biological scientists 

• 2113 – Biochemists and biomedical scientists 

• 2114 – Physical scientists 

• 2115 – Social and humanities scientists 

• 2119 – Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified 

• 2161 – Research and development (R&D) managers 

• 2162 – Other researchers, unspecified discipline 

• 2311 – Higher education teaching professionals 

5. Research activity by Global Talent visa holders endorsed by: 

• The Royal Society 

• The British Academy 

• The Royal Academy of Engineering 

• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) 

6. Global Talent holders recognised through prestigious prizes listed in Appendix Global Talent. 

7. Family-related absences under Appendix Settlement Family Life, where family life was maintained in the UK. 

8. Crown service absences, where the applicant accompanied a partner serving in: 

• HM Armed Forces 

• The UK Government, devolved administrations, or the British Council. 

Time spent in the UK as a British citizen must be counted towards the qualifying period for long residence applications, unless the citizenship has subsequently been deprived. 

• Individuals who have renounced their British citizenship may still rely on this time towards the 10-year period. 

• However, if citizenship has been revoked, for example due to fraud or deception, the period spent as a British citizen will not count as lawful residence. 

This ensures the integrity of UK nationality law while protecting genuine long-term residents. 

Time spent in the Crown Dependencies: The Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man, now counts towards continuous residence for the purpose of long residence. 

The long residence rule provides an essential route for those who have built their lives in the UK but do not qualify under other immigration categories. It recognises long-term ties to the UK and offers a clear path to stability and settlement. 

The long residence framework in 2025 is demanding but achievable with careful planning. A well-timed strategy: auditing your absences, confirming ten years lawful residence (including any qualifying time in the Crown Dependencies or as a British citizen) and preparing for the English language and Life in the UK requirements, can make the difference between approval and delay. Whether you are on a Skilled Worker, Student, Family or another route, our team will map your timeline to eligibility, gather the right evidence and present a clear, compliant application. 

With over 20 years of experience, Morgan Smith Immigration provides a structured long-residence review, document checklist and full representation through to decision. To arrange a consultation, contact us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected]. We will help you take the final step towards settlement with confidence.