Indefinite Leave to Remain – 10-Year Route

Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK through the 10-year long residence route is a major milestone for many individuals who have built their lives here over a decade. This pathway is designed for people who have lived lawfully in the UK continuously for ten years, under a range of visa categories, including student, work, family, or private life routes. ILR allows you to stay in the UK without time restrictions and paves the way to British citizenship. However, the legal requirements and evidentiary standards are detailed and demanding, making professional guidance essential to a successful application.

The 10-year long residence route is available to individuals who have legally resided in the UK for a continuous period of ten years under any combination of lawful visa categories. This includes students, workers, family members, and those granted discretionary leave or limited leave to remain under human rights provisions. Crucially, the residence must be lawful and continuous — meaning absences from the UK must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period, and the applicant must not have overstayed a visa at any point. Understanding the complexities of what counts as “lawful” or “continuous” residence is key to building a strong application.

At Stretton Solicitors, we understand the importance of getting your ILR application right the first time. Our experienced immigration solicitors provide tailored advice based on your immigration history, identifying any potential gaps or risks early on. We guide you through gathering the required evidence, including travel records, visa documentation, and proof of residence. We also prepare detailed legal representations to strengthen your case and pre-empt Home Office concerns. Whether your case is straightforward or contains complex elements — such as periods of overstaying, gaps in documentation, or varied visa histories — we can help you approach your application with clarity and confidence.

Applying for ILR under the 10-year route involves compiling a comprehensive portfolio of evidence. This typically includes proof of identity, biometric information, a full immigration history, and documentation showing lawful and continuous residence in the UK. Evidence may include tenancy agreements, utility bills, employment records, academic transcripts, and official correspondence spanning the 10-year period. Gaps or inconsistencies in your timeline can raise red flags with the Home Office, so meticulous preparation is crucial. Our legal team will help you organise your documents clearly and ensure they meet the Home Office’s evidentiary standards.

Once Indefinite Leave to Remain is granted, you are no longer subject to immigration time limits and can live, work, and study in the UK freely. You also gain access to public funds and are one step closer to applying for British citizenship, which may become available after holding ILR for at least 12 months (unless you’re married to a British citizen, in which case you may apply immediately). It’s important to note that ILR can be lost if you leave the UK for more than two years, so future travel or relocation plans should be considered carefully. Our solicitors can advise you on your post-ILR options and citizenship eligibility.

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain on the 10-year route is a significant step — and one that requires detailed preparation and expert legal insight. At Stretton Solicitors, we’re committed to helping you achieve permanent settlement in the UK with confidence and clarity. If you’ve built your life here over the past decade, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact our immigration team today for personalised, reliable legal support with your ILR application.