🇬🇧 Settlement after 10 years in the U.K.

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We are often asked about getting Indefinite Leave (permanent residency) on the basis of living in the U.K. for 10 years. Often used by students who came here as children , continued to education and eventually to a Work visa or Partner visa.

Main points:

1. Most visa categories can be counted (“combined”) , but from 12 April 2023 some were made ineligible for this purpose. Most notably, Visitor visas, so time spent here as a visitor no longer counts.

2. Can only be legal residency, either on a valid visa or waiting for a visa. Waiting can be inside or outside the U.K., subject to applying on time (in U.K.) or within specified time limits (outside). Also, while waiting for in-country appeal.

3.  The visas don’t need to be one after another without breaks. You can leave on one Student visa and return on a new Student visa. Or return in a Work/Partner visa. The break between visas would be OK, as long as you return within 6 months.

But!

4. Absences during 10 years have very strict limits: maximum 6 months in each single absence (consistent with the above point).

And also, maximum 18 months total within the whole 10 years.  Often this point is a problem, and a dealbreaker, especially if you came here as a child student and frequently left for home between terms.

This rule is very strictly enforced and no exceptions are made. Unless for compassionate reasons like a serious illness or a family emergency. 


To talk to us about your case, please book a consultation here: https://www.1st4immigration.com/book-a-consultation/. Our guidance and experience is going to increase your chances! As always, a consultation fee counts towards our full service! 

1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC - accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 12 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN.  

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