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






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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