Long Residence

Permanent residency in the UK based on long residence allows people who have lived in the UK for a long period of time to remain in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is granted at the discretion of the Home Office. Once granted, there is no time limit on your stay in the UK. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the type of work or business you may undertake in the UK.

The long residency rules are divided into three sections, the 10-year rule, the 14-year rule, and the 7 year rule.

10-year Rule

If you have lived in the UK legally for 10 years, you may qualify for ILR. To qualify, you must have 10 years of lawful residence in the UK. You must not have been out of the UK for a single period that exceeds six months. In total, you must not have lived outside the UK for more than 18 months in total.

You must have not left the UK during the 10 year period, with an intention not to return to the UK.

Any previous criminal record as well as that nature of the offence will also be considered. You must not have been convicted of an offence, or detained in a prison or institution. The public interest is taken into consideration when deciding whether indefinite leave to remain should be refused.

Finally, your employment history, character and conduct will be considered. Furthermore, any family ties or commitments you have in the UK along with any compassionate circumstances will also be considered.

14-year Rule

If you have lived in the UK for over 14 years, regardless of whether your stay was legal or illegal, you may be eligible for ILR. A criminal record may prevent approval.

Short trips abroad of up to six months at a time will not constitute a break in the residency.

7-year Rule

If you have lived in the UK for over seven years and you are facing removal, you may be eligible for ILR if you have a child who have also lived in the UK for seven years.