A person, who has spent at least 10 continuous years in the UK, can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain as long as their stay has been legal throughout. During those continuous 10 years, the person should not be in breach of immigration laws.

How the application is assessed

When assessing the application under this category, the Entry Officer must be satisfied that

• That there has not been any breach of immigration rules during those continuous 10-year stay.
• That the person has passed the Life in the UK test.
• That the person can prove that, he/she has sufficient English language skills.

During those 10 years of continuous stay, a person can leave the UK for up to 180 days and should not be absent for more than 540 days.