The 10-Year Long Residence Route to ILR
An overview of the 10-year long residence route, how continuous residence is defined, and the specific absence rules that apply.
Not everyone settles in the UK via a single visa. Some people live here on a combination of visas over a long period. If that’s you, the 10-year long residence route to ILR may be the right path.
What is long residence ILR?
Under paragraph 276B of the Immigration Rules (now incorporated into Appendix Long Residence), you can apply for settlement after 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. This is particularly useful for people who have moved between visa types — for example, from student to work to dependant visas.
The absence rules
The absence rules for this route are:
- Maximum 184 days in any single absence from the UK, and
- Maximum 548 days total absence across the entire 10-year period
Note that the first rule applies to single trips, not to a rolling 12-month window. This makes the long residence route structurally different from the 5-year Skilled Worker path.
What counts as “continuous”?
Continuous residence means you have not:
- Been absent for more than 184 days in one go
- Accumulated more than 548 days of absence in total
- Had a period without valid leave (overstaying)
- Been removed or deported
Transitional provisions
Recent changes to the long residence rules tightened some aspects, but transitional arrangements may apply if your qualifying period began before the changes. Check current guidance carefully — or consult an immigration adviser.
Can time on certain visas count?
Generally, yes — time on most visa categories counts, including:
- Student visas
- Work visas (Skilled Worker, former Tier 2)
- Dependant visas
- Spouse and partner visas
Time as a visitor does not count toward the 10 years.
Proving 10 years of residence
This can be an evidence-heavy application. You’ll need:
- A full travel history
- All your old passports (or equivalent evidence)
- Visa and BRP records
- Tenancy, employment, and utility records
Start tracking early
If the long residence route is on your horizon, begin logging trips as soon as possible. Reconstructing 10 years of travel from memory is nearly impossible.
awayfrom.uk supports the long residence route with the correct 184/548 day thresholds.