Ten Years. One Continuous Thread.
The most forensic application in immigration law. We prove that for 3,650 days, your lawful status in the UK never lapsed.
"Continuous & Lawful." No Exceptions.
The 10-Year Route is built on a single, uncompromising principle: Lawful Residence.
You must prove that you held valid permission to be in the UK for the entire qualifying period. A single day of 'unlawful' presence (overstaying) can break the chain and reset your 10-year clock to zero.
The Historic Exceptions: While strict, the rules do allow for specific historic anomalies. We audit your history for:
Pre-2016 Gaps: Overstaying of up to 28 days before 24 November 2016 may be disregarded.
Paragraph 39E: We analyze if recent gaps fall under the narrow 'valid application' exceptions, though this is a complex area of law that requires precise legal argument.
The Absence Matrix
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New Rules (Appendix Long Residence)
You cannot be absent for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. We calculate overlapping windows to ensure no breach occurred.
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Transitional Protection
If your qualifying period includes time before 11 April 2024, the old overall limit of 548 days may still apply. We check which calculation favors your history.
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Departure Validity
Leaving the UK with no valid visa (or valid permission to return) breaks continuity instantly. We check your exit/entry stamps against your BRP expiry dates.
Not Ready for Settlement? Extend Instead.
If you have accrued 10 years of lawful residence but cannot meet the settlement requirements (e.g., you have not passed the Life in the UK Test or English Language requirement), you do not have to leave.
The 2-Year Extension: We can apply to extend your stay on the basis of Long Residence for a further 24 months. This secures your status, protects your accrued years, and buys you time to pass your tests before upgrading to ILR.
Mandatory Integration Tests.
Unless exempt, you must pass two specific assessments to prove your integration into British society prior to submission.
Life in the UK Test
A 24-question digital exam covering British history, traditions, and law. You must score 75% to pass.
The Nuvora Standard: "The certificate has no expiry date, but the name on it must match your passport exactly. We verify your booking details to ensure the unique reference number (URN) is valid for settlement.
The Language Test (B1)
You must prove "intermediate" proficiency in Speaking and Listening. This is a step up from the A2 level required for visa extensions.
The Nuvora Standard: "Not all tests are valid. It must be a SELT (Secure English Language Test) with an approved provider. Alternatively, we can use your Degree (if Ecctis verified) or your National Passport (if from a majority English-speaking country).
Are you Exempt?
You do not need to take these tests if:
You are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from studying (requires a specific Medical Waiver).
Long Residence FAQs
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We secure your initial 33-month visa. Focus: Meeting the £29,000 threshold and proving relationship durability.
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It depends on when the gap occurred. Gaps before Nov 2016 have a 28-day allowance. Gaps after this date are stricter. We must review your specific 'Application Dates' vs 'Expiry Dates' to see if Section 3C leave protected you.
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Yes. You can combine almost any lawful visa type (Student + Skilled Worker + Partner) to make up the 10 years, provided there are no breaks in legality between them.
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Yes, Long Residence ILR applications are currently eligible for Super Priority processing (decision in 24 hours), provided no complex adverse history requires prolonged checks.
Do You Meet the Requirements?
The rules are rigid, but your strategy doesn't have to be. Use our free assessment to see if you qualify.