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You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if youve been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years (known as long residence).
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. Its also called settlement. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if youre eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
You must meet all the eligibility requirements.
Other ways you can stay
There is a different way to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have a visa thats on the basis of your private life (because of the time youve spent in the UK).
If youre not eligible because of the time youve spent in the UK, there are other ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
If youre not eligible for indefinite leave to remain, you may be able to extend your stay for another 2 years (known as leave to remain). You need to have already been in the UK legally for 10 years without gaps (known as your continuous residence).
If youre from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
If you or your family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may still be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Fees and how long it takes
The fee depends on what youre applying for.
| What youre applying for | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indefinite leave to remain | 2,885 |
| Extend your stay | 1,258 |
Youll also need to have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken - theres no fee for this.
Youll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service.
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Get a faster decision on your application
If youre applying to settle you can pay an extra 1,000 for the super priority service. Youll get a decision:
- by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday
- 2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.
If your application is successful
Youll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status).
Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa. Youll need to create a UKVI account.
Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told youd get one when you applied.