The immigration rules recognise that over time a person forms ties with the United Kingdom. You can apply for leave to remain based on your long residence and private life in the United Kingdom.
After 10 years lawful residence you can apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain). You must meet the English language and life in the UK requirements. In addition you must not fall under the general grounds of refusal.
Your lawful residence does not need to have been in the same category throughout your time in the UK although it must be continuous.
Our immigration advisers can help you to establish if you meet 10 years continuous lawful residence requirement and to explain how to calculate it.
If you are currently in the United Kingdom without valid leave to remain you may be able to make an application under the immigration rules based on your length of residence. There are four ways in which you can be eligible for limited leave to remain based on your length of residence:
Applications made based on private life / long residence are unique and complex. You must provide significant evidence establish the period of residence or the significant obstacles to integration abroad.
If you do not meet the strict requirements of the immigration rules you may still be able to make an application outside the rules based on your significant ties to the United Kingdom.
Using our in-depth knowledge of human rights law, HS Immigration Consultants can help you to make the best possible application, whether it is under the immigration rules or outside of them.
If you would like to contact us about your case and to discuss how we can help you, please call us on 0121 698 2187. Alternatively you can email us at info@hsic.co.uk.
You can also use our free immigration advice service (this is suitable for general enquiries about immigration requirements).