The UK Long Residence Immigration Route is a critical pathway for individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for an extended period, usually 10 years. This route offers a way to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a status that allows immigrants to reside permanently in the United Kingdom. For Nigerian nationals who have studied, worked, or lived in the UK under various visa categories, this route provides an opportunity to secure permanent residency and, eventually, British citizenship.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the UK Long Residence route, detailing eligibility criteria, the application process, and tips for success. This post is designed to be a practical resource for Nigerian applicants and will include external links to relevant immigration resources.
What is the UK Long Residence Immigration Route?
The UK Long Residence Route enables individuals to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after they have lived continuously in the UK for 10 years under lawful immigration status. The main feature of this route is that it focuses on the duration of residence rather than the type of visa held, making it a flexible option for those who have held multiple types of visas during their time in the UK.
For Nigerian applicants, this means that whether you have been in the UK on a student visa, work visa, family visa, or a combination of these, you may be eligible to apply for ILR through the Long Residence route once you reach the 10-year mark of lawful residence.
Key Features of the Long Residence Route:
- 10 years of continuous lawful residence: The applicant must have maintained legal immigration status in the UK for 10 years without major breaks or overstays.
- The route can include time spent on various types of visas, including student, work, and family visas.
- Offers a path to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain), which provides rights similar to those of British citizens, including access to public funds and healthcare.
Eligibility Criteria for Nigerian Applicants
Nigerian nationals who wish to apply for ILR under the UK Long Residence route must meet specific eligibility requirements. These criteria ensure that the individual has maintained lawful residence and meets the UK’s standards for permanent settlement.
1. Continuous Lawful Residence for 10 Years
To qualify for ILR under the Long Residence route, Nigerian applicants must have lived in the UK continuously for 10 years under a valid visa. This means that the applicant must have held one or more valid visas without significant gaps or overstays.
- Time spent in the UK on student, work, or family visas counts toward the 10-year requirement.
- Short absences from the UK (for vacations or family visits) are permitted, but applicants must not have been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period or 540 days total during the 10 years.
- Tip: Keep detailed records of your travel history to ensure that your absences do not exceed the allowable limits.
2. No Periods of Overstay
Applicants must have maintained lawful immigration status throughout the 10 years without overstaying their visas. Overstaying, even for a short period, can disrupt the continuity of residence and make the applicant ineligible for ILR under this route.
- If overstaying occurred due to unavoidable circumstances, such as illness or administrative delays, it may be possible to explain these exceptions, but this is not guaranteed.
3. Good Character Requirement
Nigerian applicants must meet the good character requirement to be eligible for ILR. This means that individuals must not have any serious criminal convictions, involvement in immigration fraud, or other behaviors that would raise concerns about their character.
- Criminal offenses and significant breaches of immigration rules may result in the refusal of the ILR application.
- Tip: If you have any criminal record, seek legal advice before applying to determine how it may impact your application.
4. English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at the required level for ILR. This is usually done by passing an approved English language test (such as IELTS or PTE) or by providing proof of having completed a degree taught in English.
- Nigerian applicants are often exempt from taking the test if they have previously demonstrated English proficiency during visa applications for student or work visas.
- Tip: Ensure that you meet the language requirement by checking the Home Office guidelines here.
5. Life in the UK Test
Before applying for ILR, all applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses their knowledge of British history, values, and society. The test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions, and applicants must score at least 75% to pass.
- Tip: Take practice tests and study using official materials available on the Life in the UK Test website here.
Application Process for ILR Under the Long Residence Route
The application process for ILR under the Long Residence route is detailed and requires careful preparation. Below is a step-by-step guide to help Nigerian applicants navigate the process effectively.
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
Before starting the application, Nigerian applicants must gather all necessary documents that demonstrate their continuous lawful residence over the past 10 years. The required documents include:
- Passports or travel documents covering the 10-year period.
- A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if applicable).
- Proof of lawful residence, such as visa approval letters, Home Office correspondence, and entry/exit stamps from passports.
- A record of absences from the UK, including travel itineraries, flight bookings, and proof of return to the UK within the allowable timeframe.
- English language test results (if applicable).
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate.
Step 2: Complete the ILR Application (Form SET(LR))
To apply for ILR based on long residence, Nigerian applicants must complete the Form SET(LR) online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. The form asks for detailed information about the applicant’s personal history, immigration status, and absences from the UK.
- Application Fee: As of 2023, the ILR application fee is £2,404.
- Applicants can pay the fee online when submitting the application.
Step 3: Submit Biometric Information
After completing the online application, applicants will need to attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs. This is a necessary step to confirm the applicant’s identity and create a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
- Biometric appointments can be booked online after submitting the application, and they typically take place at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
Step 4: Interview (if required)
In some cases, UKVI may request an interview to verify certain details about the applicant’s residence history or immigration status. If an interview is requested, applicants will be informed about the location and date.
- Tip: Be prepared to discuss your immigration history and provide additional evidence, such as letters from employers, universities, or landlords.
Step 5: Receive a Decision
Once the biometric appointment is completed and all required documents are submitted, UKVI will begin processing the ILR application. The typical processing time is 6 months, although some applications may take longer depending on the complexity of the case.
- If approved, applicants will receive their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) granting them Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- If the application is refused, UKVI will provide reasons for the refusal and information about how to appeal or submit a new application.
Benefits of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Once granted ILR through the Long Residence route, Nigerian applicants gain significant rights and benefits in the UK, many of which are similar to those enjoyed by British citizens.
1. Permanent Residency
With ILR, individuals have the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any immigration restrictions. They are no longer required to renew visas or comply with visa-specific conditions, providing greater security and freedom.
2. Access to Public Funds and Healthcare
ILR holders have full access to the UK’s public services, including National Health Service (NHS) healthcare and certain welfare benefits, such as Universal Credit and housing support.
3. Pathway to British Citizenship
Nigerian applicants who hold ILR can apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for an additional 12 months. Becoming a British citizen grants the right to vote, hold a British passport, and fully participate in civic life.
4. Family Reunification
ILR holders can sponsor family members to join them in the UK through family reunion visas. This is an important benefit for those who wish to bring their spouse, children, or other dependents to live with them in the UK.
Challenges and Tips for Overcoming Them
While the UK Long Residence route offers significant benefits, there are challenges that applicants may encounter during the application process.
1. Gaps in Lawful Residence
One of the most common challenges Nigerian applicants face is gaps in their lawful residence, which can arise from visa expiration or administrative delays in renewing visas. Gaps in residence can disqualify applicants from the Long Residence route.
- Solution: If there are minor gaps in your lawful residence, seek legal advice to determine whether these can be overlooked or if alternative immigration routes are available.
2. Excessive Absences from the UK
Applicants must ensure that they have not exceeded the allowable number of days spent outside the UK during the 10-year period. If an applicant has been absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period or 540 days total, they may be ineligible for ILR.
- Tip: Carefully track all travel and keep documentation for any absences from the UK, particularly for business trips or family emergencies.
Conclusion
Navigating the UK Long Residence Immigration Route as a Nigerian applicant requires careful planning and thorough documentation. By meeting the eligibility criteria, including maintaining continuous lawful residence and passing the required tests, Nigerian nationals can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and enjoy the many benefits of permanent residency in the UK. For those who succeed, this route provides security, stability, and a pathway to British citizenship.
For further details on the UK Long Residence route and to begin the application process, visit the UK Government’s official immigration page here.
Feranmi Nureni