Overview
You can apply to settle in the UK if you’ve been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years (known as ‘long residence’).
Settling (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) means you can stay in the UK without any time restrictions.
You must meet all the eligibility requirements.
There will be no change to the residence rights and status of EU citizens currently living in the UK until 30 June 2021. If you’re living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you come to the UK on or after 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.
Exceptions
You may be able to extend your stay for another 2 years (known as ‘leave to remain’) even if you do not meet all the eligibility requirements.
Fees
| What you’re applying for | Fee |
|---|---|
| Settle | £2,389 |
| Extend | £1,033 |
You’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
Get a faster decision on your application
If you’re applying to settle you can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service. You’ll 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.
Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.
Eligibility
You must have permission to stay (‘leave to remain’). This can be in any immigration category, or a combination of different immigration categories.
You must also have:
- been in the UK legally for 10 years (known as your ‘continuous residence’)
- kept to the terms of your UK visa
If you’re aged 18 to 65 years old, you must:
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- prove you have sufficient English language skills
If you do not meet these 2 requirements you can apply to extend.
Your 10-year qualifying period starts from either:
- when you arrived in the UK with a visa
- when you were given permission to stay in the UK
Continuous residence
Continuous residence is time you’ve spent in the UK without gaps.
You can leave the UK during the continuous residence for up to:
- 180 days at a time
- 540 days in total
You cannot count time spent in:
- a prison, young offender institution or secure hospital
- Ireland, the Isle of Man or Channel Islands
Documents you must provide
You’ll need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel ID
- your biometric residence permit if you have one
- all the passports you’ve held during your time in the UK
You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
Apply to settle
You must apply online.
Get help to apply online
You can get help with completing the online form if you:
- do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
- do not have internet access
You can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK.
You cannot get immigration advice through this service.
Providing biometric information and supporting documents
When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).
You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:
- upload them into the online service
- have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment
Any children aged 6 and over who are applying on your application must also provide biometric information.
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.
When to apply
You can submit your application as soon as you meet all the eligibility requirements – you do not need to wait until your current visa expires.
You must be in the UK to apply.
How long it takes
You’ll be told whether your application has been successful within 6 months of your application date if you use the standard service.
If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:
- by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday
- 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.
Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:
- if your supporting documents need to be verified
- if you need to attend an interview
- because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction
Apply to extend
You must apply online.
Get help to apply online
You can get help with completing the online form if you:
- do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
- do not have internet access
You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.
You cannot get immigration advice through this service.
Providing biometric information and supporting documents
You’ll need to book an appointment to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) and have your supporting documents checked. You’ll be told how to do this when you apply.
Any children aged 6 and over who are applying on your application must also provide biometric information.
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.
When to apply
You can submit your application as soon as you meet all the eligibility requirements – you do not need to wait until your current visa expires.
You must be in the UK to apply.
How long it takes
You’ll be told whether your application has been successful within 8 weeks.
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:
- if your supporting documents need to be verified
- if you need to attend an interview
- because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction
Family members
Your family members (‘dependants’) can apply separately if they’re eligible.
A dependant is your:
- partner
- child
You cannot include your family members (‘dependants’) in your application.
Dependants who are not eligible
Your partner can apply to remain in the UK as the partner of a settled person if they are not eligible to apply separately and your application for settlement is successful.
They may be able to include their children in their application.
Children over 18
Your children may have to leave the UK if they’re not eligible to apply separately and are over 18.
You may be able to include your dependants in your application if you apply to settle under your visa category instead.
The above guidance can be found in full here.