To qualify for permission to stay in the UK under the 10 Year Long Residence Rule the applicant will need to demonstrate that they:
- have had at least 10 years continuous lawful residence in the United Kingdom but not including time spent as a Visitor, Short-term Student or Seasonal Worker;
- from 11 April 2024, that they have held their current immigration permission for at least 12 months prior to applying, unless that visa was granted prior to 11 April 2024;
- have been absent from the UK for less than 540 days (18 months) during the 10-year residency period;
- have sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom unless exempt - for those who cannot satisfy this requirement they may be able to simply to apply for a visa to stay in the UK through this route for up to 2 years at a time; and
- having regard to the public interest there are no reasons why it would be undesirable for him to be given indefinite leave to remain on the ground of long residence, taking into account his age, strength of connections to the UK, personal history (including character, conduct, associations and employment record), domestic circumstances, and any compassionate circumstances.