When you've lived in the UK for more than a decade, it's normal to want to stay here permanently. Unfortunately, the British government has made it difficult for migrants to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain, especially those applying under the long residence route. That's where our experts come in. With an in-depth understanding of ILR requirements, we're here to ensure you meet all requirements and have the highest chance of approval possible. We'll help you convert your long-term residence in the UK into a permanent UK settlement through ILR in an easy, stress-free way.
At A Y & J Solicitors in London, we’ve helped countless clients submit a successful long residence application. We understand your desire to remain in the UK and have spent years ensuring the applications completed on behalf of our clients meet all ILR requirements. Our lawyers will provide you with the guidance and answers you're looking for, so you can stay in the UK for as long as you wish.
Abida Ali
We are specialists in immigration law and have supported more than 4,000 business owners and professionals around the globe to successfully navigate the UK system. We work quickly, always responding to any queries within 24 working hours. And we work closely with the Home Office to pre-empt issues before they jeopardise sponsorship applications or breach compliance. We manage all United Kingdom immigration matters, including visa applications under the new points-based immigration system, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Spouse Visas, nationality and more. We also handle complex cases of appeal, administrative reviews, judicial reviews and the many immigration challenges involving European Union law and human rights.
4.9
A Y & J Solicitors has more than 1,200 positive client reviews across Google and Trustpilot and is listed in The Legal top 500 best UK law firms, so you can rest assured your immigration challenges are in safe hands when you take these three simple steps:
As a multi-award-winning law firm recommended by The Legal 500 with over a decade of specialised immigration experience, we create the gold standard and benchmark in expertise, authority, and credibility to get the desired results. Moreover, this result driven approach has created an overall record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa applications, enabling the companies and individuals to be confident that their visa process is in experienced hands committed to their success.
Our commitment to excellence is backed by the best.
We take pride in being featured and officially accredited by top business, immigration, and legal platforms. Our work continuously meets the highest criteria of trust, credibility, and results, earning us major accolades and high-level media attention. These accolades are more than just badges; they serve as evidence that clients are in capable, safe hands when they choose us.
"When I started the processes with Ikra, I remembered the tortoise and hare story by Aesop, so slowly they are progressing my application. Despite my request to speed up the processes, my application still does not accelerate. After two weeks of documentation and drafting the application, they submitted it to HMRC for decision. Ikra's much appreciated work has resulted in a decision from HMRC being made in less than 24 hours. Though the hare ran fast, the winner was the tortoise. Ikra is the winner on my application, just like the tortoise. I am grateful for your excellent and helpful assistance."
"Many thanks for your excellent work on my behalf. You were so thorough, persistent, and transparent. God Bless you"
"I would recommend and work with A Y & J again, my team, Ashu, Surabhi and Diana was very professional, informative and kind. They are always available and approachable. Thank you for the assistance on my complicated visa matter, which were dealt with again; professionalism and kindness. And all the challenges were dealt swiftly as well. Highly recommend and thank you so much!"
"I am very happy with the service of AY & J solicitors, thank you especially to Nagina Hanif for being patient with us and for for being fast responsive, I felt the visa I applied was quiet complicated but Nagina guided me through every step, and this has made it possible and finally the visa is granted.Thank you to the entire team of Ay & J solicitors."
"Ikra Ahmed helped me with Skilled worker visa. She is faster than light!! Much Appreciated!!! Thanks Ikra!!!!"
"AY&J offered such a professional, personalized, and adequate service from the consultation service till receiving my son’s naturalization certificate. Ikra “an Immigration Consultant at AY&J” was precise, attentive, knowledgeable, professional and delivered everything in a timely manner. She did not hesitate to address any question during the process and got back to our emails or phone calls immediately."
This route is suitable for long-term work visa holders in the UK. To successfully apply for ILR under the long residence route, you must meet the following criteria:
If you do not meet the above eligibility criteria, you may be able to extend your leave. Our expert immigration lawyers can assist you with exploring options — especially if you’re on the spouse visa 10 year route and want assisstance with your ILR
To apply for ILR under the long residence route, you need to fill in Form SET(LR) and send it to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), along with the required supporting documents listed below and your biometric information.
Applications for ILR are made online. It is important to ensure all information in your application is accurate and applicable to your case. You must pay a fee to apply, and you do not get a refund if you are refused. Common reasons for refusal include:
Our lawyers will start by checking whether you meet the UK spouse visa 10 year route requirements and guide you from beginning to end. We can include a strong cover letter (i.e. Legal Representation) with your application highlighting the merits of your case and any special circumstances that need to be addressed. This can greatly enhance your chance of having your Indefinite Leave to Remain UK 10 Years application approved.
You will need to provide the following documents when applying for ILR (Note: This is not an exhaustive list):
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Reach out to us to learn more about your long residence requirements.
Indefinite Leave to Remain provides long-term work visa holders and their families the opportunity to advance their secure status in the UK. Those with ILR can live and work in the UK, free from visa restrictions. They can also leave the UK without the fear of not being allowed to return.
Our lawyers are very familiar with the application for this route and have successfully helped many grateful clients navigate the process. From the initial consultation until you receive a decision on your application, we’ll make the process easy and hassle-free — even if you are on the spouse visa 10 year route.
ILR refusals can be devastating. Our expert team can move swiftly to advise you on the options available when your application is refused. Options include resubmitting your ILR application, applying for Judicial Review, or launching a potential appeal. We will review if you meet the UK spouse visa 10 year route requirements and advise you on the best steps to take depending on your specific circumstances.
To be eligible for indefinite leave to remain long residence, you must meet the continuous residency requirements. This means that you cannot have been outside the UK for more than 540 days in the last 10 years (or 180 days in any single absence) There are exceptions to this rule in certain circumstances, but you should be careful and diligent in explaining your absences from the UK. Our lawyers can help with this. Learn more here.
The Long Residence ILR route is usually for long-term work visa holders. You can apply to extend your leave by filling in the FLR(LR) form. You may receive notice within eight weeks as to whether or not your application has been successful. UKVI can also contact you if there are complexities surrounding your application, for example, if they require you to attend an interview. If you are called in for an interview, our team will assist you with preparing for the event by running through the questions you are likely to be asked by immigration officials.
There is another route to ILR known as long residence, which is anchored by having lived legally in the UK for ten consecutive years. Unlike other ILR routes, this route will not take into consideration a person’s visa type or employment status but will only consider the duration and legal status of his stay.
However, you cannot count time as long residence under the following categories:
The 10-year continuity must be proved, and also the applicant should not be out of the UK for more than 180 days in any single year. They had to have had a valid visa permit at the time of this period as well. Moreover, they have to pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test, demonstrate English proficiency, and produce all relevant documents to prove their legal residence status.
Any person who is in the UK for a 10-year period can apply for ILR and achieve permanent UK settlement.
At A Y & J Solicitors, we have a forensic understanding of the ILR application and its requirements, especially the one based on long residence. Our team that works on the ILR applications has extensive knowledge of ILR regulation and maintains a very high success rate for clients. Our firm does not have hidden charges and additional expenses for its customers. During the first appointment, through to deciding on your ILR, you will receive our friendly and compassionate service.
During the first meeting, we attend to our clients via in-office consultations in our central London office or through online, telephone or Skype consultations. Also, the multilingual staff, who can speak and understand Hindi, Gujarati, Romanian, Albanian, and Italian, facilitates good and efficient communication of your needs.
Deciding to go with A Y & J Solicitors means collaborating with a team of immigration lawyers, a company that will ensure that you get your ILR application the best chance of success.
Managing Director
The driving force behind the company, Yash has years of legal experience and an uncompromising focus on client success. His leadership is the catalyst for integrity, innovation, and results.
Head of Operations
With a keen eye for process excellence and attention to detail, Diana makes every client experience seamless, efficient, and treated with care—from initial contact to final resolution.
Chief Operating Officer
Anik combines strategic mind with operational acumen to drive scale of impact and efficiency in service delivery. His systems philosophy runs the engine smoothly.
Sales Manager
Amin heads the frontlines of client interaction. He is driven by a consultative mind and profound knowledge of immigration options, matching clients with solutions that best meet their objectives.
