Let me start with the conclusion, to give some reassurance to friends who are going through ten years: as of today (June 7, 2026), the 10-year Long Residence permanent residence path is still accepted normally and is issued normally. But the trend has indeed changed - the government has made it clear that this road should be integrated into the new "Earned Settlement" system. Today we explain the latest policies, key red lines and what you should do now in one go.
What exactly is Long Residence permanent residence?
It is written in Immigration Rules Appendix Long Residence: As long as you have lived in the UK continuously and legally for for 10 years, you can apply for permanent residence (ILR). Its greatest value is that it provides those who are constantly changing their visa types—for example, from student to work visa to spouse visa—an escape route that "saves enough time to get ashore."
The key word is "lawful". This means that every day of in these 10 years, you must hold a legal entry or residence permit. Days that are suspended or expired will not be counted, and the entire timeline may be recalculated from scratch.
The red line you should pay close attention to: the 180-day exit rule
This is where most people stumble. Starting from on April 11, 2024, the exit rules for Long Residence have changed:
You must not be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period.
Pay attention to the word "rolling" - it is not calculated based on the natural year, but any period of 12 consecutive months must be satisfied. The old rules (no more than 184 days at a time, no more than 548 days in total over 10 years) have been abolished. If you are still using your old brain to plan your trip back to your country, it is easy to get into trouble. 🧭
Another practical detail: You can submit the application as early as 28 days before reaches 10 years, instead of waiting for the full 10 years. Planning ahead can save you a lot of anxiety.
2026 New Deal Warning: Earned Settlement is Coming
This is the biggest variable in the permanent residence circle this year. The government's "Earned Settlement" consultation ended on February 12, , , 2026, and feedback is currently being reviewed. The core idea is: set the "basic period" of permanent residence for most paths to 10 years and , and then increase or decrease it based on your tax contribution, character, integration level and other factors.
The direct impact on Long Residence is that the government proposes to cancel this independent 10-year path and merge its functions into the new system. The Home Secretary stated in March 2026 that he hoped to implement it "later this year", and the Minister of Immigration also mentioned "autumn" in an interview in June 2026; however, there are also voices in the industry that believe it may be delayed until early 2027. The specific time and rules of are subject to the official announcement of GOV.UK.
There are two other things that have been confirmed: the permanent residence application fee will be raised to £3,226 on April 8, 2026, ; the English threshold will be raised from B1 to B2 on March 26, 2027, . These are quietly increasing the cost and difficulty of landing.
People who have been suffering for several years, what should they do now?
The most honest answer is: transitional arrangements (transitional arrangements) have not been announced yet. No one can be 100% sure how people who have been on the road for 10 years will be treated. The consultation document does ask "whether exemptions should be created for some people in the UK", but the final plan has not yet been decided.
Amidst this uncertainty, here are some pragmatic suggestions:
① If can be delivered early, then will be delivered early. If you are approaching 10 years, the window for the old rules may be closing, and it is safer to "jump in" than wait and see.
② calculates the timeline to day . When the visa is expired or when the departure period exceeds the limit, you must have a clear account in your mind - this is the meaning of using 永居计算器APP to calculate the days to the end.
③ complete the hardware : Life in the UK Test and English scores and take the test as early as possible, don’t wait for the policy to tighten and be in a hurry.
④ If is a complicated situation, please contact a licensed lawyer . If your visa has been terminated, your overseas travel limit has been exceeded, or your documents are incomplete, don’t bet on your luck.
This article is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. The reform of Long Residence is still in progress. Please consult a licensed immigration lawyer for specific questions and refer to the latest announcement of GOV.UK.
write at the end
10 years is a long journey, and when you reach the end and hear that the rules are going to change, it’s normal to feel anxious. But please remember: this road is still open today. Grasp what you can control - count the days, prepare materials, and time the window, and leave the rest to certainty. 📌
💬 Let’s chat in the comment area: How far are you in your 10 years of Long Residence? What are you most worried about: the number of days to leave the country or the policy changes?
If you find it useful, please forward this article to your friends who are also applying for permanent residence in the UK - the more people see it, the less people will stumble on the 180-day red line. 🤝
[Data source] GOV.UK Appendix Long Residence and Long Residence caseworker guidance (updated on 2025-11-24); GOV.UK Earned Settlement consultation (2026).