Trusted UK Immigration Solicitors with
a proven track record of visa success.​

Experienced UK Immigration Lawyers Delivering Customized Solutions for Individuals and Businesses.

Long Residence in the UK
Secure Your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Our experienced team of immigration solicitors is dedicated to ensuring your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application is submitted accurately and without error, giving you the best chance of success.

Ensure Full Compliance with Home Office Regulations.

Prevent Unnecessary Delays and Speed Up the Process.

Turn Your Long UK Residence into Permanent UK Settlement

Having lived in the UK for over a decade, it’s natural to want to make the UK your permanent home. However, securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the long residence route can be challenging due to stringent requirements set by the British government. That’s where our expertise comes in. With a thorough understanding of ILR criteria, our team is committed to guiding you through the process, ensuring you meet all requirements for the highest chance of approval. Let us help you seamlessly transition your long-term stay in the UK into permanent settlement through ILR.

Licence, accreditation & awards

Simplify Compliance, Minimize Risks, and Accelerate Your Sponsorship Licence Approval.

Helping Clients with Their Long Residence Application for 10+ Years

At Tide Immigration in London, we have successfully assisted countless clients with their long residence applications. We understand your strong desire to remain in the UK, and we’ve spent years ensuring that every application we handle fully meets the ILR requirements. Our expert lawyers are here to offer the guidance and support you need, providing clear answers to your questions and helping you secure your right to stay in the UK for as long as you wish.

Expert Guidance You Can Trust

Poor advice can result in costly delays and application refusals—risks no business can afford. That’s why we assign a dedicated UK immigration specialist to handle your case from start to finish, ensuring precision, compliance, and the best possible outcome.

Transparent Pricing with Fixed Fees

Unexpected legal costs can be stressful. That’s why we offer fixed-fee services, ensuring you know exactly what you’ll pay—no hidden charges, no surprises, just clear and upfront pricing.

Swift and Reliable Support

Uncertainty can be frustrating when dealing with immigration matters. That’s why we guarantee a response to all messages and emails within 24 working hours—or we’ll refund 20% of your fees. Your case deserves prompt attention, and we ensure you’re never left waiting.

We Can Help You

Struggling to navigate the complexities of UK employer sponsorship licence regulations? Let the experts at Tide Solicitors guide you with confidence. With 1,000+ positive client reviews on Google and Trustpilot and recognition in The Legal 500’s top UK law firms, we offer unmatched expertise to ensure your sponsor licence application is in safe hands.

Follow these three simple steps to secure success:

 

Assess Your Requirements – Share your sponsorship licence objectives, and we’ll outline how our tailored support can help you achieve them.

 

Expert Case Handling – A dedicated Sponsor Licence Specialist will meticulously assess your case and guide you through our proven 10-step application process, ensuring full compliance and efficiency.

 

Peace of Mind – Our comprehensive, hands-on service eliminates guesswork, providing expert guidance at every stage and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

 

Take the stress out of the sponsorship licence process—partner with Tide Solicitors today.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Sponsorship Licence

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 10 Years Long Residence Route?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 10 Years Long Residence Route allows non-UK citizens to settle permanently in the UK after residing legally and continuously for 10 years. It grants the right to live, work, and study without immigration restrictions and is a pathway to British citizenship.

Who is Eligible for ILR under the 10 Years Long Residence Route?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  1. Have lived in the UK continuously and lawfully for at least 10 years.
  2. Not have left the UK for more than 180 days in a single trip or 540 days in total during the 10 years.
  3. Hold valid immigration status throughout the 10 years.
  4. Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement.
  5. Have no criminal record or breaches of immigration laws.

What Counts as Continuous Residence?

Continuous residence means living in the UK without significant breaks. Specifically:

  1. Absences must not exceed 180 days in a single trip.
  2. Total absences should not exceed 540 days over the 10 years.
  3. Leaving the UK for reasons such as family visits, holidays, or business trips is allowed if within the permitted limit.
  4. Time spent in prison or in immigration detention is not counted as continuous residence.

What Immigration Categories Count Towards the 10 Years?

Key documents include:
Business registration proof (Companies House certificate)
Employer’s Liability Insurance details
Financial statements and PAYE records
HR compliance policies to monitor sponsored employees

What Immigration Categories Count Towards the 10 Years?

Any lawful stay counts, including time spent on:

  1. Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa
  2. Work Visa (Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa)
  3. Family Visa
  4. Asylum or Humanitarian Protection
  5. Visitor Visa (if followed by lawful long-term visas)
  6. Any other visa granting lawful residence

Does Time as an Overstayer Affect Eligibility?

Yes, overstaying your visa can affect eligibility unless:

  1. The overstay was for 28 days or less before 24 November 2016.
  2. It was due to circumstances beyond your control, such as illness or processing delays, and reasonable action was taken to regularize your stay.

Can You Combine Different Visa Categories to Make Up the 10 Years?

Yes, different visa categories can be combined as long as they were lawful and continuous. For example, you can combine time spent on a Student Visa and a Work Visa.

What Documents Are Required for ILR under the 10 Years Route?

Documents required include:

  1. Valid passport and previous passports covering the 10-year period.
  2. Proof of continuous residence (e.g., travel history, tenancy agreements, bank statements).
  3. Life in the UK Test certificate.
  4. Evidence of English language proficiency (e.g., degree taught in English or recognized English test).
  5. Biometric information.
  6. Proof of lawful stay (e.g., visa approvals, BRP cards).

What Are the English Language Requirements?

Applicants must prove their English language proficiency by:

  1. Passing an approved English language test at B1 level or higher.
  2. Having a degree taught in English.
  3. Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).

How Long Does the ILR Application Process Take?

The standard processing time is up to 6 months. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions (within 5 working days or 24 hours, respectively) for an additional fee.

Trusted Visa Consultants for a Smooth Process

Let Tide Solicitors handle your sponsor licence application, so you can focus on what matters most. Our expert immigration lawyers ensure a seamless process, giving you the confidence and peace of mind you deserve. Contact our team today to get started.

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