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:
on a Standard Visitor visa or as a visitor without a visa
on a Short-term study visa
on a Seasonal Worker visa
on immigration bail, temporary admission or temporary release
in a prison, young offender institution or secure hospital
after your permission ran out (‘overstaying’) – this includes if you were given a grant of ‘exceptional assurance’ to stay in the UK because of COVID-19
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.