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Visa routes

The Long Residence route is closing

The route that let people combine 10 years on different visas is closing. Here is who is affected.

Last reviewed 4 November 2026Based on the Government response CP 1707

What was Long Residence?

Long Residence allowed people to apply for settlement after 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, even if that time was spread across different visa types, including Student and Graduate.

What is changing?

Under Earned Settlement, the Long Residence route closes. Only time on qualifying routes will count towards settlement, so years on temporary routes will no longer help.

See which pathway applies to you, and your earliest estimated date.

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Who is most affected?

  • people who studied for many years before switching to work
  • people who moved between several temporary routes
  • people who were planning to rely on Long Residence rather than a single route

Close to 10 years?If you are close to qualifying under the current Long Residence rules, speak to a regulated immigration adviser now. Timing could matter a great deal.

What next?

If you are now on a qualifying route, use the checker to see your likely pathway.

Questions and answers

When does Long Residence close?

No date has been announced. It is expected to close when the Earned Settlement rules come in.

Will anyone be protected?

The response does not set out transitional protection for Long Residence. Watch for guidance.

This is not legal advice. This guide explains the Government’s published proposals for Earned Settlement, which are not yet in force and may change. For advice on your own situation, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor, or check GOV.UK. Read our full disclaimer.