Immigrationboards.com

Dear all,

Im an international student and have been living in the UK continuously since 2005. I am going to extend my visa one more year so that I will be living here for 10 years exactly in July 2015. I know many of you have gained ILR under 10 years residence rule, therefore I would like to ask for advices from you experts if I am able to apply for ILR, and do I need a solicitor or can I do it myself?. From 2005 till now, I am under Tier 4 general student visa, without any illegally overstay in the UK and have not left UK for more than 4 weeks. I am currently undertaking a final year of bachelor degree and going to extend to study a master degree. I am married to a British, but my husband is still in education and does not have an appropriate income to sponsor me. Therefore, I wonder if I could choose to follow the 10 Year rule because it seems better for my situation. Any advice is valuable for me, Thank you guys so much!!!!

It should be very straight forward application for you as it seems everything is in order.You don't need a lawyer, Read the application form and guidance notes careful and provide what is required. That should suffice.

Thanks Seneca,

But do you think the 10 years rule still exists next year? And how do I start with, and what documents should I prepare in advance?

Best wishes,

Here is where you can start read these two documents in their entirety, If anything is not clear just come back and ask away.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... formlr.pdf
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... uidelr.pdf
This thread also might be useful to you http://www.immigrationboards.com/indefi ... 52692.html

Sorry miss the first point, it is difficult to say with any certainty whether 10 years rule will still be there or not. But for now is there, so be positive. In any case even if is not there there will be other avenues still open for you as you partner is British.

Dear Seneca,

Thank you very much for your help. I am aware that I will need to include a cover letter with my application, do you have any template for me to have a look at or any information in relation to the cover letter so that I could prepare in advance. Also, do I need to ask for friend testimonials or references to send with the application?

Best wishes,

You can include cover letter, friends testimonies and personal statement in your application. But strictly speaking they are not necessary. If you look at application form SET (LR) section 4, what is necessary is your current passport, Biometric Residence permit, your police registration if you have been asked to register and all passport which you have held during this time. (10 years)

Now if you can not provide all the passport then you will need to include others documents like Home office letters, doctor letters showing registration for each year, Council tax letters, Utilities letters, National Insurance letters, P60s,P45s, HMRC letters, Employers letters confirming date which you have been employed, mortgages letters, Rent Contracts, other contracts, MOT certificate, Car Insurance, Education certificates, attendance records, Salary Slips any letters from government department or agencies.

Cover letter for this purpose will be simple one page letter explaining contents of what is included in the package. If you wish to explaining in details of you personal circumstances and such like you will then have to write personal letter. There are many examples on the internet.

Dear Seneca,

Thank you for such useful information, they help me a lot !

Best wishes,

Goodluck