If you are a foreign national in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you may want to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) status. This application allows you to get your immigration status confirmed on a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Having a BRP offers many benefits, such as easier access to work, study, travel, and benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about making an NTL application.
What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an official card that proves your right to live, work, or study in the UK. It includes:
- Your name, birth date, and birthplace
- Biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
- Immigration status and any conditions or restrictions related to your stay
Why Apply for NTL Status?
There are several reasons why you might need or want to apply for NTL status:
- You have old immigration documents that are no longer valid.
- Your documents were lost or stolen or have expired.
- You have no proof of your current immigration status.
- You need to update details, like your name, on your documents.
- You’ve legally changed your identity and need this documented.
Having NTL status can also help with:
- Enhanced security features, making it harder for your documents to be used fraudulently.
- Easier proof of your right to live and work in the UK, and access benefits.
- Access to the Home Office’s online services to check your right to work or rent.
- Smoother international travel with an official, government-issued ID.
Who Can Apply for NTL Status?
You can apply for NTL status if:
- You have Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
- You haven’t lost your ILE or ILR (e.g., by being outside the UK for more than two years).
- You are still entitled to ILE or ILR (i.e., your status hasn’t been revoked).
- If you became a British citizen after being granted ILE/ILR, you cannot apply for NTL as you no longer need it.
How to Apply for NTL Status
You can apply for NTL status online via the Home Office website at www.gov.uk. As of April 6, 2022, the application is free.
You can also apply for your spouse, partner, and dependent children under 18 (each dependent must meet the requirements for ILE or ILR). Children over 18 need to apply separately.
The application will require you to provide:
- Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).
- Supporting documents to prove:
- Your identity (e.g., passport).
- Your ILE or ILR status (e.g., passport, immigration letter).
- Any name changes (e.g., marriage certificate).
If your immigration documents were lost, stolen, or don’t show your status clearly, the Home Office will check its records. If your passport was lost or stolen, you will also need to provide a crime reference number or police report.
How Do Absences from the UK Affect Indefinite Leave?
Absences from the UK can affect your ILE or ILR status. For example:
- If you were settled in the UK before 1 January 1973, you need to prove you have continuously resided in the UK since then.
- If you were absent from the UK for more than two years after receiving ILE/ILR, you may lose your status.
There are exceptions to this, so it’s important to provide accurate records of your absences if applicable.
How Long Does the NTL Application Take?
Once you’ve submitted your NTL application and supporting documents, it can take up to 6 months for the Home Office to make a decision. However, most applications are processed within 6-8 weeks.
If you need a faster decision, there is a 24-hour super priority service for an additional £800.
What Happens if Your NTL Application is Refused?
If your NTL application is refused, you cannot appeal the decision, as the refusal of an NTL application is not considered an immigration decision under UK law.
While applying for an NTL status is not required for those with Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), it is a straightforward and beneficial process. Now that it’s free, applying for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) can make your life in the UK much easier, especially when it comes to proving your immigration status for work, benefits, or travel.
If you’re unsure about the application process or need help with your NTL application, Law and Visas can guide you through the steps to ensure everything is done correctly.
