From Curtailment to Settlement: ILR Granted in Under 24 Hours
18.09.2025
We are delighted to share the success of a recent Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application, granted under the Long Residence (SET LR) route.
The Long Residence route allows individuals who have lived lawfully in the UK for 10 continuous years to apply for settlement. While many cases focus on absences from the UK, this case was unusual: the challenge arose from a visa curtailment that left our client just short of the 10-year threshold. Through careful legal strategy, we were able to turn what could have been a major obstacle into a successful outcome.
Our Client’s Circumstances
Our client first entered the UK in 2015 on a student visa and later switched to the Skilled Worker route, extending their leave successfully. Unfortunately, their Skilled Worker permission was curtailed, leaving them just short of the required 10 years’ lawful residence for settlement.
Ordinarily, this gap could have jeopardised eligibility. However, with our guidance, the client submitted an FLR (FP) application before their leave expired, which triggered the protections of Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. Section 3C automatically extended their lawful status while the application was pending, ensuring that continuous residence was preserved.
Once the 10-year milestone was reached, we varied the pending FLR (FP) application to an ILR application under SET LR. This bridging strategy allowed the client to remain lawfully in the UK and meet the strict requirements of the Long Residence rules.
Another potential hurdle was Immigration Rules LR 11.3, which normally requires applicants to hold their most recent immigration permission for at least 12 months before applying for ILR. However, because the client’s Skilled Worker leave was granted before 11 April 2024, they benefitted from the exemption in LR 11.4, meaning this requirement did not apply.
Through this combination of FLR (FP) as a bridging application, Section 3C lawful residence protection, and the LR 11.4 exemption, the client was able to qualify for settlement despite the curtailment
Swift Approval
The application was carefully prepared with full supporting evidence of continuous residence in line with Appendix Continuous Residence, fully complied with the immigration rules, and satisfied the English language requirement through both nationality and UK qualifications. In addition, the client successfully passed the Life in the UK Test.
With everything in order, the result was exceptionally fast. The client attended their biometric appointment in the morning and, under the Super Priority service, received ILR approval the very same afternoon.
Why This Case Matters
This case demonstrates how strategic use of the Immigration Rules can overcome challenges such as curtailed leave. Without precise legal advice, the client could have faced a much longer and more uncertain path to settlement. Instead, they are now permanently settled in the UK with the stability to continue their professional and personal life without restrictions.
By the effort of Alexandra Mokrova and the Sterling Law team, we were able to achieve this successful outcome. At Sterling Law, we pride ourselves on staying fully up to date with immigration rule changes and using this knowledge to provide clients with clear strategies and tailored solutions.
If you are considering an application under the Long Residence route, or facing complications such as visa curtailment, our expert team is here to guide you.
