No Time Limit (NTL) Application UK: Transfer ILR Status to BRP

No Time Limit (NTL) is a way that a person with indefinite leave to enter (ILE) or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can transfer their leave status (no time limit stamp) to a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

If your application is successful, you will receive an NTL BRP. An NTL BRP proves that a person with ILE or ILR is settled in the UK (i.e. a resident of the UK) and no longer needs to apply for a visa or another form of permission to stay here.

It is not a mandatory requirement for a person with ILR or ILE to apply for an NTL BRP, but there are a number of advantages of doing so, including:

• There is less chance of an NTL BRP being used fraudulently by another person compared to an ILR/ILE sticker in a passport. This is because NTL BRP has “enhanced security features”(sticker)
• Provides solid proof of the right to stay permanently, work, and access benefits in the UK
• Makes it easier to prove your right to work or rent using the Home Office’s online checking services, which came into use on 6^th April 2022
• Makes it easier to facilitate travel in to and out of the UK

Who can apply for No Time Limit BRP?

To apply for an NTL BRP, you must:

• hold ILE or ILR in the UK
• have not lost their ILE or ILR
• still, be entitled to hold ILE or ILR in the UK
• be applying from within the UK

Requirement to hold ILE or ILR in the UK

ILE and ILR holders include:

• those who “Settled” in the UK on or before 1^st January 1973
• those who were given leave to enter or remain in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and now require confirmation of this status in the UK
• EEA nationals are granted indefinite leave under the Immigration Rules (i.e. not under Appendix EU to the Immigration Rules). This includes EEA nationals given indefinite leave before 30^th April 2006

It is also possible for applicants to include their dependant family members on their NTL BRP application form, including their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, and any children under the age of 18.

Have not lost ILE or ILR

The requirement that applicants must not have lost their settled status is included because it is possible to lose ILE or ILR in certain circumstances. This includes where a person with ILR or ILE has been absent from the UK for 2 or more continuous years since 2000.

Who can not apply for No Time Limit BRP?

The following individuals are not eligible for an NTL BRP:

• British or Irish citizens
• those with the “right of abode” in the UK – this is typically given to Commonwealth citizens who are not British citizens but have the right of abode in the UK.
• European Economic Area (EEA) nationals or their family members if they gained permanent residence under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 before the end of 2020
• EEA nationals (or their family members) if granted Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• those granted permission through the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) route

How to apply for a No Time Limit?

No Time Limit applications are made online on the Home Office website. The steps are as follows:

1. complete the NTL application form¹.
2. upload any documents required by the Home Office once the NTL form is completed
3. arrange an appointment to have your biometrics taken (fingerprints and a photo) at your nearest UKVCAS service centre
4. attend your biometric appointment

Required documents for No Time Limit application

In addition to preparing and submitting your NTL BRP transfer application, you will need to submit several documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), including:

• Photographic proof of identity – e.g. passport, convention travel document, Home Office travel document, driving licence, or national identity card
• Proof of your ILR or ILE status – e.g. ILR/ILE vignette sticker, biometric residence permit showing indefinite leave to remain, biometric residence card, or an ILR/ILE grant letter from the Home Office
• Proof of change of name (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll)

You will be advised which documents should be uploaded to support your application when you apply.

No Time Limit application fee

There is no cost for a No Time Limit (NTL) application from 6^th April 2022, the Home Office announced ².

How long does a No Time Limit application take?

You can expect to receive a decision within 6 months³ once your application is submitted, your documents are uploaded, and you have provided your biometrics.

If you require a faster decision, you may be able to use the super-priority processing service for an additional fee of £1000. NTL premium service applications are processed by the end of the next working day.

Can you appeal if No Time Limit is refused?

Unfortunately, if your application for a No Time Limit BRP is refused, it is not possible to appeal the decision. In this situation, we recommend discussing the matter with an immigration solicitor. Depending on the circumstances, they may recommend submitting a fresh application to UKVI addressing any of the reasons for your refusal.

No Time Limit application is free and straightforward. If you need legal advice on other visa applications, such as ILR, speak to our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or complete our enquiry form.

References

¹ GOV.UK: BRP replacement service

² GOV.UK: Fees removed for NTL applications

³ GOV.UK: BRP application process time