What is the purpose of a no time limit application?
A No Time Limit (NTL) application allows individuals who have indefinite leave to enter (ILE) or indefinite leave to remain (ILR) to confirm their status on a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This application can be made online and there is no application fee.
If your ILE/ILR status is currently confirmed via a stamp or vignette in your passport you should now submit an NTL application as soon as possible to obtain a BRP card.
Why is a no time limit application important?
The Home Office are moving away from issuing physical BRP cards, and recently issued BRP cards are now valid up until 31 December 2024 even where someone has permission to stay in the UK beyond that date. After 2024, a person’s immigration status will instead be confirmed online. In order for someone to prove their immigration status after 2024, they will need to create a UKVI account.
Unfortunately, if you currently have an Indefinite Leave stamp in your passport, you will be unable to create a UKVI account. You must first apply for a BRP card that confirms your current ILE/ILR status. Once this has been issued, you will then be able to apply for a BRP card.
Please kindly note that you may no longer be able to travel and rely upon the stamp/vignette in your passport after 31 December 2024. It is important therefore to take action now so that you will be able to set up your UKVI account before the 31 December 2024, and will continue to be able to travel without difficulty.
We advise you submit an NTL application promptly to avoid any issues when travelling or in confirming your status in the near future.
A person’s ILR/ILE status will automatically lapse if they have been outside of the UK for more than 2 years continuously. Therefore, if you have held ILE/ILR for longer than 2 years, you will also need to provide documents to support that you have not been absent from the UK for more than 2 years continuously to show that you continue to be entitled to indefinite leave.
Recent updates from the Home Office
The Home Office have updated their guidance to reflect that applicants are able to leave the UK and travel while their NTL application is being considered. The previous position relating to travel was unclear so this is a very helpful clarification from the Home Office. This means that someone can get their NTL application submitted ASAP even if they have travel plans later in the year as they will be able to continue to rely upon their ILR / ILE stamp and travel whilst waiting for a decision on the NTL application.
How can we help?
OTB Legal offers a free initial assessment, and members of our Personal Immigration Team would be happy to advise you about making a no time limit application. We understand that some people may be unaware of the recent changes, and would be delighted to assist you in obtaining a BRP card so that you are able to create an online UKVI account.