Other Immigration Applications

No Time Limit (“NTL”)

A “No Time Limit” (NTL) application is an administrative process for an Indefinite Leave to Enter (“ILE”) or Remain (“ILR”)/Settlement status holders to update their legacy documents, such as a stamp in an old passport or a vignette to a digital eVisa, or prove their settled status in case of legacy documents loss and obtain the status confirmation in the form of a digital eVisa.

The application process entails an application form to be completed on the GOV.UK website and biometric enrolment process. A valid form of identity, along with evidence of settled status, must also be provided.

In line with section 3(4) of the 1971 Act and articles 13 to 13B of the Immigration Leave to Enter and Remain Order 2000, when applying for NTL, the applicant must prove that their settled status has not been lost by being absent from the United Kingdom for more than 2 consecutive years. If the permitted period has been exceeded, the application can be made for entry clearance from outside the United Kingdom as a Returning Resident.

From April 2022, NTL applications are free of charge. Currently, it takes up to 6 months to receive the Home Office decision.

Subject Access Request (“SAR”)

The “Subject Access Request” (SAR) is a legal right of an individual to ask the Home Office to release their UK Immigration records. The process is free of charge. The processing time is one month.

There are three types of requests:

• Basic

• Specific

• Detailed

The application process entails completing a short application form on the GOV.UK website and providing supporting documentation to the SAR team in the form of current and expired passports and the permission letter.

The SAR process is commonly used by individuals applying for settlement under the Long Residence route to obtain the UK travel record or to check the accuracy of the information held by the Home Office.

Our Immigration team is well-versed in both NTL and SAR applications. Do not hesitate to reach out for advice and assistance.

*Please note that requirements may vary from case to case based on the nuances of your situation, and the information on this page is not intended to replace legal advice.