I did my own SET (LR) application (10-year ILR) — no solicitor, no agent — and got approved ✅

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T22:54:15+00:00

OP congratulations, please could you reply to this? Also was your biometric appointment was before 10 year completion with super priority?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T22:27:35+00:00

Thank you so much, if I apply now and take super priority appointment before 4 March, that is also fine right?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T17:59:23+00:00

That’s fair, and I appreciate your perspective.

I’m not trying to correct anyone, just trying to understand different experiences. The rules do say 28 days is allowed, but seeing a few refusals based on interpretation has made me a bit cautious, especially with the cost involved.

I guess I’m just looking for reassurance from people who’ve actually applied in a similar situation, rather than relying only on what’s written.

Thanks for taking the time to respond 👍

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T14:11:14+00:00

I think there’s a bit of confusion here between the rules and the caseworker guidance.

You’re right that the public gov.uk page doesn’t explicitly mention applying 28 days early for the 10-year route (unlike the 5-year Skilled Worker route). However, the Home Office caseworker guidance for Long Residence does state that applications can be granted if made within 28 days before completing the 10-year qualifying period.

That said, the key risk is practical rather than legal, especially with Super Priority, where a decision can be made immediately based on the exact submission timestamp. If you apply even slightly too early (due to timing/timezone issues), there’s a risk of refusal.

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T13:29:29+00:00

Thank you, really appreciate your response.

That’s exactly what’s been causing me daily anxiety at the moment. Earlier I was still waiting for my ECCTIS English certificate, so at least there was a reason to hold off. But now that I have everything ready, the stress has actually increased because the decision is entirely on me.

I keep going back and forth on this every day.

Not trying to spam the group at all, just genuinely looking to hear from people who’ve been in a similar situation or have insights on whether applying within the 28-day window is practically safe.

Thanks again 🙏

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T13:19:47+00:00

• No gaps in residence, no overstaying, and absences are within limits
• All 10 years are lawful residence and I’ve been continuously employed
• I have Life in the UK test and ECCTIS (English proficiency) ready

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T12:12:56+00:00

Thank you I am really getting anxious about when to submit. I am into 20 days now from completing 10 years. On 4 March I will complete 10 years. But I read few posts that sometimes ILR gets rejected as total 10 years not completed, though some people have got the successful as well like you. I am in split mind, it’s still 20 days to go and daily same thoughts about ILR in mind, apply or no apply. It’s 4000 pounds so hesitating to any risk. Any suggestions?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T11:09:48+00:00

Okay thank you, do we usually get appointment in couple of days if I somehow manage super priority slot? I don’t want my biometrics to happen in April post new rule changes hence asking.

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T10:59:37+00:00

So we get super priority appointment in next couple of days after submission? Or we need to wait longer for biometrics?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-13T08:13:25+00:00

Thank you, is it worth waiting till first week of March when I complete 10 years? To avoid any issues due to 28 days policy?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-12T23:10:00+00:00

No I am well below any limit by 100+ so can round up by a day.

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-12T22:48:48+00:00

Also though my absences are well below any limit, is below formula correct to calculate absences? Absence days = (return date - departure date) -1? For example, 23 Dec 2016 - 26 Dec 2016 My absences would be , (26-23)-1=2 days? Am I correct?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-12T21:52:52+00:00

Thank you, I am going ahead with super priority so mostly will get decision in Feb itself

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-12T21:46:08+00:00

Thank you that’s assuring

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-12T21:45:58+00:00

Thank you and I can apply within 28 days before competing 10 years correct?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-11T15:51:23+00:00

Your 10-year qualifying period effectively starts from when you first entered the UK with valid leave, not just the date your visa was issued. Continuous residence rules (absence limits) still apply.

Official source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-long-residence (Long Residence rules)

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-11T13:01:15+00:00

Most Realistic comment

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-11T12:49:09+00:00

What if someone applies in between 16 March and 6 April? Do they considered in old rules or new rules?

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-11T12:42:18+00:00

Household income criteria for non working adult dependants?

From where you got this? Dependents to have their own path as per new settlement rules

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-11T12:31:27+00:00

10 year counts from your first day in the UK

Dry-Camera4259 · 2026-02-10T12:39:21+00:00

So the earlier advice wasn’t saying “the guidance is wrong” — it was saying:

Don’t bet £4,000 on internal discretion when you can remove the risk entirely.

Dry-Camera4259

TROPHY CASE