Long residence early application query

[amldrsk]

Suppose I would become eligible for the 10-year long residence ILR route on 31 Aug.

The ILR guidance says I can apply for long residence up to 28 days before I become eligible. So, the earliest I can apply would then be 3 Aug.

Suppose, however, that my current visa expires 15 Aug.

Can I still apply for ILR on 3 Aug, or would this mean I wouldn’t qualify for the 10-year route under my current visa since it doesn’t cover all the way until 31 Aug (meaning I would need a new visa and wait a year before applying for ILR instead)?

Do I not become beholden to the date of decision being after 31 Aug to qualify? Or do I get automatic Section 3C approval for the period between 15–31 Aug the moment I submit the application, even if I go for super-priority and get my decision before the 15th?

[zimba]

The 28 day concession means you will be eligible for ILR (i.e. ILR can be granted) within 28 days of completing your 10 years. The date of ILR application is largely irrelevant.

Read: Applicants can benefit from the date of the ILR decision
Also read: Lawful and continuous residence changes to Long Residence route from 11 April 2024

[amldrsk]

Got it, so it doesn't matter if my visa will have expired by the 30th because I am already fully eligible for ILR between the 3rd and the 15th. Lovely, thanks.