No Time Limit UK

Overview of No Time Limit Applications

No time limit (NTL) applications are for individuals with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) status who wish to obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP).

Biometric residence permits were introduced in the UK in 2015, which means that only applicants who applied for ILR after this time received them.

Prior to this, proof of ILR was shown in the form of a vignette in an individual’s passport or travel document.

The purpose of no time limit applications is to allow individuals with the old-style vignettes to upgrade to a digital biometric residence permit to prove their existing UK immigration status instead.

ILR status holders may also make a no time limit application for other reasons, such as if their old passport or travel document has expired, or if they need to change details regarding their identity.

Why Are No Time Limit Applications Made?

There are four main reasons as to why you may wish to make a no time application. These include the following:

• To upgrade your non-digital proof of indefinite leave to remain or indefinite leave to enter, such as if you previously had a vignette in your passport
• If your passport containing your indefinite leave to remain, indefinite leave to enter or no time limit endorsement has expired or been lost or stolen
• If are settled in the UK, but do not have any documentary evidence confirming this (such as if you were deemed settled in the UK on 1 January 1973 in line with section 1(2) of the Immigration Act 1971)
• If you’ve changed your identity since being granted indefinite leave and wish to have this confirmed on a new biometric residence permit

What Are the Benefits of Making a No Time Limit Application?

It’s important to note that while upgrading to a biometric residence permit is not mandatory, there are a number of benefits involved. For instance, biometric residence permits:

• Have enhanced security features that old-style vignettes lack, which means reduced risk of being used fraudulently by another person
• Are evidence that a person has the right to stay permanently in the UK and has a
• right to work and access certain benefits
• Enable individuals to prove their right to work or rent using the Home Office online checking services, which will need to be used by BRP holders from 6 April 2022
• Can facilitate travel to and from the UK

Biometric residence permits also offer convenience in the fact that you won’t have to carry around your passport or travel document around with you as a form of identification.

Who Can Make a No Time Limit Application?

Only certain individuals can make a no time limit application. Those who wish to apply must:

• Have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain in the UK, including those who were considered ‘settled’ in the UK on or before 1 January 1973
• Have not lost their indefinite leave status (such by being absent from the UK for a continuous period of 2 years or more since 2000)
• Continue to be entitled to indefinite leave status
• Apply from within the UK using the NTL application form on the Gov.uk website

You cannot make a no time limit application if you only have limited leave. If you have limited leave, you must instead make a transfer of conditions application if you wish to obtain a biometric residence permit.

If you have limited leave, the only circumstance where you may be able to make a no time limit application is if you were given 2 months’ leave to enter at a port of entry because Border Force staff was unsatisfied that you had indefinite leave following an absence from the UK.

How Do I Apply?

You must make a no time limit application online through the Gov.uk website. This will be through the ‘Update, replace or transfer your biometric residence permit (BRP)’ page.

You must be inside the UK to apply.

As part of the application process, you must fill in the no time limit application form and upload your supporting documents. These will be things such as documents that prove your ILR status, documents that can confirm your identity, or documents to confirm your change of identity.

You may also have to attend a local visa application centre to give your biometrics information in the form of your fingerprints and photograph.

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

As of April 2022, it is free to make a no time limit application.

No time limit applications are normally processed within 6 months.

If you need your no time limit application processed quicker, you may be able to make use of the super priority service at your visa application centre. This will normally ensure that your application is processed by the end of the next working day.

Super priority services cost £800. However, note that these may not be available in all locations.

How Can IAS Help?

A no time limit (NTL) application is a useful administrative process to allow ILR or settled status holders to upgrade to a biometric residence permit, if they don’t already have one.

If you’re considering making an application for a no time limit BRP and require assistance, or you have any other UK immigration or residency queries, IAS can help.

We are experienced immigration lawyers who have the tools to help you with your case. Whether you require more information about no time limit applications, need some extra assistance with the application process, or are confused about any part of the process, we can help.

For more information about the services we provide and how we can help you, reach out to a member of our team today. Call us on 0333 4149244, or contact us online.