No Time Limit Application (NTL)
A No Time Limit Application is the upgrade of an old-style Indefinite Leave To Remain or Indefinite Leave To Enter document to populate the holder’s information on a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
For advice and guidance on No Time Limit Applications, speak to a specialist immigration lawyer at Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online.
What is a No Time Limit application?
Historically, the documentation for Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) and Indefinite Leave To Enter (ILE) status in the UK was issued on a paper vignette for the holder to use to demonstrate their immigration permission. A No Time Limit (NTL) application allows the holders of these old style documents to upgrade them to a Biometric Residence Permit.
A Biometric Residence Permit (or BRP) is a smaller credit-card type document that includes information such as:
- The holder’s name, date of birth and place of birth
- A photo of the holder’s face and their fingerprints (biometric information identifying the individual)
- The holder’s confirmed immigration status and any conditions of stay
- Details on the holder’s eligibility to access public funds (including state benefits and health services)
- The holder’s national insurance number
Old style Indefinite Leave To Remain and Indefinite Leave To Enter documents are now considered obsolete. As a result, it is always recommended that holders file a NTL application to replace them.
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will be replaced by eVisas in 2025. Holders of the old style ILR and ILE documents may not transfer their information directly onto an eVisa and so must apply for NTL status first to later transfer to the newest system.
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Benefits of a No Time Limit (NTL) status
Holding NTL status is beneficial for all holders of an old style immigration document under Indefinite Leave To Remain or Indefinite Leave To Enter the UK. Filing a No Time Limit Application is considered an upgrade because:
- NTL status allows the holder to upgrade to the newest eVisa system from 2025, which will replace all other systems
- A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is easy to present and contains all information and key points of immigration status in one place
- The enhanced security features of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) make it more secure and less likely to be used fraudulently
- A BRP can be used as a form of identification
- It can be applied for even if the ILR or ILE holder doesn’t have or can’t find their original immigration documents
Eligibility criteria for a No Time Limit application
The eligibility criteria to be met for a No Time Limit application is as follows. The applicant must:
- Hold Indefinite Leave To Remain status in the UK; OR
- Hold Indefinite Leave To Enter status in the UK; AND
- Never have had their ILR or ILE status revoked; AND
- Be applying from within the UK
Dependent family members can be added onto the application.
While the Channel Islands and Isle of Man do not form part of the UK, the Immigration Act 1971 states that their leave to enter and leave to remain statuses are interchangeable. As such, this means that those applying from these Crown dependencies may also be approved for NTL status.
If you’re unsure of your eligibility for NTL status, speak to a Total Law specialist on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to clarify your situation.
No Time Limit Application form
The application process for NTL status involves a single application form, to be completed online on the GOV.UK website. The application form may only be accessed from the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, and links to the applicant’s existing UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) records.
It is possible to use the NTL application form even if the applicant’s existing immigration documents have been lost or stolen.
No Time Limit (NTL) Application Fees and Processing Times
As of April 2025, it is free to apply for NTL status.
On average, it takes around three months for a NTL application to be processed.
The eVisa Scheme
The British Home Office is moving to an entirely online scheme for immigration permission documents as of 2025. This is known as the eVisa scheme.
eVisas are an online system that provides an individual’s identification information and immigration status information. Holders of Biometric Residence Permits will be automatically set up with a UKVI online account and an eVisa that fits with the new system. However, those with old style paper immigration documents will not – so they must first transfer to a BRP.
eVisas have already replaced physical documentation for the European Union (EU) Settlement Scheme and as of 2025 will replace:
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
- Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs)
- Vignette stickers in passports
- Passport endorsements and wet ink stamps
The eVisa scheme will be more secure and quicker than the processing of varied immigration documents at the border and for professional purposes (such as to an employer or landlord).
To access details of your eVisa, you must log in to your UKVI account online.
How Can Total Law Help?
Total Law are a whole firm of expert immigration lawyers who work day in, day out to help individuals and businesses obtain the visas, travel permissions and leave to remain statuses they need to move around the world.
Aiming to use jargon-free language and to make the whole process as stress-free as possible, Total Law can help no matter how far the immigration process you are or how complex your situation is. Speak to an advisor now on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online and begin your next journey abroad.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
ILR is considered a settled immigration status in the UK, which means the holder is not subject to any time limits or constraints while in the country. It does not mean that the holder is a British citizen, but once eligible, they may apply for full citizenship.
No Time Limit applications may be filed even if the applicant has had their immigration document proof lost or stolen. The online services that process your No Time Limit application passes the administrative process onward to a UKVI caseworker who will link the application with your existing immigration records.
Applicants are free to travel out of the UK if they have a No Time Limit application filed, but must be intending to return to the country to continue their settlement.
Physical immigration documents will be considered defunct by British Border authorities as of 1st January 2024. To avoid unnecessary delays and to facilitate straightforward travel and professional processing, it is recommended that those with Indefinite Leave (To Remain or To Enter) apply for a BRP and/or eVisa and do not rely on non digital proof of immigration status.
A deed poll officiating a name change or a marriage certificate can be filed along with a NTL application to demonstrate a change in identity should it be required. Any names you use to travel must match that of your new BRP or eVisa.
All applications must be made by the applicant, except in extenuating circumstances. Specialist immigration solicitors can advise on individual circumstances. Speak to one now at Total Law on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
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