As the UK Home Office transitions to eVisas, individuals with “legacy” immigration documents issued before biometric residence permits (BRPs) need to take extra steps to secure their status. Making a No Time Limit (NTL) application is essential for replacing outdated documentation with a BRP, confirming your indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK. This guide will explain the NTL application process, why it is important and how our expert immigration solicitors at Lexvisa can assist you.
No Time Limit Application Guide
A No Time Limit application is used by a person with indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain in the UK to obtain digital confirmation of their status.
As of June 2026, the Home Office confirms indefinite leave through an eVisa. This is part of the UK’s move away from physical immigration documents, including passport stamps, vignette stickers and older paper documents.
A No Time Limit application does not grant new immigration status. It confirms existing indefinite leave where a person already has indefinite leave to enter or remain and needs updated proof of that status.
At Lexvisa, our immigration solicitors advise on No Time Limit applications, indefinite leave to remain, settlement and ILR, eVisas and Returning Resident applications.
What Is a No Time Limit Application?
A No Time Limit application, often called an NTL application, is an administrative process for people who already hold indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain.
The application allows the Home Office to confirm that status digitally through an eVisa. This can make it easier to prove your right to work, rent, study, travel and access services in the UK.
The Home Office guidance on indefinite leave to remain in the UK confirms that people who believe they have ILR or ILE but do not have a document to prove it can make a No Time Limit application for confirmation of status in the form of an eVisa.
Who Can Apply for No Time Limit?
You may be able to apply if you have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK and need digital confirmation of that status.
This may apply where your proof of indefinite leave is an old-style document, such as a passport stamp, vignette sticker, status letter or other non-digital immigration document.
It may also be relevant where the passport or document containing your indefinite leave endorsement has been lost, stolen or expired.
Some people are settled in the UK but have no current document proving their status. This can include people who were treated as settled under historical immigration provisions. In these cases, an NTL application may be used to ask the Home Office to confirm existing indefinite leave.
You may also need an NTL application if you have legitimately changed your identity since being granted indefinite leave and want your digital status to reflect your current details.
Who Should Not Make an NTL Application?
You should not make an NTL application if you already have an eVisa. The Home Office guidance states that if a person already has an eVisa, they should not make an NTL application and any NTL application may be voided.
You should also check carefully before applying if you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme or if you previously held a BRP and need to access your eVisa through a UKVI account instead.
The GOV.UK guidance on eVisas explains how to access and use online immigration status.
Has Indefinite Leave Been Lost?
Before granting NTL confirmation, the Home Office will consider whether your indefinite leave has been lost, lapsed or revoked.
In many cases, indefinite leave can lapse if a person has been absent from the UK for a continuous period of more than two years, although the rules can vary depending on the person’s immigration status and circumstances.
If your indefinite leave may have lapsed due to a long absence, you may need advice on whether a Returning Resident application is more appropriate.
The Home Office caseworker guidance on travel documents and No Time Limit applications explains how caseworkers assess whether indefinite leave has been lost.
How to Apply for No Time Limit Status
NTL applications are made online from inside the UK. The application is currently free.
You will need to provide identity information and details of your immigration history. If you have old documents showing indefinite leave, these should usually be provided as part of the application.
Where documents are missing, the Home Office may check internal records. However, the application can become more complex if there are gaps in the evidence, identity changes, old passports, long absences or incomplete Home Office records.
Dependants may be included only if they also have indefinite leave and meet the relevant requirements.
Why an eVisa Matters
An eVisa is a digital record of immigration status. It can be used to generate share codes for employers, landlords and other organisations that need to check your status.
For people with old ILR documents, an eVisa can reduce practical problems when proving the right to work, right to rent or ability to return to the UK after travel.
The move to eVisas does not change a person’s underlying immigration status. It changes how that status is proved.
Common Issues in NTL Applications
NTL applications can become difficult where the applicant cannot locate old immigration records, has changed name or nationality, has long absences from the UK, or has inconsistent personal details across documents.
Issues can also arise where the Home Office cannot locate a historical record of indefinite leave, or where there is a question about whether indefinite leave has lapsed.
Lexvisa can assess your circumstances before submission and advise on how best to present your application.
How Lexvisa Can Help
Lexvisa assists clients with No Time Limit applications, eVisa issues and proof of indefinite leave.
Our immigration solicitors can advise on:
- whether an NTL application is the correct route;
- whether you already have access to an eVisa;
- old passport stamps, vignettes and status letters;
- missing immigration documents;
- identity or name changes;
- long absences from the UK;
- possible lapsed indefinite leave;
- Returning Resident options; and
- Home Office requests for further information.
We also advise on related matters including ILR applications, British citizenship by naturalisation, British citizenship registration and eVisa transition issues.
FAQs
What is a No Time Limit application?
A No Time Limit application is used by someone who already has indefinite leave to enter or remain to obtain digital confirmation of that status in the form of an eVisa.
Does an NTL application grant ILR?
No. An NTL application does not grant new indefinite leave. It confirms existing indefinite leave where the applicant can show they already hold that status.
Do NTL applications still result in a BRP?
No. As of June 2026, successful NTL applications result in confirmation of status as an eVisa, not a new BRP.
Is a No Time Limit application free?
Yes. NTL applications are currently free.
Can I apply for NTL from outside the UK?
No. NTL applications must be made from inside the UK.
Should I apply for NTL if I already have an eVisa?
No. If you already have an eVisa, you should not make an NTL application.
What if my ILR document is lost or expired?
You may be able to apply for NTL if the passport or document confirming your indefinite leave has been lost, stolen or expired.
Can ILR be lost after time outside the UK?
Yes. Indefinite leave can normally lapse after a continuous absence from the UK of more than two years, although different rules may apply in some cases.
What if my ILR has lapsed?
If your indefinite leave has lapsed, you may need to consider a Returning Resident application rather than an NTL application.
Can Lexvisa help with an NTL application?
Yes. Lexvisa can review your immigration history, advise whether NTL is the correct route, prepare the application and respond to Home Office enquiries.
Contact Lexvisa
If you need to confirm your indefinite leave, obtain an eVisa or resolve issues with old immigration documents, contact Lexvisa for specialist immigration advice. Lexvisa is the immigration law division of DJF Solicitor Group.
Call 02030110276 or complete our online enquiry form to speak with our immigration team.