In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of long residence under paragraph 276B of the Immigration Rules, applicants must demonstrate at least 10 years continuous lawful residence in the UK.
Lawful residence is defined in paragraph 276A of the Immigration Rules as a period of continuous residence in which the applicant has had one of the following:
- existing leave to enter or remain;
- temporary admission within section 11 of the 1971 Immigration Act where leave to enter or remain is subsequently granted;
- an exemption from immigration control, including where an exemption ceases to apply if it is immediately followed by a grant of leave to enter or remain.
简单点说,如何合法签证都可以,包括visitor 签证。