ILR: Child Born & Lived in the UK for 7 Years
A child born in the UK who has lived continuously in the country for at least seven years can apply immediately for indefinite leave to remain based on their private life.
Given the complexities involved, seeking advice from an immigration lawyer is recommended to ensure the application is well-prepared and accurately presented.
If you are considering applying for ILR for a child after 7 years of continuous residence in the UK, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- Eligibility Criteria
- What are the changes in the new 7-year child immigration rule?
- Documents required for ILR
- How to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)?
- Indefinite leave to remain application processing time
- How can immigration solicitors help with ILR applications?
- How to contact us?
- FAQs: Indefinite Leave to Remain
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria you have to meet are different depending on whether you're applying as a young adult or a child.
Eligibility Criteria for Children
- The child must be born in the UK.
- The child must have lived continuously in the UK for at least seven years.
- It must be deemed unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK.
Eligibility Criteria for Young Adults
- you arrived in the UK as a child
- You were given a visa based on your private life when you were aged between 18 and 24.
- you have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years with a visa
- If you're 18 to 64 you must book and pass the Life in the UK Test.
- It must be deemed unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK.
Depending on the type of your application and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
What are the changes in the new 7-year child immigration rule?
Under the new private life immigration policy introduced on 20th June 2022 in Appendix Private Life, the following rules now apply:
- Born in the UK: A child who was born in the UK can apply for settlement (ILR) immediately after living in the UK for 7 years continuously.
- Arrived in the UK as a child: A child who came to the UK as a child and who has been continuously resident here for 7 years and gained permission to remain based on their private life can now apply for settlement after 5 years. Young adults between 18 and 25 years who arrived in the UK as children must have spent half of their lives in the UK.
Documents required for ILR
When you apply for indefinite leave to remain, you will need to provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
- biometric residence permit (if you have been issued a BRP)
- birth certificate (showing birth in the UK)
- evidence that you have been continuously resident in the UK for 7 years
- evidence that you have passed the Life in the UK test (If you're 18 to 64)
The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.
How to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)?
You must apply online for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of your private life.
Applying for an indefinite leave to remain involves several steps, here is a general outline of the application process:
- Before applying for ILR, ensure the child meets the eligibility criteria for indefinite leave to remain.
- Gather all necessary documents, including a passport, proof of 7 years of continuous residence, and any other supporting documents.
- Fill out the application form carefully, providing accurate information about the applicant and reasons for applying for ILR.
- Schedule an appointment to have your biometric information (if required).
- Submit the indefinite leave to remain (ILR) application online and pay the associated fees.
- Attend your biometric appointment as scheduled (if required).
- Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. The Home Office will then process your application, which may take 3-6 months.
Indefinite leave to remain application processing time
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications generally take around 3-6 months if applying using the standard service. However, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service" to get a faster decision.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.
How can immigration solicitors help with ILR applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their ILR applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances and eligibility. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the ILR application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in the ILR application form(s) accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions in the application form, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your ILR application package and submit your ILR application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the ILR application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
How to contact us?
If you require expert legal advice or assistance, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our highly experienced team of solicitors & lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with a solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
FAQs: Indefinite Leave to Remain
ILR is a type of permanent residency status in the UK that allows a person to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions.
Yes, a child born in the UK may be eligible for ILR if they have lived continuously in the UK for at least seven years and meet other eligibility criteria.
Provide school records, medical records, and letters from teachers, doctors, passports & travel history, or community leaders that confirm the child's continuous presence in the UK.
If the application is refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision or reapply. Consulting with an immigration lawyer can guide the best course of action.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.