20 Years Long Residence and Private Life in the UK
The 20 years long residence category allows applicants to apply for permission to remain in the United Kingdom for 30 months. A person who has continuously resided in the United Kingdom for 20 years, whether legally or illegally, is eligible to apply for permission to remain in the country.
If you require Immigration Advice Services or help with an immigration problem, please contact +441614644140 or email us at info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk for fast, professional, and affordable immigration advice from our highly experienced UK immigration lawyers. You can book an appointment online for a detailed immigration consultation.
What Is The 20 Years Long residence Rule?
The immigration regulations allow individuals to seek permission to stay in the UK due to their long-term residence of 20 years. Individuals with a history of overstaying can apply for UK visa after 20 years of continuous living in the UK.
The 20-year rule requires that a person has been residing in the UK continuously for at least 20 years. It does not require that they have been doing so legally.
20 year long residence: documents required
As part of your 20 year long residence application, you’ll need to provide evidence which proves that you have lived in the UK continuously for 20 years. This can include:
- Proof of your identity
- Proof of your residence in the UK for 20 years
- Bank statements
- Housing or accommodation records
What is the procedure to apply for 20 years long residence visa?
To apply for 20 years long residence in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the “Application to remain in the UK on the basis of family life or private life” form
- Pay any applicable fees
- Attend a biometrics appointment
- Present a passport or other acceptable photo identification
- Be physically in the UK on the application date
- Provide documentary evidence that you have lived in the UK continuously for at least 20 years
- Avoid falling under any of the suitability grounds for refusal
Who is Eligible for the 20 Year Long Residence Rule?
The 20 Year Long Residence Rule in the UK provides a route for individuals who have established their lives in the country for more than two decades, offering them the opportunity to settle permanently.
Does the 20-year qualifying period include periods of illegal residence?
Yes it includes period of lawful leave, as well as illegal residence.
Is it possible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 20 years of continuous residence?
It’s important to note that you cannot automatically obtain indefinite leave to remain through the 20-year rule, unlike the 10-year rule for lawful residence. While 20 years of continuous residence can eventually lead to indefinite leave to remain, it is not a straightforward process. Initially, you may be granted limited leave for up to 30 months. However, you can apply for further leave if you continue to meet the necessary requirements.
Can I qualify if I have lived in the UK for less than 20 years?
If you have lived in the UK for less than 20 years, but there would be very significant obstacles to move back into your home country if required to leave the UK. This may allow you to apply for leave to remain in the UK on the basis of your private/family life outside of the Immigration rules to the Home Office. The Home Office will consider many factors including your ties you have built up, if you have been absent from the UK, what change of circumstances there have been since you entered and so on.
How do I apply for 20 years long residence?
To apply for 20 years long residence, you need to:
- Apply on the specified form (‘FLR: Application to extend your stay in the UK on the basis of long residence’ form)
- Pay the visa fee.
- Provide required biometrics.
- Establish you identity and nationality by providing a passport or other document.
20 years long residence application fee 2024 UK
You will be required to pay the Government NHS Surcharge, which is a separate fee and currently £2,587.50 for the length of your visa set at £1,035 per year per applicant. This fee would need to be paid online including the visa application fee, which is £1,258.
20 years long residence application processing time
On average it can take between 6-12 months for a Caseworker to reach a decision on your 20 years long residence route application.
Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers for your 20 years route application?
Choosing the right and best immigration lawyer for your immigration needs can be stressful. While it could seem like a difficult choice, let us simplify things for you. Here are a few good reasons why you should choose Deluxe Law Chambers to assist you with your UK visas and immigration matters.
We have offices in London and Manchester. However, we provide immigration advice and services nationwide.
Our commitment to affordability means that you can receive expert advice without straining your finances. Our success hinges on transparency. We believe in keeping you informed about every step of the process, ensuring that you understand your options and the potential outcomes.
- REGULATED – We are regulated and approved immigration lawyers by The Office Of The Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
- EXPERIENCE – Our firm rests on specialist immigration lawyers and solicitors with years of experience. Our well-earned experience distinguishes us from others.
- EXPERTISE – As your immigration lawyer, we offer unparalleled expertise. We don’t just understand and interpret the law, we keep an eye on the slightest changes.
- AUTHORITY – Our authority isn’t just about legal powers but is gained through genuine care and successful outcomes for our clientele. So, why choose just a lawyer when you can choose a trusted authority?
- TRUST – Our commitment to uphold your trust is unwavering. Our transparency and ethical conduct are treatments for the trust placed in us by our clients.
- DIRECT ACCESS – At Deluxe Law Chambers as your immigration lawyers, you will have direct access to your qualified lawyer 24/7.
- REMOTE SERVICES – We are able to provide a fully digital service, and you may never have to visit our offices for 9/10 immigration cases.
- AFFORDABLE – We are a law firm with an affordable and fixed fee plan. We offer two installments to ensure you can pay easily.
A combination of our rich experience, deep-rooted expertise, trust authority, and unwavering commitment to our clients makes us your best choice.
So, why wait? Take your first step towards a successful immigration application with us.