The 20 Years Long Residence Rule – Application Guidance

For a UK 20 years long residence application, applicants must show continuous residence using documents such as tenancy agreements, utility bills, and bank statements.”

For many individuals who have built long-term lives in the UK, achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) represents security, freedom, and stability. ILR allows you to live and work in the UK without immigration time limits and is often the final milestone before British citizenship.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our immigration solicitors regularly assist individuals who have lived in the UK for 20 years or more—lawfully or unlawfully—and are now seeking to regularise their status and work towards ILR. This guide explains how the rule works, who qualifies, and how to maximise your chances of success.

For best UK visa and immigration advice in Manchester & London, speak to our experienced immigration solicitors. We offer expert help with visa applications, extensions, refusals, appeals, judicial reviews, ILR, and British nationality matters. Call 01614644140 or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk to book your consultation.

Our 5-star Google Reviews reflect the quality of service we deliver, ensuring your immigration application is smooth and stress-free.

Table of Contents

What Is The 20 Years Long residence Rule?

Indefinite Leave to Remain is normally granted after a sustained period of lawful residence. For example, under the 10-year long residence rule, applicants must have held valid visas continuously for a decade.

However, UK immigration law recognises that some individuals have lived in the UK for long periods without valid status. Under the 20-year long residence rule, a person who has lived continuously in the UK for 20 years—regardless of legality—may apply for leave to remain based on their private life.

This route provides a way to regularise status and, over time, progress towards ILR.

Under the 20 year rule a person does not have to have lived in the UK lawfully. Rather, they must have lived in the UK continuously over a period of 20 years. Individuals will be required to provide proof of this as part of their application.

• PL 5.1. Where the applicant is aged 18 or over on the date of application:
• (a) the applicant must have been continuously resident in the UK for more than 20 years; or
• (b) where the applicant has not been continuously resident in the UK for more than 20 years, the decision maker must be satisfied there would be very significant obstacles to the applicant’s integration into the country where they would have to live if required to leave the UK.

Free Immigration Advice For Long Residence Applications

Our team of specialist immigration solicitors offers one-off free immigration advice online for individuals applying on the basis of long residence. You can submit your question online to receive free guidance from our experts. If you require more in-depth support, you can also book an appointment online for a detailed consultation with one of our experienced immigration solicitors to discuss your long residence application in full.

Key Takeaways For The Long Residence Route

• Legal Advice Matters: Professional representation significantly improves outcomes, especially in complex cases.
• A Route to Settlement: Individuals who can show 20 years of continuous residence in the UK may qualify for limited leave to remain, leading to ILR after 10 years.
• Continuity Is Essential: Excessive absences, deportation, or imprisonment can break the 20-year period.
• Evidence Is Crucial: Strong documentation is required to prove residence across two decades.
• Suitability Rules Apply: Criminal convictions, deception, or public-interest concerns may lead to refusal.

Who Qualifies for the 20 years long residence application?

To be eligible for the 20-year long residence route, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Submit an “Application to Remain in the UK on the Basis of Family Life or Private Life.”
• Pay any applicable fees, attend a biometrics appointment, provide a passport or valid photo ID, and be in the UK on the date of submission.
• Ensure they are not subject to rejection due to ineligibility.
• Have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years without significant breaks.

Applicants must prove that they have continuously resided in the UK for a full 20 years. They should not have been absent for more than six months at a time or for a total of 550 days over the 20 years. Additionally, they must not have been deported, removed, or left the UK following a denied application unless they could return lawfully. Documentary evidence is required to support the application.

For help with your application, contact us today for expert advice.

What Breaks Continuous Residence For the 20-year long Residence?

Continuous residence may be broken if:

• You were absent from the UK for more than 6 months at one time
• Total absences exceed 18 months (548 days) over 20 years
• You were deported from the UK
• You left the UK and could not lawfully return
• You received a custodial sentence or were detained following conviction

Each case is assessed individually, and legal advice is strongly recommended.

Evidence Required for 20-Year Long Residence

Proving that you’ve lived in the UK continuously for 20 years can be difficult, especially if you don’t have legal status. However, there are several types of evidence that you can submit with your application:

• Financial Records: Bank statements, pay slips, and tax documents are strong indicators of continuous residence.
• Tenancy Agreements and Utility Bills: These provide proof of your physical presence in the UK over time.
• Witness Statements: Statements from friends, family members, or employers can help establish your residence.
• Other Supporting Documents: Letters from schools, doctors, or community organizations can further bolster your claim.

How to Apply for the 20-Year Long Residence Route (2026)

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.

Suitability Requirements Explained

Even with 20 years’ residence, applications can be refused on suitability grounds. Common reasons include:

• Custodial sentences exceeding 12 months
• Repeated or serious criminal offences
• Deception or false representations
• Public-interest or security concerns

Applicants with criminal histories should seek tailored legal advice before applying.

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.

Private Life Considerations

Under Article 8 of the ECHR, the UK is obligated to respect individuals’ private and family life. For those applying under the 20-year rule, the strength of their private life in the UK can play a significant role in the decision.

How Private Life is Assessed

When evaluating private life, the Home Office will consider factors such as:

• Family Ties: Do you have family in the UK, especially British citizens or residents?
• Community Ties: Have you integrated into UK society through friendships, community involvement, or employment?
• Length of Residence: How long have you lived in the UK, and how strong are your connections?

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.

20 years long residence application fee

The application fee for leave to remain under the 20-year-long residence rule in the UK is currently £1,321. 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.

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.

What Happens If Your Application Is Approved?

If successful, you will receive 2.5 years’ leave to remain. This allows you to live and work lawfully in the UK.

You must extend your leave every 2.5 years. After 10 years of lawful residence on this route (four extensions), you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Can a 20-Year Long Residence Application Be Refused?

Yes. Common refusal reasons include:

• Failure to meet suitability criteria
• Insufficient or inconsistent evidence
• Breaks in continuous residence
• Incorrect fees or invalid applications
• Not being in the UK at the time of application

What If Your Application Is Refused?

Depending on the decision, you may be able to:

• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
• Apply for Judicial Review if there is no right of appeal

Both options are complex and should be handled by experienced immigration solicitors.

Speak to an Immigration Expert Today

If you believe you may qualify under the 20-year long residence rule, contact Deluxe Law Chambers today for confidential legal advice and representation.

Frequently asked questions for 20 Years Long Residence Application