20 Years Long Residence Requirements in 2025

For many people who have made the UK their home, securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a key goal. ILR allows individuals to live and work in the UK without any time limits. It is usually granted after living in the UK for a certain period, often through visas based on work, business, ancestry, or family connections. Depending on the visa type, individuals can qualify for ILR after three to five years of continuous residence.

The 20-year long residence route allows individuals to apply for permission to stay in the UK for 30 months. Anyone who has lived in the UK continuously for 20 years, legally or illegally, can apply for this.

What Is The 20 Years Long residence Rule?

The 20 years long residence rule allows individuals who have lived in the UK for two decades, whether legally or illegally, to apply for leave to remain. This option is particularly helpful for those who might have entered the country without the proper immigration status or for those who have overstayed their visas. The rule recognizes the strength of personal ties that may have developed over such a long period.

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.

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.

    Who Qualifies for the 20-Year Rule?

    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.

    Evidence Required for 20 Years 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.

    Application Process for 20 Years Long Residence

    Applying for leave to remain based on long residence can be a complex and lengthy process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

    • Complete the Correct Form: Applications for leave to remain under the 20-year rule are made using Form FLR (FP).
    • Pay the Fees: The application fees may vary, and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is also required.
    • Submit Evidence: As mentioned earlier, providing thorough documentation is key.
    • Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary but can take several months.

    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.

    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

    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.

    Why Choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Applications?

    Are you looking for expert immigration solicitors in Manchester or London to help with your 20 years long residence application? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we provide professional, transparent, and affordable legal services to ensure a smooth visa application process.

    Why Choose Us?

    • Expert Immigration Solicitors – With years of experience in 20 years long residence applications, we stay up to date with the latest UK immigration laws to give you the best legal advice.
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    • Remote Legal Support – Our solicitors can handle your case online, saving you time and travel costs. You can also visit our Manchester office for in-person advice.
    • Open 7 Days a Week – We provide expert immigration advice every day, including weekends.
    • Free Immigration Advice – Get a 5-minute free phone advice.
    • Fixed Fees with Instalments – No hidden costs! We offer affordable fixed fees, with the option to pay in two instalments.

    Book Your Consultation Today!

    At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

    Let us help you with your UK visa application – contact us today!

    Frequently asked questions for 20 Years Long Residence Application

    Do I need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge?

    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.

    How much is the visa application fee for 20-year-long residence application?

    The fee for 20 years long residence application is £1,321.

    How do I apply for 20 years long residence?

    To apply for leave to remain in the UK under the 20-year long residence rule, individuals must demonstrate they have lived in the UK continuously for 20 years, whether legally or not. This can be a combination of lawful and unlawful residence, as long as the stay has been continuous. A successful application leads to a 30-month leave to remain, with a “no recourse to public funds” condition, and the opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain after accumulating 10 years of lawful residence. 

    How much does it cost to apply for indefinite leave to remain?

    The fee for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is £3,029 per applicant.

    What is the 20 Years Long Residence Rule?

    This rule allows individuals who have lived continuously in the UK for 20 years (lawfully or unlawfully) to apply for limited leave to remain under Paragraph 276ADE(1)(iii) of the Immigration Rules.

    Do I need to pass an English test?

    Not for the initial 20-year LLR application, but you will need to meet the English language and Life in the UK test requirements when you apply for ILR later on.

    Can I work or claim benefits?

    Once granted Limited Leave to Remain:

    ❌ You cannot access public funds (e.g., Universal Credit, housing benefit).

    ✅ You can work legally.