ILR for a Child After 7 Years in the UK – A Complete Guide for Parents

If your child has lived in the UK for seven continuous years, you may be wondering whether they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This route is one of the most common ways for long‑residence children to settle in the UK, and understanding the rules can help you plan your family’s future with confidence.

Below is a simple, up‑to‑date overview of how the 7‑year child ILR route works, who qualifies, required documents, and what parents should expect from the application process.

What Is the 7‑Year Child Route?

The UK immigration rules allow children who have lived in the UK for at least 7 continuous years to apply for settlement, provided it is not reasonable to expect them to leave the country.

This falls under:

• Home Office Private Life rules, and
• Appendix Settlement Family Life / Private Life

The core idea is simple:

If a child has built their life in the UK, removing them may not be in their best interests.

Who Counts as a “Child”?

A child must:

• Be under 18 on the date of application
• Not be leading an independent life
• Usually live with their parent(s)

The child does not need to be British, and their parents’ immigration status may be irregular — the child’s residence history is the key factor.

Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria

Your child may qualify for ILR under the 7‑year route if:

The child is under 18

The application must be made before turning 18.

The child has lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years

• Short holidays abroad usually do not break this.
• Long absences may cause issues.

It would NOT be reasonable for the child to leave the UK

The Home Office considers:

• Schooling and education
• Friendships and social connections
• Medical needs
• Family ties in the UK
• Level of integration
• Whether the child speaks the language of the parent’s home country
• The country conditions they would be expected to relocate to

The parents’ immigration status

Ideally, the parent(s) should:

• Be applying for ILR at the same time, or
• Already have limited leave to remain under a family/private life route

Parents without status can sometimes still apply — but the process becomes more complex.

Documents You Need for the Application

Prepare evidence to show:

• Your child’s identity (passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of continuous residence in the UK for 7+ years:
  • School records
  • GP letters
  • NHS appointment history
  • Old tenancy agreements or council tax bills
  • Letters from teachers, social workers, youth club leaders
• Evidence that leaving the UK is not reasonable:
  • School performance reports
  • Letters describing friendships and community involvement
  • Any medical or psychological assessments

The stronger your evidence, the more likely the application will succeed.

What Is the Cost fOR 7 Years ILR for Child?

As of 2026:

• £3,029 ILR application fee

There is no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for ILR.

How Long Does It Take?

The standard waiting time is up to 6 months (standard service).

What Happens if ILR Is Refused?

Parents have the right to:

• Reapply with stronger evidence, or
• Appeal if eligibility for human rights protections is in question.

Many refusals are overturned with better evidence that removal would not be reasonable.

Benefits of ILR for a Child

Once granted, ILR gives your child:

• The right to live permanently in the UK
• Access to education, healthcare, and work rights without restrictions
• A pathway to British citizenship after 12 months (or immediately if born in the UK, subject to eligibility)