ILR for Children Born and living in the UK for Seven Consecutive Years

Children under the age of 18 years who were born in the UK and have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Children can apply for immediate settlement on the basis of private life if they meet the eligibility requirements as set out in the Immigration Rules Appendix Private Life. This avoids the need for children to apply for limited leave to remain and extensions repeatedly.

To get legal advice and assistance with an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application, get in touch with our highly experienced UK immigration solicitor today.

Learn about the UK’s 7-year residency rule for children’s ILR applications, including requirements, documents, and fees.

Settlement (ILR) requirements for a child under 7 years route

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a child under the 7-year route, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: The child must be under 18 on the application date.
• UK Birth: The child must have been born in the UK.
• Continuous Residence: The child must have lived in the UK continuously for at least seven years.
• Good Character: The child should have no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.
• Additional Requirements: Other requirements may apply based on individual circumstances. Consulting with an immigration solicitor is advisable to ensure eligibility.

Continuous Residence Requirement

Continuous residence means the child must have lived in the UK without extended absences for at least seven years. This includes not being outside the UK for 180 days or more within any consecutive 12-month period.

Exemption Due to Age

Children under 18 years are exempt from the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement.

For Children Born Outside the UK

Children born outside the UK who have lived continuously in the UK for seven years may apply for ILR after five years rather than the usual ten years.

Documents Needed for ILR Application

To support an ILR application under the 7-year child residence route, you will generally need:

• Valid Passport/Travel Document: To prove identity.
• Full Birth Certificate.
• Proof of Continuous Residence: School or GP records, for example.
• Evidence of Parent/Guardian’s UK Immigration Status (if applicable).

Note: Additional documents might be required based on specific circumstances. Consulting an immigration solicitor can help you get a full checklist of documents.

Steps to Apply for Settlement (ILR)

• Verify eligibility based on the above criteria.
• Gather necessary documents to support the application.
• Complete the appropriate online application form.
• Pay the ILR application fee.
• Submit the application and supporting documents to the Home Office.
• Book a biometrics appointment if required, for fingerprints and photographs.
• Await the Home Office’s decision.

ILR Processing Time for 7 years child iLR Route

Standard ILR applications typically take 3 to 6 months, but complex cases may take longer.

How We Can Assist

Our team of immigration solicitors in London offers comprehensive support for all ILR applications, including:

• Eligibility Assessment and tailored advice.
• Document Preparation: Providing a document checklist based on your application type.
• Application Form Completion: Including a detailed representation letter to the Home Office.
• Biometrics Appointment Booking.
• Document Upload.
• Liaison with Home Office throughout the process.
• Regular Updates on your application status.

Contact Us

As an SRA-regulated firm, we are committed to providing expert guidance, practical assistance, and professional representation.

For immediate legal advice or assistance with your ILR application, call 01614644140 or complete our online enquiry form for a call back.