The 7 Years Child Route, under the Appendix Private Life, offers a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for children who have lived continuously in the UK for seven years, whether born here or arriving early in childhood. This provides a shorter, more direct route to settlement than the usual family or long-residence pathways.
Who Qualifies?
- Children born in the UK
- If they have lived continuously in the UK for seven years and were born here, they are eligible to apply immediately for ILR via the Private Life route.
- Children born abroad, arrived as children
- If they have been continuously resident in the UK for 7 years, have permission based on Private Life, they can apply for settlement after 5 years on that permission. GOV.UK
Proving Continuous Residence
Evidence is crucial. Acceptable documentation includes:
- School attendance letters or reports,
- GP or medical records,
- Letters from religious institutions confirming long-term attendance.
Continuous residence is broken if:
- The child has absences exceeding 6 months at once,
- Total absences exceed 550 days,
- The child left with no reasonable expectation of return.GOV.UK
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Summary
Profile | Requirement | Route / Outcome |
Child born in UK (7 years of residence) | 7 years continuous residency & born in UK | Immediate ILR via Private Life Route |
Child born abroad (7 years) | 7 years continuous residency + Private Life permission | Settlement after 5 years on that permission |
Application Costs
- Application Fee: £3029
- Immigration Health Surcharge is not required to be paid
What is the 7-Year Child Route?
Who can apply under this route?
What documents are required?
How long does the visa last and can it be extended?
References
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-private-life