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7 Years Child Route

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The Spouse Visa Extension allows you to continue living with your British or settled partner in the UK after your initial 30–33 month spouse visa expires. This is an essential step in the 5-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

When Do You Need a Spouse Visa Extension?

  • If you were granted your spouse visa inside the UK, your visa will last 30 months.
  • If you applied outside the UK, your visa will last 33 months.
  • Before this period ends, you must apply for a 30-month extension to remain on the 5-year settlement route.
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Who Qualifies?

  1. Children born in the UK
    1. 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.
  1. Children born abroad, arrived as children
    1. 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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the 7-Year Child Route?
The 7-Year Child Route allows a child who has lived in the UK continuously for at least seven years to apply for permission to remain, if it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK.
Who can apply under this route?
Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of a child who has lived in the UK for seven years or more, regardless of their immigration status, as long as the child’s main home has been in the UK.
What documents are required?
You will need proof of the child’s continuous residence in the UK (such as school records, GP letters, or tenancy agreements) and evidence showing it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK.
How long does the visa last and can it be extended?
The visa is usually granted for 30 months (2.5 years) and can be renewed. After 10 years of lawful residence, the child may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

References

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-private-life