If you’ve lived in the UK for less than 20 years and face significant challenges returning to your home country, you may be eligible to apply for a Private Life Visa. This route allows individuals to remain in the UK based on their established private life ties.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under this category, you must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have lived in the UK continuously for less than 20 years.
- Demonstrate that returning to your home country would result in very significant obstacles to your integration.
These obstacles could include, but are not limited to:
- Lack of family or social support networks.
- Limited access to healthcare or education.
- Cultural or language barriers.
- Political instability or conflict in your home country.
Application Process
- Prepare Your Evidence: Gather documentation that supports your claim of very significant obstacles. This may include medical records, letters from family or community members, or reports detailing conditions in your home country.
- Complete the Application Form: Submit the appropriate form to the Home Office. Ensure all sections are accurately filled out and all required documents are included.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee varies depending on your specific circumstances. Refer to the official Home Office website for the most current fee information.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment: You will be required to provide biometric information as part of your application process.
- Await a Decision: Processing times can vary.
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Duration and Settlement
- Initial Leave: If granted, you will receive 2.5 years (30 months) of leave to remain.
- Extension: You can apply to extend your stay before your current leave expires.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After 10 years of continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for ILR, provided you meet all other requirements.
References
- Long residence (accessible) – GOV.UK
- Indefinite leave to remain if you’ve been in the UK for 10 years (long residence): Overview – GOV.UK
- Indefinite leave to remain if you’ve been in the UK for 10 years (long residence): Eligibility – GOV.UK
- Indefinite leave to remain if you’ve been in the UK for 10 years (long residence): Family members – GOV.UK