The 20-Year Private Life Route, found under Appendix Private Life, offers a pathway for adult applicants who have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years, whether lawfully or unlawfully, to apply for limited leave to remain (LLR) and eventually Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Eligibility Requirements
Residency:
- 20 years of continuous residence in the UK (lawful or unlawful) is required. Time in and out of custody (e.g., prison, immigration detention) may not count toward the total, but does not break continuous residence—it is simply excluded from the count. GOV.UK
- Absence limits: No single absence should exceed 6 months, and cumulative absences should not exceed approximately 550 days over the 20-year period.
- Residence is considered continuous even without lawful status, making this route accessible for those previously undocumented.
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants must meet suitability standards—e.g., not barred for public good reasons under Appendix FM.
- The most recent grant of permission should ideally be under the Private Life route to count validly toward settlement.
What You Receive & Settlement Timeline
- Approval leads to Limited Leave to Remain—usually granted for 30 months per grant and is renewable.
- After renewals (totalling 10 years) on this route, applicants become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Evidence Guidelines
To show continuous residence, gather:
- Rental agreements, utility bills, bank statements
- Employment or education documentation
- Correspondence (e.g., letters from professionals, community organisations)
- Medical and official records confirming long-term residency