Long Residence (20 Years)
What Is the 20-Year Long Residence Route?
Understanding the Private Life Route After 20 Years in the UK
It does not immediately grant ILR; instead, applicants receive limited leave to remain (usually 30 months). They may apply for ILR after completing an additional 10 years of lawful residence under this status.
Who Can Apply Under This Route?
Eligibility Requirements for Long Residence ILR
- Must have continuously resided in the UK for 20 years (uninterrupted)
- No single absence over 6 months, and total absences must not be more than 540 days (18 months) during the 20-year period
- You can include unlawful residence—legal status is not required throughout
- Must submit a valid FLR(FP) private life application, pay fees, attend biometrics, and be in the UK when applying
- Must not be ineligible due to serious criminal convictions or public-interest issues
How Is "Continuous Residence" Defined?
What Breaks Continuity
- A single absence > 6 months interrupts continuity
- Total absences over 540 days cumulatively break the 20-year requirement
- Deportation, removal, or visa refusal disqualifies the route unless you depart with a valid reason and right to return
What Evidence Is Needed?
How to Demonstrate 20 Years in the UK
You must provide credible proof of residence over the period, such as:
- Tenancy or council tax bills
- Bank statements, payslips, employment records
- GP/hospital or school letters
- SAR Home Office migration history
- Passport stamps and travel evidence
What Leave Will You Receive If Approved?
Limited Leave on Private Life Grounds
- Successful applicants are granted 30 months leave to remain, renewable indefinitely
- After accumulating 10 years of lawful residence under this leave, you can apply for ILR using the FLR(FP) route
Language & Life in the UK Test Requirements
Exempt at This Stage
- There is no English language test, and you do not need the Life in the UK test when applying for the 20-year route
- These requirements apply later, when seeking ILR after 10 years of lawful leave
ILR 10-Year Long Residence Fees and Processing Times
How Much Does It Cost & How Long Does It Take?
Application fee
- £1,320
Applicants must also pay for NHS Surcharge, which is currently set at £1,035 per year.
Processing times
Typically up to 6 months, though longer for complex cases
Including Dependants?
Separate Applications Needed
Dependants (spouse or children) cannot be included in your application. They must:
- Apply independently via private or family life routes, or
- Qualify under another immigration category
- Each must meet their own eligibility criteria
What If Your Application Is Refused?
Options to Challenge or Reapply
Refusal may result from
- Insufficient evidence of continued residence
- Breaks in continuity
- Serious criminality or public-interest concerns
If refused, you can
- Appeal (if right of appeal applies)
- Start a judicial review (if no appeal right)
- Submit a fresh application with stronger evidence
What Comes After Getting 20-Year Leave?
Pathway to ILR and Beyond
Once you hold limited leave:
- Renew every 2.5 years to maintain lawful residence
- After a further 10 years (total 30 years continuous UK residence), apply for ILR under private life
- After ILR, you’re eligible to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen
Latest Long Residence (20 years) News
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