ILR for a Child After 7 Years in the UK

If your child has lived in the UK for seven years or more, you may have heard that they could qualify for settlement. For many families, this rule offers a genuine opportunity to secure long-term stability in the UK.

A child under 18 who has lived in the UK for 7 continuous years may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Private Life route. The key requirement is proving that it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK. It is not automatic, and the Home Office carefully assesses each case.

At Wembley Solicitors, we provide clear, practical legal advice on ILR for a Child After 7 Years in the UK, helping parents prepare strong applications that focus on what truly matters: the child's best interests.

If your child has completed 7 years in the UK, contact Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 for detailed immigration advice and eligibility assessment.

Table of Contents

What Is the 7-Year Rule for Children Born in the UK?

The "7-year rule" is a provision in the Immigration Rules (Appendix Private Life) that allows children under 18 who have lived continuously in the UK for 7 years to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Private Life route. However, this is not an automatic right to stay. The application must show that it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK.

Under the 7-year rule and Private Life route, the Home Office assesses whether it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK, considering schooling, friendships, cultural ties, medical needs, and family support.

In some cases, children born in the UK may progress to settlement more quickly, while others are first granted 30 months' limited leave and must complete a 10-year route before becoming eligible for ILR.

Is a Child Automatically Granted ILR After Living in the UK for 7 Years?

No, a child is not automatically entitled to ILR after seven years in the UK. The child's application must prove that leaving the UK would be unreasonable. The Home Office will carefully examine the child's circumstances, focusing on their best interests.

Because the outcome is not automatic, professional legal guidance is highly recommended to prepare a strong application and maximise the chances of success.

Early advice from an immigration solicitor ensures your child's 7-year residence and ties to the UK are properly documented and presented to the Home Office.

What Are the Benefits of ILR for a Child in the UK?

Once a child is granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), they can:

• Live permanently in the UK
• Access education, healthcare, and work without restrictions
• Apply for British citizenship after 12 months, or immediately if born in the UK (subject to eligibility)

Requirements for a Child Applying for ILR Under the 7-Year Rule

To qualify for ILR under the 7-year child Private Life route, the child must be under 18, have lived in the UK continuously for at least seven years, and it must be unreasonable to expect them to leave the UK.

Key eligibility requirements for ILR for a child under the 7-year rule:

• The child must be under 18 at the time of application.
• The child must have lived in the UK for at least 7 consecutive years.
• It must be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK.
• Short trips abroad are allowed, but long or frequent absences may break the 7-year period.
• Child must meet general requirements, including good character and no serious criminal history.

Age Requirement for a Child Applying for ILR Under the 7-Year Rule

To apply ILR for a child under the 7-year rule, the child must be under 18 at the time of application. If they turn 18 before applying, adult Private Life rules apply, which have different requirements. Early planning is crucial to ensure eligibility before the child's 18th birthday.

Continuous Residence Requirement for Child ILR Under the 7-Year Rule

To qualify, the child must have lived in the UK continuously for at least seven years. This can include periods with lawful status, and sometimes periods without valid immigration status. Short trips abroad are allowed, but long or frequent absences may break continuity. Continuous residence means the UK has been the child's main home, supported by evidence such as school records, medical records, and community involvement.

The "Unreasonableness" Requirement

Meeting the 7-year residence requirement does not automatically guarantee ILR. The key question is whether it would be reasonable to expect the child to leave the UK.

The Home Office considers factors such as:

• Child's age and length of residence
• Education and schooling ties
• Friendships and social connections
• Cultural integration in the UK
• Ties to another country
• The child's best interests

A child who has grown up in the UK, attends school, speaks English, and has minimal connection to another country may have strong grounds. Each case is assessed individually, with the child's best interests as a primary consideration.

What Does "Unreasonable to Leave" Mean?

This focuses on the child's real-life situation. A child may be considered unreasonable to remove from the UK if they have strong social, cultural, and language ties, such as:

• Attending school in the UK
• Speaking English as their main language
• Having close friends and community connections
• Identifying culturally with life in the UK

For children who have never lived outside the UK, relocating could significantly disrupt their education, social life, and overall well-being.

Alternative Pathways to Settlement for Children

If the 7-year rule is not met, a child may still qualify for settlement through other routes.

Examples include:

1. Parent Is Settled in the UK

If one parent has ILR or British citizenship, the child may be eligible to apply as a dependent child.

2. Sole Responsibility

If one parent in the UK has sole responsibility for the child's upbringing, this can form the basis of an application.

3. Long Residence Routes

In some cases, older children may qualify under long residence rules if they have spent significant time lawfully in the UK.

Each route has different eligibility requirements, and careful legal assessment is essential before choosing the correct pathway.

How to Apply for ILR for a Child Who Has Lived in the UK for 7 Years?

To apply for leave to remain for a child who has lived in the UK for 7 years, use the online FLR(FP) form (Family and Private Life) via the GOV.UK website. This usually grants 2.5 years of limited leave, not immediate ILR, and requires evidence of continuous residence, integration, and that it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK.

Is ILR Granted Immediately?

Not always. Many children are first granted limited leave to remain (usually 30 months) under the 10-year route to settlement. Leave must be extended periodically, and ILR typically becomes available after 10 years. In some cases, settlement may be granted sooner, but this depends on the child's individual circumstances.

The Application Process for ILR for a Child After 7 Years in the UK

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for a child after 7 years in the UK is more than just filling out a form. Each step requires careful preparation to maximise the chances of a successful outcome.

Step 1: Initial Legal Assessment

Our immigration solicitors assess your child's eligibility, residence history, and potential risks. This ensures your application is based on a strong legal foundation from the start.

Step 2: Evidence Gathering

We help you collect and organise documentary evidence covering the child's full 7-year residence. This includes school records, medical records, community involvement, and other proof of continuous residence.

Step 3: Preparing Legal Representations

A well-prepared legal submission is essential. We clearly explain why it would be unreasonable to expect your child to leave the UK, highlighting ties to school, community, and the child's best interests.

Step 4: Submitting the Application (FLR(FP))

Applications are typically made using the FLR(FP) form (Further Leave to Remain - Family and Private Life). Our team ensures the form is completed accurately, with all supporting evidence attached.

Step 5: Biometrics Appointment

The child, and sometimes parents, may need to attend a biometrics appointment, where fingerprints and photographs are taken for the Home Office records.

Step 6: Await Decision

The Home Office reviews the application and makes a decision. We stay in close contact throughout, providing updates and guidance at every stage.

Early preparation is key to a successful ILR application for a child after 7 years in the UK. Contact our specialist immigration solicitors at 020 3417 3700 to assess eligibility, gather evidence, and submit a strong application.

What Is the Cost of ILR for a Child After 7 Years in the UK?

As of 2026, the fee to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 7-year child Private Life route is £3,029, with no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required.

How Long Does the ILR Application Take?

The standard processing time for a child's ILR application is up to 6 months using the standard service. Priority services may be available in some cases, but submitting a well-prepared application can help avoid delays caused by missing documents or insufficient evidence.

What Happens If the ILR Application Is Refused?

If the Home Office refuses a child's ILR application, parents have the following options:

• Reapply with stronger or additional evidence
• Appeal if human rights or family life protections apply

Many refusals are overturned once the case is supported with clear evidence showing that it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK.

Documents Checklist for ILR for a Child After 7 Years in the UK

Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful application. Missing documents can result in refusal.

Typical documents include:

1. Identity Documents

• Child's passport (current and previous)
• Birth certificate
• Parents' passports and immigration documents

2. Proof of 7 Years' Continuous Residence

• School letters confirming attendance
• School reports and certificates
• GP and NHS registration records
• Vaccination records
• Letters from educational institutions
• Utility bills addressed to parents
• Council tax letters
• Tenancy agreements
• Bank statements (if applicable)

3. Evidence of Integration

• Letters from teachers
• Evidence of extracurricular activities
• Community involvement
• Character references

4. Medical Evidence (if relevant)

• GP letters
• Hospital reports
• Specialist treatment evidence

Every case requires tailored documentation. We provide a personalised checklist based on your family's situation.

Need Help Preparing Your Documents? Wembley Solicitors will guide you through every document required and review everything before submission.

Why Legal Advice Is Strongly Recommended

UK immigration law is complex and constantly evolving. Small errors, such as missing documents, incomplete explanations, or incorrect forms, can lead to refusal.

An experienced immigration solicitor can:

• Assess whether the 7-year rule genuinely applies
• Advice on evidence required
• Structure the legal argument clearly
• Ensure the child's best interests are properly presented

For families who have built their lives around their child's future in the UK, getting it right the first time is essential.

When Should I Contact an Immigration Solicitor?

If your child is nearing the 7-year residence mark or approaching 18 years old, seek legal advice immediately. Early preparation helps to:

• Gather strong supporting evidence
• Identify any potential weaknesses in the application
• Avoid last-minute errors
• Strengthen your legal arguments for a successful ILR application

Contact Wembley Solicitors for Legal Assistance

If your child is approaching the 7-year residence mark or you need help with a Private Life ILR application, our specialist immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors can provide expert guidance, ensure all requirements are met, and help maximise the chances of a successful outcome.

Applying for your child's ILR after 7 years? Call Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or email info@wembleysolicitors.com for trusted legal advice.