You can apply for leave to remain for 30 months if you have been in the UK continuously for 20 years. An application for leave to remain based on 20 years long residence is based on private life established as a result of 20 years of long residence. The 20-year-long residence application is submitted using the application form FLR (FP). The applicant applying for leave to remain based on 20 years long residence should meet the requirements as outlined in Appendix Private Life of the Immigration Rules.
Continuous residence for 20 years refers to the uninterrupted period of 20 years spent in the UK, including time spent in the UK with or without permission. The period of 20 years continuous residence does not include any period of imprisonment or detention where the applicant was convicted of an offence and sentenced to a period of imprisonment or was directed to be detained in an institution other than a prison.
The period of continuous residence is broken (i.e. is no longer continuous) if any of the following apply:
- the applicant has been absent from the UK for more than 6 months at any one time; or
- the applicant has spent a total of 550 days or more absent from the UK during the period of continuous residence of 20 years; or
- the applicant has been removed, deported or has left the UK having had an application for permission to enter or stay in the UK refused; or
- the applicant left the UK with no reasonable expectation at the time of leaving that they would lawfully be able to return.
As a result of a successful application for leave to remain based on 20 years long residence, the applicant will be granted leave to remain for 30 months under the 10 years route to settlement. If the applicant is in the UK without a valid leave to remain at the time of initial application, the initial application can only be submitted through a standard service whereby a decision on the application may be made within 12 months. Any future applications for extension of stay based on 20 years long residence can be submitted through Super Priority Service to get a decision on the extension application within 24 hours.
At Premium Solicitors, our expert UK immigration solicitors in London can assess your eligibility and prepare a strong application with detailed evidence of your 20 years residence. We offer fixed-fee legal advice and comprehensive representation.
- Page Contents
- Ask a Question for Free Advice
- 20 Years Long Residence Applications
- Our Team of Immigration Solicitors
- Book An Appointment
- Get a Fixed Fee Quote
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ask a Question for Free Advice
Our dedicated team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London specialises in 20 years long residence applications. We offer one-time free immigration advice online to address your specific enquiries about 20 years long residence applications. You can either call our free immigration advice helpline, 0044 20 3930 3900, to simply ask a question to our specialist UK immigration solicitors in London for fast and friendly free immigration advice and consultation, or you can schedule an appointment online for comprehensive and detailed immigration advice & consultation with one of our top-rated UK immigration solicitors and lawyers.
Applications based on 20 Years Long Residence
The following are various applications based on 20 years long residence for which our specialist team of UK immigration solicitors can provide expert legal services:
- Initial Application - 20 Years Long Residence
- Extension Application - 20 Years Long Residence
- ILR Application - 20 Years Long Residence
Our Team of Leading Immigration Solicitors in London
Premium Solicitors Ltd is a London-based law firm specialising in providing high-quality legal services to individuals seeking to apply for permission to stay or indefinite leave to remain based on 20 years long residence. Their expertise in immigration law ensures that clients receive personalised and thorough assistance throughout the immigration application process. The firm is particularly skilled in handling complex immigration cases. Their in-depth knowledge of UK immigration law allows them to navigate these challenges effectively, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Premium Solicitors Ltd is renowned for its client-focused approach, providing clear communication and support throughout the entire process. They understand the emotional and financial stress involved in UK immigration matters and work diligently to alleviate these concerns by providing transparent and reliable legal services. By choosing Premium Solicitors Ltd, clients benefit from a high level of expertise and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for their UK immigration applications. The firm’s reputation for thoroughness, professionalism, and success makes it a top choice for individuals seeking to apply based on 20 years long residence.
The exceptional quality of our UK visa and immigration services is reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews rating, with 99% of our clients expressing their satisfaction. Our dedicated team of London-based UK immigration solicitors is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing unwavering dedication and outstanding legal support for all types of applications based on 20 years long residence.
At Premium Solicitors, located in the heart of London, we take pride in offering unparalleled UK immigration services through our team of dedicated and specialist immigration solicitors. Our team comprises experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in UK immigration laws. This expertise allows us to provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Meet Our Key Team of UK Immigration Solicitors:
Arshad Mahmood
Specialist UK visa and Immigration Solicitor with experience of more than 20 years.
Tushita Scalzullo
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Nargis Khodadady
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Asad Malik
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration SolicitorIf you are in need of expert immigration advice and representation for your 20 years long residence application, look no further than Premium Solicitors in London. Our team of seasoned UK immigration solicitors is here to provide you with the professional support you need to navigate the complexities of your UK immigration application. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your UK visa and immigration goals. At Premium Solicitors, your successful 20 years long residence application is our top priority. Let our expertise be your advantage.
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Immigration Solicitors
Looking for the best immigration advice and consultation for your 20 years long residence application? Our team of leading immigration solicitors for UK visas are ready to give specialist legal advice for your UK visa. Our expert team of UK visa solicitors and advisors can provide comprehensive and detailed immigration advice and consultation face-to-face in our offices in London or Birmingham or virtually through Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or Phone etc. Book your appointment today with one of our experienced UK visa solicitors using the appointment booking link provided below:
Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Your 20 Years Long Residence Application
At Premium Solicitors, we are committed to transparency and clarity. That’s why we offer fixed-fee quotes for all our specialist UK visa and immigration services, with no hidden costs.
Ready to begin? Click the link below to request a personalised fixed-fee quote tailored to your immigration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 20 years long residence applications:
The 20 Years Rule allows a person to apply for limited leave to remain in the UK based on long residence if they have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years, regardless of their immigration status during that period.
An application for leave to remain based on 20 years long residence is made as per the requirements outlined in Appendix Private Life of the Immigration Rules.
You must submit strong documentary evidence showing your presence in the UK throughout the 20 years. The documentary evidence may vary depending on the personal circumstances of the applicant. Typically, the documents may include the following:
- Medical records
- Tenancy agreements
- Utility bills
- School/university letters
- Bank statements
- Employment records
- Letters from community organisations
Yes, but not immediately. You must complete 10 years of lawful residence under the private life route before becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
If an application based on 20 years long residence is successful, the applicant is granted Limited Leave to Remain for 30 months (2.5 years) on the 10-year route to settlement.
Yes. Limited leave to remain under this route allows you to work and study in the UK lawfully.
Yes. You can request a fee waiver if you can demonstrate that you are destitute or unable to afford the fees.
If you cannot prove 20 years’ continuous residence, you may still be eligible under other private life provisions e.g. if there are very significant obstacles to your integration in your country of nationality, or you have a child who has completed 7 years of living in the UK or your circumstances are exceptional and compassionate.
Yes. If you fail to prove 20 years’ continuous residence or do not meet suitability requirements (e.g. criminality or deception), your application may be refused.
No. The 20 Years Rule application must be made from inside the UK.
Anyone who can prove that they have resided continuously in the UK for 20 years can apply, even if they have been living without valid immigration status during that time.
No. You do not need to have a lawful immigration status. The 20-year rule specifically allows for periods of unlawful or irregular stay, as long as continuous residence can be established.
Yes. Your application may be refused if:
- You cannot prove 20 years’ residence
- You fail suitability requirements (e.g. criminal record, dishonesty)
- Your evidence is inconsistent or insufficient
Yes. You will be required to attend a TLSContact biometric enrolment appointment as part of your 20 years long residence application process.
If your application for leave to remain based on 20 years long residence is refused, you may be granted an in-country appeal right to appeal against the refusal of your application. An appeal against the refusal of 20 years long residence application must be filed with the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) within 14 days of the refusal decision.