Applying for Leave to Remain Based on Private Life – Very Significant Obstacles to Integration

Written by: Arshad Mahmood

If you have lived in the UK for less than 20 years, you may still apply for leave to remain under the private life route if you can demonstrate that there are very significant obstacles to your integration into the country where you would be required to live if removed from the UK. The responsibility lies with the applicant to prove that such obstacles exist in their specific circumstances.

While the strength of your private life established in the UK is not directly relevant to assessing very significant obstacles to integration, it becomes important when considering whether a refusal of leave would breach your rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to respect for private and family life).

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Our dedicated team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London specialises in applications based on very significant obstacles to integration. We offer one-time free immigration advice online to address your specific enquiries about applications based on very significant obstacles to integration. 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 Very Significant Obstacles to Integration

The following are various applications based on very significant obstacles to integration for which our specialist team of UK immigration solicitors can provide expert legal services: 

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 leave to remain based on very significant obstacles to integration. 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 known for its client-focused approach, offering clear communication and support throughout the 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 for leave to remain based on very significant obstacles to integration.

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 private applications based on very significant obstacles to integration.

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 is composed of experienced professionals who possess 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:

If you are in need of expert immigration advice and representation for your private life application based on very significant obstacles to integration, 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 private life application based on very significant obstacles to integration. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your leave to remain based on very significant obstacles to integration. At Premium Solicitors, your successful UK immigration application is our top priority. Let our expertise be your advantage.

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Looking for the best immigration advice and consultation for your private life application based on very significant obstacles to integration? Our team of leading immigration solicitors for UK visas are ready to give specialist legal advice for your application based on very significant obstacles to integration. 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:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about applications based on very significant obstacles to integration: 

What are 'Very Significant Obstacles to Integration'?

A very significant obstacle to integration refers to circumstances that would prevent or seriously inhibit your ability to integrate into the country of return. This threshold is high and goes beyond ordinary relocation challenges such as adapting to a new culture, language barriers, or finding employment.

The Home Office will expect compelling evidence to demonstrate that you would be unable to establish a private life in the country of return or that doing so would result in serious hardship affecting your fundamental rights.

How are very significant obstacles to integration assessed?

The assessment focuses primarily on the proposed country of return, unless you have the right to reside in more than one country, in which case, all relevant countries will be considered.

The Home Office refers to official country information, national laws, and prevailing conditions to evaluate your claim. Obstacles may include:

  • Risk of persecution, harassment, or discrimination due to your faith, political views, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
  • Severe restrictions on your rights and freedoms that would undermine your ability to lead a private life.

The UKVI considers whether you could establish a private life in line with the standards of the country of return—not by UK standards. A different lifestyle, employment opportunities, or support networks may not automatically amount to very significant obstacles unless fundamental rights are seriously impacted.

Difficulty or inconvenience alone is insufficient; all factors must be weighed in the context of your individual circumstances and the conditions in the country of return.

What are the relevant factors considered by the UKVI for assessing very significant obstacles to integration?

The Home Office will assess all individual and cumulative factors raised in your application, including:

1. Cultural Background and Ties

  • Familiarity with the country’s language, customs, and culture.

  • Time spent living among diaspora communities in the UK may suggest cultural links, even if you have never lived in the country of return.

  • Absence of cultural ties does not automatically imply barriers to integration unless supported by specific evidence.

2. Time Spent in the Country of Return

  • Significant time spent living there, particularly as an adult, may undermine claims of very significant obstacles.

  • The stage of life when you last lived in the country is relevant.

3. Family, Friends, and Social Networks

  • Support from relatives, friends, or community networks can facilitate integration.

  • Existing relationships do not need to be strong, but potential support networks will be considered.

  • Past visits to or from the country of return may indicate ties.

4. Faith, Political Views, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity

  • Country information is key to assessing risks related to these characteristics.

  • Past experiences of discrimination or persecution will be considered alongside current conditions in the country of return.

What are the common scenarios for consideration of very signficant obstacles to integration?

  • No Friends or Family in the Country of Return:
    Lack of personal ties is not in itself a very significant obstacle. The availability of organisations or state assistance to support integration will be taken into account.

  • Never Lived or Only Lived There as a Child:
    This does not automatically establish very significant obstacles, especially if you speak the local language or have cultural ties.

  • Inability to Speak the Language:
    Not speaking the language is not, by itself, a very significant obstacle unless there are proven reasons (e.g., disability) preventing you from learning it.

  • Lack of Employment Opportunities:
    Economic hardship is rarely considered a very significant obstacle. Your circumstances will be compared to general living conditions in the country of return.

  • General Country Conditions:
    Broad claims about poverty, corruption, or instability must be linked to your specific circumstances to be considered relevant.

How are the applications by someone who arrived in the UK as children but now adult considered?

If you are now over 18 but arrived in the UK as a child and do not meet the requirement of having spent half your life here, the Home Office will assess whether there are very significant obstacles to your integration into the country of return.

  • If you have spent time in the country of return as an adult—through work, study, or other activities—it may be harder to demonstrate such obstacles.

  • If you have never lived in the country as an adult, this may strengthen your claim, but other factors will still be considered.

Premium Solicitors is a London-based law firm with specialisation in UK visa & immigration matters. Premium Solicitors is the trading name of Premium Solicitors Ltd (company registration number 14268786). Premium Solicitors Office is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under SRA ID 8001468. Premium Solicitors are also members of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA).

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