Child Born and Lived in the UK for 7 Years

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What is ILR for a Child Born and Lived in the UK for 7 Years? 

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) may be granted to a child born in the UK who has lived here continuously for at least 7 years. This route recognises a child's private life and connection to the UK under immigration law, and it can provide a secure immigration status and pathway to British citizenship.

Under the 7-year child immigration rule, eligible children can apply for ILR UK without needing to complete 10 years of residence, offering families a faster route to permanent settlement in the UK.

Who is ILR for Children Under the 7-Year Rule for? 

This ILR route is for:

A child born in the UK

A child born in the UK

A child born in the UK

A child born in the UK

Who has lived continuously for at least seven years in the UK

Who has lived continuously for at least seven years in the UK

Who has lived continuously for at least seven years in the UK

Who has lived continuously for at least seven years in the UK

And where it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK

And where it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK

And where it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK

And where it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK

It also applies to children born outside the UK but who have lived in the UK for 7 continuous years. The private life route protects children’s right to family life and integration within British society.

Parents or carers may also be able to apply based on the child’s eligibility, if the child is granted ILR.

What is the Application Process for Indefinite Leave to Remain for 7-Year Children Like? 

Applying for indefinite leave to remain under the 7-year rule involves multiple legal and documentary steps.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

  1. Check Eligibility

    • Confirm that the child was born in the UK or has resided here for 7 years continuously

    • The child must be under 18 at the time of application

    • The child must be living in the UK at the time of application

  2. Prepare Documents

    • Provide proof of birth in the UK (if applicable)

    • Gather evidence of continuous residence in the UK for 7 years (school records, GP letters, utility bills, etc.)

    • Prepare statements showing it would be unreasonable to expect the child to leave the UK

  3. Submit ILR Application

    • Use the appropriate ILR application form under the Private Life route

    • Submit biometric data and pay the ILR application fee

  4. Await Decision

    • Processing time is typically up to 6 months

    • Priority service may be available for a quicker decision

What Are the Requirements for ILR Based on the 7-Year Child Rule? 

To qualify for indefinite leave to remain under the 7-year rule, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

1. Continuous Residence for 7 Years

The child must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously or more

The child must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously or more

The child must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously or more

The child must have lived in the UK for 7 years continuously or more

Short absences may be allowed, but long periods outside the UK may affect eligibility

Short absences may be allowed, but long periods outside the UK may affect eligibility

Short absences may be allowed, but long periods outside the UK may affect eligibility

Short absences may be allowed, but long periods outside the UK may affect eligibility

2. Age and Immigration Status

The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application

The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application

The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application

The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application

The child must be living in the UK when the application is made

The child must be living in the UK when the application is made

The child must be living in the UK when the application is made

The child must be living in the UK when the application is made

3. Born in the UK (or Lived Here Since Early Childhood)

If the child was born in the UK, this strengthens the application

If the child was born in the UK, this strengthens the application

If the child was born in the UK, this strengthens the application

If the child was born in the UK, this strengthens the application

Children not born in the UK may still qualify if they’ve lived here for 7 continuous years

Children not born in the UK may still qualify if they’ve lived here for 7 continuous years

Children not born in the UK may still qualify if they’ve lived here for 7 continuous years

Children not born in the UK may still qualify if they’ve lived here for 7 continuous years

4. It Would Be Unreasonable for the Child to Leave the UK

The Home Office assesses whether it would be unreasonable to remove the child from the UK

The Home Office assesses whether it would be unreasonable to remove the child from the UK

The Home Office assesses whether it would be unreasonable to remove the child from the UK

The Home Office assesses whether it would be unreasonable to remove the child from the UK

Factors include education, family life, social integration, and the best interests of the child

Factors include education, family life, social integration, and the best interests of the child

Factors include education, family life, social integration, and the best interests of the child

Factors include education, family life, social integration, and the best interests of the child

Key Benefits of ILR for a Child Born and Raised in the UK

Granting indefinite leave to remain to a 7-year child provides:

The right to stay in the UK permanently

The right to stay in the UK permanently

The right to stay in the UK permanently

The right to stay in the UK permanently

Access to education, healthcare, and public services

Access to education, healthcare, and public services

Access to education, healthcare, and public services

Access to education, healthcare, and public services

The ability to apply for British citizenship after one year

The ability to apply for British citizenship after one year

The ability to apply for British citizenship after one year

The ability to apply for British citizenship after one year

A foundation for family members to remain together in the UK

A foundation for family members to remain together in the UK

A foundation for family members to remain together in the UK

A foundation for family members to remain together in the UK

Avoids the need for children to remain on temporary or limited visas

Avoids the need for children to remain on temporary or limited visas

Avoids the need for children to remain on temporary or limited visas

Avoids the need for children to remain on temporary or limited visas

This route reduces stress for both the child and their family and helps avoid multiple visa renewals.

Why Choose Bekenbey Immigration Solicitor?

Bekenbey Immigration Solicitor specialises in family and private life applications, including ILR for children who have lived in the UK for 7 years.

We offer:

  • Careful review of residency and documentation

  • Help to prove continuous residence

  • Legal argumentation showing it is unreasonable for the child to leave

  • Step-by-step guidance for the ILR application

  • Support with British citizenship applications after ILR

We also provide representation for parents and carers who may be eligible to stay based on the child’s status.

Apply for ILR for Your Child Born or Raised in the UK

If your child:

  • Was born in the UK, and

  • Has lived here for 7 continuous years

They may now be eligible for ILR under the private life route.

Let Bekenbey Immigration guide your family to permanent settlement in the UK.

Start Today:

  • Gather school letters, GP records, and residency documents

  • Contact our team to review your eligibility

  • Begin the ILR application process before your child's current status expires

Documents Needed

We’ve listed all the key documents required for your application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:

1

The child’s full birth certificate

1

The child’s full birth certificate

1

The child’s full birth certificate

1

The child’s full birth certificate

2

Child’s passport or travel documents

2

Child’s passport or travel documents

2

Child’s passport or travel documents

2

Child’s passport or travel documents

3

Proof of continuous residence for 7 years (letters from school, GP, etc.)

3

Proof of continuous residence for 7 years (letters from school, GP, etc.)

3

Proof of continuous residence for 7 years (letters from school, GP, etc.)

3

Proof of continuous residence for 7 years (letters from school, GP, etc.)

4

Parent’s or carer’s ID and status documents

4

Parent’s or carer’s ID and status documents

4

Parent’s or carer’s ID and status documents

4

Parent’s or carer’s ID and status documents

5

Evidence showing that it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK

5

Evidence showing that it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK

5

Evidence showing that it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK

5

Evidence showing that it would be unreasonable for the child to leave the UK

6

Any court documents if relevant to child custody

6

Any court documents if relevant to child custody

6

Any court documents if relevant to child custody

6

Any court documents if relevant to child custody

7

Any support letters from teachers, community leaders, or social workers

7

Any support letters from teachers, community leaders, or social workers

7

Any support letters from teachers, community leaders, or social workers

7

Any support letters from teachers, community leaders, or social workers

We help families prepare strong evidence to meet Home Office standards.

Your Immigration
Questions, Answered

Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f

What if my child was not born in the UK?

They may still be eligible if they have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years and meet all other criteria.

What if my child was not born in the UK?

They may still be eligible if they have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years and meet all other criteria.

What if my child was not born in the UK?

They may still be eligible if they have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years and meet all other criteria.

What if my child was not born in the UK?

They may still be eligible if they have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years and meet all other criteria.

Will this lead to British citizenship?

Yes. Once ILR is granted, the child may apply for British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.

Will this lead to British citizenship?

Yes. Once ILR is granted, the child may apply for British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.

Will this lead to British citizenship?

Yes. Once ILR is granted, the child may apply for British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.

Will this lead to British citizenship?

Yes. Once ILR is granted, the child may apply for British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.

Can parents apply based on the child’s ILR?

Possibly. If it is in the child’s best interest for the family to remain together, parents may have grounds to apply for leave to remain based on family life.

Can parents apply based on the child’s ILR?

Possibly. If it is in the child’s best interest for the family to remain together, parents may have grounds to apply for leave to remain based on family life.

Can parents apply based on the child’s ILR?

Possibly. If it is in the child’s best interest for the family to remain together, parents may have grounds to apply for leave to remain based on family life.

Can parents apply based on the child’s ILR?

Possibly. If it is in the child’s best interest for the family to remain together, parents may have grounds to apply for leave to remain based on family life.