Settlement – Private Life

Settlement based on private life is available to individuals who have spent a significant period of time in the UK and have built up a meaningful private life here, even if they have not always been in the country lawfully.

This route was introduced as part of the consolidated rules under Appendix Private Life. It applies to people who have lived in the UK for many years — typically 20 years for adults, or 7 years for children — and can show that their removal would cause significant disruption to their established private life.

The route also includes special provisions for individuals with serious health needs, those who arrived as children and have spent a significant part of their formative years here, and individuals over 25 who have spent more than half of their life in the UK.

A successful application leads to a period of limited leave to remain initially, after which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The route therefore involves building up qualifying leave over a period of years before settlement can be granted.

Private life claims require careful legal analysis and strong evidence. Our team at Terence Ray Solicitors will assess whether your personal circumstances meet the requirements and build a well-supported case for your application.

Call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk to discuss your situation.