20 Years Residence in the UK
Before 9 July 2012 it was possible to grant long residence after a period of 14 years continuous residence, but that provision was removed by changes to the Immigration Rules on that date. Now if a person has been in the UK either lawfully or unlawfully for at least 20 years continuously discounting any period of imprisonment then you may be eligible to apply for visa under the 20 years long residence route.
We understand that application under 20 years residence in the UK can be complex and using the services of an immigration expert are highly recommended. We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. You will need to ensure that you meet all of the mandatory requirements before you apply. You will need to complete the relevant forms and collate your evidence for submission going back 20 years. This will need to be extensive and prove that your residence has been continuous in the UK.
20 Years Long Residence in the UK requirements:
To qualify under 20 years long residence in the UK you must satisfy the following UK Visas and Immigration requirements:
- You must meet the suitability requirement of the immigration Rules
- You must have lived in the UK continuously for 20 years
- You make a valid application to the UK
What is Continuous residence for 20 Years Long Residence rule:
Continuous residence is residence in the UK for an unbroken period. Residence is not deemed to have been broken by an absence from the UK of six months or less in one go as long as the applicant had existing leave when they left the UK and when they came back. This can include where a person has obtained fresh entry clearance while overseas, as long as the above conditions apply.
How a valid application can be made under the 20 years Long Residence rule:
A valid application will require the payment of the applicable fee unless the applicant meets the requirements of fee waiver policy.
Can you still apply under 14 years rule of Long Residence:
Since 09 July 2012 it is no longer possible to apply for long residence after a period of 14 years continuous residence in the UK. You will now have to apply under 20 years rule which is longer route to settlement.
How do you apply on the basis of the 20 years route:
You will have to follow an online application process by completing the FLR(FP) application form to apply under 20 years long residence rule. You will be expected by the UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office) to provide supporting documents to prove your residence covering the last 20 years. You will also have to enrol your biometrics (known as fingerprints) and photograph will be taken as part of the application process.
Duration and conditions of your leave under 20 years Long Residence rule:
If an application is successful under the 20 years rule, the applicant will be granted up to 30 months’ leave to remain. Those granted leave will normally not be permitted recourse to public funds, but the Home Office can allow recourse to public funds at its discretion.
You may become eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK after spending a continuous period of 120 months with limited leave under the route, depending under which paragraphs the limited leave was granted.
What happens if your leave to remain application under 20 years Long Residence rule is refused:
At Aaryan Solicitors, team of our immigration law specialists’ can advise you on the merits of making a fresh application and/or challenging the decision by way of an appeal to the Immigration Tribunal.
Why Choose Aaryan Solicitors?
Expert Immigration team: Aaryan Solicitors has a team of expert UK immigration and family visa solicitors who can provide you legal advice and assistance with your UK leave to remain application under 20 years rule. Headed by partner Vikramjit Singh, an acknowledged immigration law specialist and champion of those whose status here is challenged., we have a track record of successfully pushing through applications efficiently and cost-effectively. Contact us for case assessment, eligibility requirements and supporting documents.
Competitive Prices: We offer a competitive price service without compromising on our service. Our reputation outshines other, larger immigration law firms in London and across the country.
Priority and super priority visa service: : Our Immigration Services include specialist 24-hour visa service with UKVI, Home Office, UK Passport Office or UKVCAS. We can prepare and submit your application to the UKVCAS service point by accompanying you and get a decision within 24 hours on your application by guiding you at each step from enrolment of your biometrics to liaising with the Home Office Immigration Caseworker in achieving the desired result in one day. We can arrange an appointment for earliest available date which will be within 6 weeks from the time you instruct us. We also provide assistance with the Home Office priority and super priority service to obtain a decision on your application in matter of few days for the applications submitted from outside the United Kingdom.
Flexible payment options: We understand that immigration complications often arise without notice which could become difficult in present economic climate therefore we provide flexible payment options. You may pay the agreed fees in instalments each month benefiting your needs, which will be agreed in advance.
Excellent Success Rate: : Every application we prepare is tailor-made and thoroughly researched. As a result, our success rate is high. We pride in our highest standard of service as a result of which most of our clients return to us for their other legal matters.
Out of office hour unique service: We provide clients focused service keeping in consideration busy working lifestyle therefore out of office telephone and/or in person appointments are available, subject to prior bookings, from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm weekdays, and on weekends and bank holidays.
To apply for a leave to remain application under 20 years Long Residence route, get in touch with Aaryan Solicitors for professional, no-obligation advice.