What is the 7 Years Child Residence Route?

The 7 years child residence route is for children under the age of 18 who have lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years. An application for stay in the UK under the 7 years child residence route is made to the Home Office UKVI in accordance with requirements as set out in Appendix Private Life of the Immigration Rules. The 7 Years Child Residence Route is a provision under UK immigration law that allows children who have lived continuously in the UK for at least seven years to apply for permission to remain or indefinite leave to remain.

Solicitor for 7 years child residence route

Solicitors In Manchester are specialist immigration solicitors and provide high quality of UK visa and immigration services nationwide. Ask a question to our specialist immigration solicitors for free advice online or book an appointment online for detailed immigration consultation.

Settlement Under the 7 Years Child Residence Route

The 7 Years Child Residence Route offers a pathway to settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), for children who meet the necessary requirements. The settlement options differ based on whether the child was born in the UK or entered as a minor:

For a Child Born in the UK:

  • A child who is born in the UK and has lived in the country for seven continuous years qualifies for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) immediately after completing the seven years of residence. This provides the child with a stable immigration status, allowing them to remain in the UK permanently.

For a Child Who Entered the UK as a Minor:

  • A child who entered the UK as a minor and has completed seven years of continuous residence while still under 18 can apply for Limited Leave to Remain. This permission is granted for 30 months or 60 months under the five-year route to settlement, which can eventually lead to ILR after meeting further requirements.

    Family Members of the Child Who Has Completed 7 Years Residence

    The 7 Years Child Residence Route not only benefits the child but also extends to their family members, such as parents and minor siblings. These family members can apply for leave to remain either at the same time as the child or after the child has been granted permission to stay. Some important points regarding family applications are:

    Leave to Remain for Family Members:

    • Parents and minor siblings of a child who has been granted leave under the 7 Years Child Residence Route can apply for leave to remain for a period of 30 months. This is under the 10-year route to settlement, meaning they will qualify for ILR after completing 10 years of lawful residence in the UK.
    • Children Born to Parents on the Private Life Route:
      • A child born in the UK to parents who hold permission under the Private Life Route (e.g., 7 years child route) can also apply for leave to remain for the same duration as their parent. This ensures that the entire family has synchronized immigration statuses, promoting family unity.

    Types of Applications Under the 7 Years Child Residence Route

    There are several types of applications that can be made under the 7 Years Child Residence Route, each tailored to the specific circumstances of the child and their family. Here are the main categories of applications:

    • ILR – Child Born and Lived in the UK for 7 Years:
      • Children born in the UK and who have lived continuously in the UK for seven years can apply directly for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under this route, allowing them permanent residency rights.
    • Initial Application – 7 Years Child Residence Route:
      • This is the first application made on behalf of the child who has completed seven years of continuous residence in the UK. It allows the child to be granted Limited Leave to Remain (typically for 30 months) under the Private Life category.
    • Extension of Leave Granted Under the 7 Years Child Residence Route:
      • Once a child has been granted leave under the 7 Years Child Residence Route, they may need to apply for an extension of this leave if they are not yet eligible for settlement. Extensions are generally granted for 30 months, and after accumulating 10 years of lawful residence, the child can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
    • ILR – 7 Years Child Residence Route:
      • If a child has completed 10 years of lawful residence in the UK (including the time spent under previous grants of Limited Leave), they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Private Life Route. This grants them permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions.

    Why hire solicitors in manchester for your immigration matters?

    Hiring solicitors in Manchester for immigration matters can offer several key benefits:

    Local Expertise:

    Manchester solicitors understand the specific needs and dynamics of the local community. They are familiar with regional issues and regulations, which can be advantageous when dealing with immigration authorities or attending local tribunals.

    Accessibility:

    Having a solicitor in Manchester makes it easier to attend face-to-face consultations, which can provide more personalized advice. Local solicitors may also offer flexible in-person appointments, making it convenient for residents in and around Manchester.

    Understanding of UK Immigration Law:

    UK immigration law can be complex, with frequent updates. Experienced Manchester solicitors stay up to date with these changes and can guide you through visa applications, settlement processes, citizenship, and more, ensuring that your application is compliant with the latest regulations.

    Free Immigration Advice:

    Some Manchester firms, like Deluxe Law Chambers, offer initial free immigration advice for 5 minutes via helpline, which can help you assess whether your case requires professional legal support without committing to a paid consultation right away.

    Challenging Visa Refusals:

    If your visa has been refused, Manchester solicitors can help you challenge the decision through administrative review or appeal, improving your chances of success.

    Transparent and Affordable Services:

    Many Manchester-based solicitors pride themselves on providing transparent and affordable pricing, allowing you to understand the costs involved without hidden fees. Deluxe Law Chambers, for example, starts fees for complex assessments at £35, offering high-quality services at reasonable prices.

    Comprehensive Legal Support:

    Solicitors in Manchester handle a wide range of immigration services, from visa applications to settlement and citizenship, covering all stages of your immigration journey with thorough and detailed legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

    In summary, hiring solicitors in Manchester combines local accessibility with expert legal knowledge, transparent pricing, and the opportunity for personalized service, enhancing your chances of a successful immigration outcome.