20 Years Long Residence Rule – Complete Guide (2025)

If you have lived in the UK continuously for 20 years, you may finally have the chance to regularise your immigration status. The 20 Years Long Residence rule provides a route for people who have been here for two decades, even if much of that time was without permission, to apply for leave to remain based on their private life. This guide explains what the rule means, who can apply, what evidence is needed, and how you can take the next steps towards securing your future in the UK.

What Is the 20 Years Long Residence Rule?

The 20 Years Long Residence rule is part of the UK’s immigration system that recognises the strong ties people build after living in the country for such a long time. If you have been in the UK for 20 years, you can apply for limited leave to remain on private life grounds.

This route is set out under Appendix Private Life of the Immigration Rules. It is intended to provide stability for individuals who have spent most of their life here and can show that they have made the UK their home. If your application is approved, you will normally be granted permission to stay for 30 months (two and a half years). You can renew this until you reach 10 years of lawful stay, at which point you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Who Qualifies Under the 20-Year Rule?

To apply under the 20 Years Long Residence rule, you must meet the following conditions:

• You have lived in the UK for a continuous period of 20 years at the time you apply. 
• This residence can include time spent without legal immigration status. 
• Your residence has been continuous, meaning you have not left the UK for periods longer than six months at a time, or for a total of more than 550 days across the 20 years. 
• You do not fall for refusal on general suitability grounds, such as serious criminal convictions.

It is worth noting that time spent in prison does not count towards your 20 years of residence. If you have had long absences or breaks in your residence, this may affect your eligibility, so it is vital to check carefully before applying.

How to Prove 20 Years Continuous Residence

One of the most important parts of applying under the 20 Years Long Residence rule is proving that you have lived in the UK continuously for the required time. This can be a challenge, especially if you have been without lawful status, but the right evidence can make all the difference.

Examples of useful evidence include:

• School records:  Enrolment letters, reports, or certificates. 
• Medical records:  GP registration documents, hospital appointment letters. 
• Utility bills: Water, gas, electricity bills in your name. 
• Bank statements: Showing regular activity in the UK. 
• Tenancy agreements or council tax bills. 
• Employment records: Payslips, letters from employers. 
• Witness statements: From people who know you and can confirm your residence.

Try to gather evidence that covers the full 20 years, with as few gaps as possible. Where gaps exist, written explanations and supporting statements can help.

How to Apply Under the 20 Year Long Residence Rule

Application Process

The application is made using the FLR(FP) form, which you can complete online via GOV.UK. Here’s what to expect:

• Fill out the FLR(FP) form online with accurate information about your residence and circumstances. 
• Pay the required fees. This includes the application fee and the immigration health surcharge (IHS). 
• Upload your supporting documents that prove your 20 years of residence. 
• Book and attend your biometric appointment where your fingerprints and photo will be taken. 
• Wait for UKVI to make a decision.

It is important to take care at each stage of the process, as mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays or refusals.

Application Fees and Processing Times

As of 2025, the fees for applying under the 20 Years Long Residence rule are:

• Application Fee: £1,321 
• IHS Fee: £1,035 per year of leave granted (usually for 2.5 years, so around £2,587)

Processing times vary, but most applications are decided within 6 to 12 months. If your case is particularly complex, it may take longer. Priority services may not always be available for this type of application, so it is best to apply in good time.

What Leave Is Granted Under the 20 Year Rule?

If your application is successful, you will usually be granted limited leave to remain for 30 months. This leave can be extended as needed until you reach 10 years of lawful stay, at which point you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

This route provides security and stability, allowing you to work, study, and live in the UK lawfully while working towards permanent settlement.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Sadly, applications under the 20 Years Long Residence rule can be refused if they are not prepared carefully. Common reasons include:

• Not enough evidence of continuous residence gaps in records or missing documents. 
• Long absences from the UK that break continuity. 
• Unsuitability grounds, such as criminal convictions or immigration breaches that weigh against you. 
• Incorrect forms or missing information in the application.

Getting advice before you apply can help you avoid these issues.

FAQs – 20 Years Long Residence Rule

Can I apply if I have lived in the UK illegally for 20 years?

Yes. The rule is designed to provide a way for people who have lived in the UK continuously for 20 years to regularise their stay, even if some or all of that time was without valid leave.

What happens if my 20 year residence application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may be able to appeal, request an administrative review, or submit a fresh application with stronger evidence. It is important to act quickly and get professional advice if this happens.

Does time spent in prison count towards 20 years?

No. Any time you have spent in prison will not count towards your 20 years of continuous residence.

Can I get Indefinite Leave immediately after 20 years?

No. You will be granted limited leave to remain for 30 months. You must then complete 10 years of lawful residence before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

The 20 Years Long Residence rule offers hope to people who have lived in the UK for two decades but have struggled to regularise their immigration status. It provides a legal route to stay in the country, work towards settlement, and build a stable life.

The key to a successful application is careful preparation, gathering strong evidence, and ensuring your forms are filled out correctly. With the right help, you can improve your chances and move closer to securing your future in the UK.

Ask Our Manchester Based Expert Legal Team

At solicitors in Manchester, we pride ourselves on clarity, care and compliance. With over 10 years of experience, our team of dedicated immigration lawyers is here to guide individuals, families and businesses through the complexities of UK visa and immigration law.

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 Or book a free online appointment to get expert legal advice and professional support with your application.