Private Life Visa in the UK: Who Qualifies?

You may qualify for the UK’s Private Life route if you’ve lived in the UK a long time, you have built a private life here (school, home, work, friends), and it would be unfair or very hard to leave. For children under 18, this often means at least 7 years of residence. For young adults, if you’ve spent more than half your life here. For adults, if you’ve lived here for 20 years or more or if leaving would create very significant difficulties. Using expert help from MSD Solicitors can increase your chance of success.

What is the Private Life Route in the UK?

The Private Life route is an immigration path linked to your right to a private life under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act. It lets you apply to stay in the UK because your life is here, even if you don’t qualify for other visa routes. According to the government’s ILR guide: “You may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain if either you have a visa based on your private life or were born in the UK and have lived here continuously.” 

Who Qualifies: The Easy Breakdown

Here are the main categories and what you need to meet:

• Children under 18: Must have lived continuously in the UK for at least 7 years, and it would be unreasonable to expect you to leave.

• Young adults (18–24): Must have lived in the UK for more than half their life and entered as a child; once eligible, they may apply for settlement.

• Adults aged 18+ who have lived in the UK for 20 years or more: If you have 20 years of continuous residence, you qualify. 

• Adults aged 18+ who have lived less than 20 years: You may apply if leaving would cause you very significant difficulties.

Key Eligibility Conditions & Residence Rules

Continuous residence is required, meaning staying in the UK for the period needed without significant breaks. Your time on other visas may count, but you need to make sure you meet the correct route. For settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR) under Private Life, adults generally need prior permission on the Private Life route.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST FOR PRIVATE LIFE ROUTE (UK)

Use this checklist to prepare all the required documents for a Private Life visa or settlement application. This list is written in straightforward, clear language so anyone can follow it.

1. Identity Documents

• Passport or travel document

• Any previous passports

• Birth certificate (for children or young adults)

• BRP (biometric residence permit) if you have one

• National identity card (if available)

2. Proof of Continuous Residence in the UK

Collect documents that show you lived in the UK for the required period. Examples include:

• Tenancy agreements

• Utility bills (gas, electricity, water, internet)

• Council tax letters

• School records and attendance reports

• GP registration letters

• Hospital or medical appointment letters

• Bank statements showing UK spending

• Employment records or payslips

• Letters from local community groups

• Home Office correspondence

3. Evidence for Children (If Applying Under 7-Year Rule)

• School reports

• Letters from teachers or headteachers

• NHS medical notes

• Proof of activities (sports, clubs, after-school groups)

• Statements showing that moving abroad would harm education or stability

4. Evidence for Young Adults (18–24) Who Lived Half Their Lives in the UK

• Proof of arrival date in the UK

• School and college history

• GP and NHS records

• Letters confirming community involvement

5. Evidence for Adults With 20 Years or More in the UK

• Any documents from the last 20 years

• Previous Home Office documents

• Proof of long-term UK ties

• Evidence of daily life and routine in the UK

6. Evidence for Adults With Less Than 20 Years (Very Significant Difficulties Test)

• Medical reports

• Mental health assessments

• Evidence of a lack of ties to the country you would return to

• Statements from family or community leaders

• Proof of treatment or support you rely on in the UK

• Professional letters explaining the difficulties you would face if removed

7. Financial and Personal Evidence

• Payslips or work letters (if applicable)

• Bank statements

• Letters from friends or family

• Community support letters

• Volunteer or employer references

8. English Language & Life in the UK (For Settlement Applications)

• English language certificate (approved test only)

• Life in the UK Test pass notification

9. Additional Supporting Documents

• Written personal statement explaining your private life in the UK

• Statements from family members

• Any expert reports relevant to your situation

• Police registration certificate (if required)

10. Documents Prepared by Your Solicitor

• Detailed cover letter

• Legal representations

• Completed application form

• Checklist confirming documents sent

• MSD Solicitors prepare and structure all legal letters, forms and evidence to help you present the strongest case possible.

How MSD Solicitors Help with a Private Life Visa in the UK?

MSD Solicitors are experts in UK immigration law with offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London. They provide:

• Eligibility assessment for the Private Life route

• Advice on which category fits you

• Help with evidence and document preparation

• Application submission and follow-up

• Using a specialist improves your chance of success because they know the detailed rules and help avoid mistakes.

Settlement: When Can You Apply for ILR?

Once you hold leave on the Private Life route, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) when you meet the residence and other suitability conditions (English language, Life in the UK test for adults). According to the Government, you may apply if you “have lived in the UK for 10 continuous years with a relevant visa” or meet other criteria. The official policy guidance states that for children and young adults under the Private Life route, settlement may be available after 5 years in some cases.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Some typical errors to avoid:

• Exiting the UK for long periods breaks your continuous residence.

• Not getting professional legal review, especially when relying on “very significant difficulties”.

• Using weak evidence of life in the UK rather than strong community ties.

• Relying on outdated advice, the rules changed with the introduction of the Appendix Private Life in 2021.

Facts Table

Applicant Category	Key Residence Requirement	Additional Condition
Child under 18	Lived in the UK continuously for 7 years	Unreasonable to expect to leave
Young adult 18–24	Lived in the UK for more than half their life	Entered as a child
Adult 18+ with 20+ years of UK residence	20 years of continuous living in the UK	No additional difficulty test needed
Adult 18+ with less than 20 years	Residence less than 20 years	Must show “very significant difficulties” if removed
Settlement (ILR) via Private Life	Generally, 10 years after permission	Must meet English/life test for adults

Final Words

If you have been living in the UK for a long time and have built your private life here, and you are eligible under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, you may be qualified for the Private Life Visa in the UK. To make sure that you qualify, check if you meet the total number of residence years required, provide authentic residence proof, and get help from professionals like MSD Solicitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the UK Private Life Visa?

The Private Life Visa in the UK refers to people who have been living for a long time and have built a private life in the UK, and according to the Human Rights Act article 8, it is based on your rights.

Q2: Who qualifies under the Private Life route?

People who meet the resident rules that include children who have lived more than 7 years in the UK, your adults who have lived more than half of their lives in the UK. Also, the adults who could face difficulties if they’re deported from the UK.

Q3: Do children qualify for the Private Life Visa in the UK?

Yes. A child under 18 who has lived in the UK for at least 7 years can apply for the Private Life Visa in the UK.

Q4: Is the English Language Test required for the Private Life Visa in the UK?

For settlement under this Private Life route, most adults must pass the English language requirement unless exempt.

Q5: How long is the Private Life visa in the UK valid for?

Most applicants receive leave for 30 months (2.5 years), which can be extended until they meet settlement requirements.

Q6: Can legal help improve my application?

Yes. Immigration experts such as MSD Solicitors assess eligibility, gather documents, and prepare a strong submission, thereby improving the chances of success.