Indefinite leave to remain (private life)

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Family members

Your partner and children may also be able to get indefinite leave to remain.

Check if they meet the eligibility criteria in their own right.

If they meet the criteria, they can apply separately.

If your partner does not meet the criteria

Check if your partner can apply for indefinite leave to remain another way.

If your children do not meet the criteria but were born in the UK

Your children may still be able to get indefinite leave to remain as your dependant if:

  • you’re applying or have applied for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of your private life
  • they were born in the UK

One of the following must also be true:

  • your child’s other parent is currently applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK
  • your child’s other parent already has indefinite leave to remain
  • your child’s other parent is a British citizen
  • you’re the child’s sole surviving parent
  • you have sole responsibility for your child
  • there are serious or compelling reasons why your child should be allowed to stay - they’ll normally already have permission to be in the UK for the same reasons

Your child must also not be married, in a civil partnership or living an independent life.

If your child is eligible, you must apply for them separately. You cannot add your child to your own application.