Indefinite leave to remain (private life)
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria you have to meet are different depending on whether you’re applying as an adult or a child.
Children and young adults
If you were born in the UK and have lived here for 7 continuous years since your birth, you can apply immediately for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of your private life.
Otherwise you can apply for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of your private life if all of the following are true:
- you were given a visa on the basis of your private life when you were aged between 18 and 24
- you arrived in the UK as a child
- you have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years with a visa
You can include time you’ve spent on any other visas which lead to indefinite leave to remain. You must have had a visa based on your private life for at least one year on the day you apply.
Adults
You can apply to settle as an adult on the private life route if you:
- are aged over 18
- were given a visa on the basis of your private life in the UK
- have lived continuously in the UK for 10 years with a visa
You can include time you’ve spent on any other visas which lead to indefinite leave to remain. You must have had a visa based on your private life for at least one year on the day you apply.
Knowledge of language and life in the UK
If you’re 18 to 64 you must book and pass the Life in the UK Test.
You do not need to prove you meet the English language requirements when you apply to settle as an adult on the private life route.
If you’re not eligible on the basis of your private life
There are other ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain. Check if you can get indefinite leave to remain another way.