7 Years Child Residence Application
Overview
Where a child has lived continuously in the UK for at least seven years, an application may be made for the child — and, in many cases, their parents — to remain, where it would not be reasonable to expect the child to leave the UK.
What the Home Office considers
- The length and quality of the child's residence in the UK
- The child's education, health, and social ties
- The best interests of the child as a primary consideration
- The family's wider circumstances and immigration history
How we assist
- Gathering compelling evidence of the child's life in the UK — schooling, friendships, integration
- Preparing statements from parents, teachers, and others who know the child
- Detailed representations on why removal would not be reasonable
- Advising parents on their own position alongside the child's application
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the seven years need to be lawful residence?
No — the seven-year period concerns continuous residence, not lawful status, although the family's wider history remains relevant.
Can parents get leave through the child?
Parents may qualify for leave where the child meets the requirements and family life is genuine. We will assess each family member's position.