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Individuals who have lived continuously in the UK for 20 years regardless of their immigration status may be eligible to regularise their stay under the “20-Year Rule.” This route provides an opportunity to apply for limited leave to remain and eventually progress towards settlement and citizenship.
The 20-Year Long Residence rule falls under Paragraph 276ADE(1)(iii) of the Immigration Rules. It allows people who have lived in the UK continuously for 20 years lawfully or unlawfully to apply for permission to stay. This rule recognises that someone who has spent two decades in the UK has likely established deep-rooted ties to the country.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have been physically present in the UK continuously for 20 years. Even without legal status, this time still counts if properly evidenced. Supporting documents like tenancy records, medical appointments, school reports, and other dated records are critical to proving residence.
Successful applicants are typically granted 30 months’ leave to remain, renewable until they reach 10 years of lawful stay and become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This route is not automatic and requires a strong, well-documented application.
Hermes Legal offers expert legal assistance to individuals preparing to apply under the 20-Year Long Residence rule. Our team understands the complexities involved and provides compassionate, clear, and strategic guidance every step of the way.
We offer a full range of UK immigration services designed to support individuals, families, and businesses. From visa applications to appeals and asylum, our legal experts provide clear, strategic advice to help you navigate every stage of the immigration process with confidence.
We offer legal assistance for asylum seekers, overstayers, and those making fresh or long-residence claims, protecting your rights under UK immigration law.
We provide expert support for spouse, fiancé, child, and partner visas, as well as guidance on securing indefinite leave to remain and UK citizenship.
We support professionals and businesses with UK work visas, including skilled worker, innovator, start-up, and expansion visas, ensuring smooth, compliant entry.
We help challenge visa refusals through judicial reviews, and appeals, ensuring your case is heard with strong legal representation.
We assist travelers with UK visit visa applications and Electronic Travel Authorizations, including tourist visas, family visits, and business travel permits, ensuring seamless, compliant entry.
We help challenge visa refusals through judicial reviews, and appeals, ensuring your case is heard with strong legal representation.
If you’re considering a human rights claim or facing removal from the UK, it’s natural to have questions. We’ve compiled answers to the most common concerns to help you better understand your rights, the legal process, and how Hermes Legal can support your case with clarity and care.
Overstaying means remaining in the UK after your visa or leave to remain has expired, without renewing or switching to a new status.
Yes, in some cases. You may be eligible to make a human rights claim, long residence application, or fresh claim depending on your situation.
You must have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years to apply under this route, even if some or all of that time was without status.
Yes, it can impact future applications, but strong legal representation can help you explain and overcome this in many cases.
Having a British or long-resident child may strengthen your case under Article 8 (family and private life). We can advise based on your full circumstances.
Hermes Legal is a trusted UK-based immigration services firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex immigration processes with confidence.
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