Leave to Remain — Private Life (10-Year Route)
Regularise Your Status Based on Long Residence or Established Private Life in the UK
Apply under the Private Life Route through Legate Hub | Professional Immigration Solicitors
Overview
The Private Life (10-Year Route) allows individuals to remain lawfully in the United Kingdom on the basis of their long residence or deep-rooted private and family connections. This route is designed for applicants who have built significant personal, social, or cultural ties in the UK, or who have lived continuously for a qualifying period. Legate Hub provides meticulous legal support to evidence eligibility under the Immigration Rules and relevant case law.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be living in the UK and not in breach of immigration laws, except where an exception applies under paragraph 276ADE(1) or Appendix Private Life.
- You must demonstrate one of the following:
- Continuous residence in the UK for at least 20 years; or
- Residence in the UK for less than 20 years but with no reasonable ties to your country of origin; or
- That you are under 18 years old and have lived in the UK for at least seven years, and it would be unreasonable to expect you to leave; or
- You are aged between 18 and 24 and have lived continuously in the UK for at least half of your life.
- You must demonstrate ongoing integration into UK life (employment, education, community participation).
- Applicants must meet the suitability criteria—no serious criminal convictions or conduct making them unsuitable for leave.
Required Documents Checklist
- Current and previous passports or travel documents.
- Proof of continuous residence (school records, tenancy agreements, bank statements, HMRC and GP records).
- Evidence of strong private or family life ties (letters from schools, employers, community organisations, or medical practitioners).
- Identity and nationality documents for dependants (if applicable).
- Character evidence, including police clearance certificates if requested.
- Certified translations of all non-English documents.
Application Process
- Step 1 – Case Review & Eligibility Assessment: Legate Hub conducts a detailed review of your residence history, documentation, and potential grounds under the Private Life or Long Residence criteria.
- Step 2 – Evidence Compilation: Download the Private Life Route Checklist from our Document Centre below. We assist in structuring chronological residence evidence to prove lawful or continuous stay and integration.
- Step 3 – Application Submission & Biometrics: Legate Hub prepares the application, pays the relevant fees or fee waiver (if applicable), and books your biometric appointment.
- Step 4 – Case Progress & Decision: Our solicitors monitor your case, manage any additional Home Office requests, and provide ongoing updates until decision outcome.
- Step 5 – Next Steps: Once approved, Legate Hub advises on further extensions and eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Long Residence or Family routes.
Typical Processing Timeline
| Service | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| Standard Application | Approximately 8–12 weeks from biometric submission. |
| Priority Service (where available) | Approximately 5 working days (subject to eligibility and additional fee). |
Note: Processing times vary by case complexity and completeness of evidence. Legate Hub ensures your case is fully documented to strengthen approval prospects.
Apply through Legate Hub – Start Your Private Life Application
Download Application Forms
- Private Life (10-Year Route) Checklist (PDF)
- Private Life Statement Template (PDF)
- Continuous Residence Evidence Guide (PDF)
Download the required templates and guides to prepare your evidence. Submit your documentation bundle to Legate Hub for verification and legal representation.
Why Choose Legate Hub
Legate Hub’s immigration solicitors specialise in long residence and private life applications. Our detailed evidential approach ensures every case is presented clearly, with properly formatted residence timelines and integrated legal representations to reflect compliance with UKVI criteria and Article 8 of the ECHR.
Book a Consultation
Secure your lawful residence based on your life established in the UK. Contact Legate Hub today to begin your Private Life application with professional legal support.