ILR – 20 Years Continuous Residence (Unlawful Stay Route)

Expert support for all your immigration needs.

Apply for a ILR – 20 Years Continuous Residence (Unlawful Stay Route)

Overview

Visa INN (Ltd) provides trusted, expert guidance for individuals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the long residence rules. We are registered at Level 3 – the highest level – with the UK Government’s Ombudsman, the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).

Allan Van As, Managing Director, has been personally representing clients for over 30 years. We provide clear, accurate, and personalised immigration advice at every stage of your journey.

 

The 20‑Year Continuous Residence route provides an opportunity for individuals who have lived in the UK continuously for at least 20 years – even without lawful status – to apply for limited leave to remain, leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a further qualifying period.

  • Eligibility: Continuous residence in the UK for at least 20 years, including periods without lawful status.
  • Evidence: Proof of residence for every year of the 20‑year period through documentation or witness statements.
  • Leave granted: Successful applicants usually receive limited leave to remain (2.5 years) on a 10‑year route to settlement.
  • Good character: Applicants must not have serious criminal convictions or ongoing investigations.

 

We help evidence long residence using official records, community references, and tailored representations to ensure credibility and compliance.