Changes to the 7 years continuous residence by a Child route

On 15 March 2022, the Home Office published a 205-page Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules. Amongst the various changes introduced was the insertion of a new Appendix Private Life. This will take effect on 20 June 2022 and will apply to all applications made on or after that date, replacing paragraphs 276ADE to 276DH. Applications made before 20 June 2022 will be considered under the Rules in force on 19 June 2022, even if they are decided after that date.

Effect of the change:

The Paragraph 276ADE (1) of the Immigration Rules, will be replaced has been replaced by a new Appendix Private Life, meaning

1. A child born in the UK and lived continuously for 7 years will now be able to apply for settlement immediately, instead of limited leave to remain.
2. A child born in the UK has lived in the UK for less than 7 years maybe added as a dependent to a person on private life route in certain circumstances to allow regularise their status.
3. Children born outside the UK but has lived in the UK continuously for 7 years will be able to apply for settlement after 5 years rather than 10 years as it was before 20 June 2022.

 British citizenship

Children: regardless of whether born inside or outside the UK will be able to apply to register as British citizens after 12 months of obtaining their settlement status.