7 Years' Continuous Residence for a Child: Absences and Evidence

For the 7-year child route, continuous residence is broken if the child spent more than 6 months outside the UK in one go, or 550 days or more outside the UK in total during the period. It is also broken by removal, deportation, or leaving the UK after an application was refused. Time spent in the UK with or without a visa counts.

These rules come from paragraphs PL 7.1 to 7.3 of Appendix Private Life (and PL 15A.3 for a UK-born child applying for ILR). This page shows how to count absences and prove residence. For the full route, see our 7-year child route guide.

Table of Contents

What does continuous residence mean for a child?

Continuous residence means the child has lived in the UK without a break that the Rules treat as ending their residence. The period runs back from the date of application. It must total at least 7 years.

• It counts time with or without permission (PL 7.1).
• It does not require the child to have held any visa.
• It must be proved with documents, not just stated.

Which absences break the 7 years?

Two absence limits apply: no single absence over 6 months, and fewer than 550 days outside the UK in total. Breaking either one ends continuous residence.

• A two-week holiday abroad: does not break residence
• A 5-month stay with grandparents: does not break residence, if total absences stay under 550 days
• A single trip longer than 6 months: breaks residence
• 550 days or more abroad in total: breaks residence
• Removal or deportation from the UK: breaks residence
• Leaving after an application to enter or stay was refused: breaks residence

Count every trip, including those the child took as a baby. Use passport stamps, flight bookings and school absence records.

How do I count 550 days?

Add up every full day the child spent outside the UK during the 7-year period. Days of departure and return are usually not counted as days of absence. Keep a simple table with each trip, its dates and its length.

1. List every trip abroad in date order.
2. Record the departure and return dates.
3. Count the full days away for each trip.
4. Check that no single trip is longer than 6 months.
5. Total the days and confirm the figure is below 550.

If the total is close to the limit, take advice before applying.

Does a different rule apply at ILR stage?

Yes, for a child born abroad who is on the 5-year route to settlement. Appendix Continuous Residence applies at ILR stage: normally no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5 years with permission.

• The original 7 years (PL 7.3): more than 6 months away at once, or 550+ days in total, breaks residence
• UK-born child applying for ILR (PL 15A.3): the same 6-month and 550-day limits, counted from birth
• 5 years on permission before ILR: normally no more than 180 days away in any 12 months

See child born abroad for the 5-year route.

What if my child had a long absence for a good reason?

The 6-month and 550-day limits are strict under the Rules, even if the reason was serious. A long absence for illness or a family death can still break residence.

Where the Rules are not met because of a compelling absence, the Home Office can still consider Article 8 outside the Rules. Strong evidence of the reason and the child's life here is essential.

Read about the reasonableness test.

What evidence proves continuous residence?

The strongest evidence is official, dated and spread across every year. Aim for at least two documents per year from different sources.

• Full birth certificate (UK-born children) or passport with UK entry stamp
• GP registration letter and medical history printout
• Red Book and vaccination records
• Nursery and school admission letters
• Annual school reports and attendance records
• Council, housing or tenancy records listing the child
• Child benefit, where the family was entitled to it
• Letters from teachers, health visitors or social workers

The full list is on our documents checklist.

What if there are gaps in the records?

Gaps can usually be filled with other sources, but they must be explained. Early years are the hardest, especially before school age.

• Ask the GP surgery for a full medical history printout
• Request records from the health visiting team
• Ask nurseries, children's centres or faith groups for letters
• Use dated photos, birthday cards or hospital appointment letters
• Give a short written explanation for any period with thin evidence

The Home Office does not need hundreds of pages. It needs a clear, believable timeline.

Does a refusal of an earlier application stop the clock?

A refusal on its own does not break residence, but leaving the UK after a refusal does. A family that stayed in the UK after a refusal may still count that time.

However, an earlier refusal can raise suitability or credibility questions.

Read refusal and appeal.

Need help proving your child's 7 years of continuous residence?

Proving that your child has lived continuously in the UK for 7 years is an important part of the application. Absences from the UK, gaps in residence, and supporting evidence must all be carefully considered when assessing eligibility.

Speak to Moeen & Co. Solicitors for expert immigration advice. Call us today on 0203 959 7755 to discuss your child's residence history and get help with your application.

Frequently asked questions