The UK Half Life Rule: Immigration Route for Young Adults Aged 18 to 24

The half-life rule lets a young adult aged 18 to 24 stay in the UK if they arrived as a child and have lived here continuously for at least half of their life. Unlike the 7-year child rule, there is no reasonableness test. They are granted 30 or 60 months' permission and can apply for ILR after 5 continuous years with permission.

The rule is in Appendix Private Life of the Immigration Rules. It is the main option for someone who missed the 7-year child route by turning 18 before applying. For the child route itself, see our 7-year child route guide.

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Who qualifies under the half life rule?

A person qualifies if, on the date of application, they are aged 18 to 24, arrived in the UK before turning 18, and have lived here continuously for at least half their life. They must also meet suitability and validity requirements.

• Aged at least 18 but under 25 on the date of application
• Arrived in the UK as a child (before their 18th birthday)
• Continuous UK residence for at least half of their life
• Time with or without permission counts
• No reasonableness test applies

How do I calculate "half of my life"?

Divide your age at the date of application by two. Your continuous UK residence must be at least that long. Calculate it to the day if the figure is close.

• Age 18: at least 9 years
• Age 19: at least 9 years 6 months
• Age 20: at least 10 years
• Age 21: at least 10 years 6 months
• Age 22: at least 11 years
• Age 23: at least 11 years 6 months
• Age 24: at least 12 years

The required period grows as you get older. Someone who arrived aged 12 has only 8 years here at 20 and does not yet qualify. By 24 they have 12 years and do. The later a person arrived in childhood, the closer they cut it.

How is the half-life rule different from the 7-year child rule?

The half-life rule has no reasonableness test, but the residence requirement is longer. The 7-year child rule needs 7 years plus proof that leaving would be unreasonable.

7-year child rule:

• Age at application: under 18
• Residence needed: 7 years continuous
• Reasonableness test: yes
• First grant: ILR if UK-born; otherwise 30 or 60 months
• English and Life in the UK at ILR: not needed if under 18

Half-life rule:

• Age at application: 18 to 24
• Residence needed: half of life, continuous
• Reasonableness test: no
• First grant: 30 or 60 months
• English and Life in the UK at ILR: needed

For the child rules, see our requirements page.

What breaks continuous residence for a young adult?

The same absence rules apply as for children: more than 6 months away in one go, or 550 days or more in total, breaks residence. Removal, deportation or leaving after a refusal also breaks it.

University years abroad, gap years or long family visits can be a risk. Check every trip on our continuous residence page.

What does the young adult need to get ILR?

After 5 continuous years with permission on the private life route, the young adult can apply for ILR. At that stage they need:

• A pass in the Life in the UK test
• English at level B1, rising to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027
• No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5 years
• To meet suitability requirements
• The ILR fee of £3,226

English can often be shown with a UK degree taught in English or an approved test.

What if I am 25 or older?

At 25, the half-life rule closes. Other private life options are harder:

• 20 years' continuous residence in the UK
• Very significant obstacles to integration in the country of return (PL 5.1)
• Article 8 outside the Rules

If you are 24, apply before your 25th birthday. Age is fixed on the date of application.

What if I was refused as a child?

A previous refusal does not stop you from applying under the half life rule if you now qualify. But leaving the UK after a refusal breaks continuous residence. If you stayed in the UK after the refusal, that time may still count. See refusal and appeal.

How much does a half life application cost?

The fee for permission to stay is £1,407, plus the adult health surcharge of £1,035 a year. A 30-month grant costs £2,587.50 in surcharge; a 60-month grant costs £5,175. A fee waiver can be requested if you cannot afford it. See application fees.

Can I become British later?

Yes. After ILR, an adult can usually apply to naturalise once they have held ILR for 12 months and meet the residence requirements. The naturalisation fee is £1,709 plus a £130 ceremony fee. See British citizenship after ILR.

How Moeen & Co. Solicitors helps young adults

We calculate your residence to the day and make sure you apply before any deadline closes. We gather school, college and university records to prove the whole period.

Speak to Moeen & Co. Solicitors for expert immigration advice. Call us today on 0203 959 7755 to discuss your circumstances and find out whether you may qualify under the half-life rule.

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