Private Life Visa UK Solicitors
Apply to live in the UK on the basis of enduring private life established through long‑term residence.
- Free Initial Consultation
- Fixed Fees- No Hidden Costs
- High Success Rate – Proven Track Record
- Legal 500 Top Tier Firm
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What is a Private Life Visa UK?
Leave to remain under the Private Life route is permission to stay in the UK based on the life a person has built here over many years. It sits under Appendix Private Life and is commonly used by children, young adults and adults who meet the long‑residence rules or whose circumstances engage Article 8 private life rights. Because these cases often involve detailed personal histories, many people choose to consult Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to help present their background clearly and effectively.
Private Life Visa UK Solicitors Explain – Who is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on your age and length of residence in the UK. You may qualify if you are under 18 and have lived here continuously for 7 years and it would not be reasonable for you to leave; if you are aged 18 to 24 and have spent at least half your life in the UK; if you are 18 or over and have lived here for 20 years; or if you are an adult with less than 20 years’ residence but would face very significant obstacles to integrating abroad. A child born in the UK to a parent on the private life route may also qualify. Many applicants seek early advice from Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to understand which category best fits their circumstances.
Why Choose OTB Legal as your Private Life Visa UK Solicitors?
At OTB Legal, we’re proud to be recognised among the UK’s top immigration law firms — a distinction that reflects our deep expertise and proven success in handling Private Life Visa UK applications.
- Award-Winning Service: With multiple awards recognising our dedication and results, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your Private Life Visa UK application.
- Leading Expertise: Named a Leading Firm by Chambers and Partners 2024, and ranked as a Top-Tier Firm in the Legal 500 2025, our solicitors are trusted industry leaders in UK immigration law.
- Specialist Focus: We specialise in Private Life Visa UK applications and family immigration, giving you expert guidance tailored specifically to your unique situation.
- Client Satisfaction: Our clients consistently praise our clear communication, personalised approach, and excellent value for money, as seen in top ratings on Review Solicitors.
How much does a Private Life Visa UK cost?
As of 8 April 2026, the in‑country application fee is £1,407. The Immigration Health Surcharge is typically £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children. Settlement applications on the private life route currently cost £3,226 per person. Fee waivers may be available for those who cannot afford the fees. Given the financial commitment involved, applicants often ask Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to review their case before submitting anything to avoid costly errors.
What are the benefits of a Private Life Visa UK?
The visa allows you to remain lawfully in the UK and gives permission to work and study. It can also lead to settlement: children who meet the 7‑year rule and young adults who have spent half their life in the UK can usually settle after 5 years, while most adults settle after 10 years. Families often turn to Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to help them plan their long‑term route to settlement and understand how each stage fits into their wider immigration goals.
How can a Private Life Visa Solicitor help me with my application?
A solicitor can assess whether you meet the requirements, advise on the strongest legal basis for your application, help you gather evidence of residence and absences, and prepare legal representations where the case relies on reasonableness, very significant obstacles or Article 8 arguments. Skilled Private Life Visa UK Solicitors can also identify weaknesses early and help you address them before the application is submitted.
Thinking of Applying for a Private Life Visa UK?
Our experienced immigration lawyers at OTB Legal are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting your application or need help with specific requirements, we’ll provide clear, practical advice tailored to your situation.
Fill out the form below and one of our team will get back to you quickly with a personalised response.
What are common reasons for Private Life Visa UK refusal?
Refusals often occur when applicants do not meet the residence requirement, have absences that break continuous residence, or provide insufficient evidence. Other common issues include failing to show that it would be unreasonable for a child to leave the UK, failing to demonstrate very significant obstacles abroad, or being refused under the suitability rules. Invalid applications such as those missing fees, biometrics or required documents, can also be rejected. Many applicants rely on Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to help avoid these preventable mistakes.
How can I avoid Private Life Visa UK refusal?
The best approach is to prepare the application thoroughly from the beginning. This includes using the correct online form, providing clear evidence of residence, explaining any absences, and supplying strong supporting documents where the case involves a child’s best interests, reasonableness or very significant obstacles. Working with Private Life Visa UK Solicitors can help ensure the application is well‑structured and addresses any potential weaknesses.
How we work – including our transparent pricing
We find that our 3 stage system of working with clients gives everyone the greatest clarity on what can be achieved, how it will happen and how much it will cost. You can learn more about our 3 stage system here. See the pricing for our Private Life Visa UK Solicitor services below:
Assess
Free Consultation – £0.00
The Assessment Stage helps us identify the right application for you. You’ll speak with one of our experienced Lawyers and there’s no obligation to proceed further. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan outlining your options, costs, and the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Advice
£360 (inc 20% VAT where applicable)
For a fixed fee, you receive specialist legal advice, clear written guidance, and a tailored document list, giving you a strong strategy for success. After the Advice Stage, you can submit the application yourself or ask us to handle it. You stay fully in control throughout.
Application
£1,500 – £2,400 depending on the complexity of the matter. (inc 20% VAT where applicable)
A full review of your documents, help completing the online form, preparation of a tailored evidence bundle, and a detailed legal cover letter. We represent you through to the final decision and advise on any next steps. A premium service is available at a 50% increase to the standard fee.
Book now and receive:
- Personalised Case Appointment: Speak to a member of our team to gain confirmation on if we can assist with your specific legal needs in a free consultation.
- Specialist Appointment Booking: Get matched with a lawyer with specialist expertise as soon as possible.
- Exceptional Client Care: Work with experienced legal professionals delivering a clear plan of action and outstanding support every step of the way.
Schedule a FREE appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A refusal of a private life application carries a right of appeal under Part 5 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. Appeals often involve detailed legal and factual arguments, so many individuals choose to be represented by Private Life Visa UK Solicitors who are experienced in presenting human rights‑based cases before the tribunal.
Applications must be made from inside the UK using the official online form. You will need to provide identity documents and evidence supporting your residence and circumstances. If you cannot afford the application fee, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver. Many applicants ask Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to help them prepare their evidence and ensure the application is submitted correctly.
Requirements vary depending on your age and residence history, but the core issue is whether you meet one of the private life eligibility categories. You must also satisfy the suitability requirements and provide evidence of continuous residence, explaining any absences. Because the rules can be technical, Private Life Visa UK Solicitors often assist applicants in gathering the right documents and presenting their case clearly.
Yes. A person granted leave on the private life route is permitted to work in the UK in any capacity, whether full‑time, part‑time, paid or unpaid. Applicants sometimes check the conditions of their visa with Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities.
Yes. Most applicants can extend their Private Life Visa, with extensions typically granted for 30 months. Before applying, many people consult Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to confirm they still meet the residence rules and to ensure their evidence of continuous residence is up to date.
Yes. Children who meet the 7‑year rule and qualifying young adults can usually settle after 5 years, while adults on the standard private life route typically qualify after 10 years. A child born in the UK to a parent on the private life route may also have a pathway to settlement. Families often work with Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to map out their long‑term immigration strategy and avoid delays on the route to settlement.
In most cases, the visa is granted for 2 years and 6 months at a time. Children and qualifying young adults may be able to choose a 5‑year route instead. Applicants sometimes seek advice from Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to decide which option best suits their circumstances and future plans.
A standard private life application made inside the UK is currently taking around 12 months to process. Some applicants may be eligible for a faster decision depending on their circumstances. Because delays can occur if evidence is missing or unclear, many people work with Private Life Visa UK Solicitors to ensure their application is complete and well‑organised from the outset.
Our Expert Private Life Visa UK Solicitors:
Join countless satisfied clients and work with our expert Private Life Visa UK Solicitors today:
D Paris
We used OTB for my daughter’s private life visa renewal. We had previously handled the much more contentious initial appeal for it some years back (successfully) with OTB, so they were the obvious choice for the follow-up. As before, OTB was clear and easy to work with. We always had simple instructions on the dates and actions of next steps, with plenty of time to resolve issues and get them handled. Our renewal went without a hitch.
Jakub
I would definitely recommend Atty Adetula as your immigration lawyer for many reasons. First of all, she has made the process of receiving immigration advice to applying for the private life family visa, relatively straight-forward. I was able to contact and receive updates without any problem and in a very timely manner. Above all, Atty showed attention to detail, patience and professionalism when providing legal services, together with her colleagues. In any doubt regarding any future visa applications, I will definitely be seeking Atty’s assistance.
Raman
Mark helped us when no other legal company gave us any positive responses. Our very sick grandfather was left alone in India when our Nan very suddenly passed. Over the past 18 months Mark has been phenomenal, keeping us up to date at all points. Giving us all the reassurance when we felt lost and confused and always remaining honest and managing expectations on timelines. Thank you Mark and OTB for going above and beyond every single contact we had. We will never forget what you have done for our family!
Leah Annette
OTB Legal has been very helpful and demonstrated that they understood the best way to represent a client. They were very meticulous and detailed in the way they presented cases and always get good results. Above all, they have concerns for their clients and gives opportunity to make payment in instalments. I will recommend (in fact I have recommended) OTB Legal especially Natasha Mitter to many friends and family.
J.H and D.S
My experience with Atty Adetula and the wider OTB Legal team was exceptional. A very friendly and professional service from solicitors with profound knowledge and expertise in relation to UK immigration law. Our application was successful which means that our family is now reunited and happy thanks to the great work of Atty.
Tom
When it came to working with OTB Legal, I can honestly say they were a breath of fresh air! They made us feel like they really cared about our situation and was invested in it with us to try and help. Which I believe really shows you when somebody loves what they do. Fantastic advice and solutions.
FREE GUIDE
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Contact Us
Not quite ready to book an appointment yet or unsure if it’s the right step for you? No worries! We understand that making decisions regarding legal matters can be daunting.
Reach out to our Client Experience Lead, Rikki, who will be more than happy to assist you and guide you in the right direction.
Your peace of mind matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact Rikki today for personalised guidance and assistance.
Find out more about the Private Life Visa UK with the
following useful links:
How do Partner Visas work?
Partner Visas and how they work: A British person needs to sponsor their non-British partner if they wish to live …
Suitability Rules changes for Family and Private Life 2025
From 11 November 2025, the UK Home Office will implement changes to suitability rules for family and private life visas …
