The email is below:
Dear
Thank you for your recent application for Settlement in the UK.
On 24 July 2025 you sent us an email requesting advice on what application you should submit. Please note, we are unable to provide immigration advice, and we can only explain the rules.
Your application has been made using a Settlement – Family Life application form for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a child of a parent or partner, which is considered in accordance with criteria laid out in Appendix Settlement Family Life which can be viewed at:
Immigration Rules – Immigration Rules Appendix Settlement Family Life – Guidance – GOV.UK (
www.gov.uk)
However, your immigration history shows that you are not applying as the child of a person (P) who:
(i) has made a valid application for settlement in the UK as a partner or parent based on a 10 year qualifying period, and that application has not been decided; or
(ii) is settled or has become a British citizen, providing P had permission as a partner or parent based on a 10 year qualifying period when P settled.
Your mother’s application for settlement was refused and therefore you would not meet the criteria above to be granted settlement on the family life route.
This is in line with the validity requirements of Appendix Settlement Family Life which state:
Validity requirements for settlement as a dependent child of a partner or parent based on a qualifying period of 10 years
SETF 10.1. A child who is applying for settlement on this route must apply online on the gov.uk website on the specified form as follows: “Settlement as a Child (including a child aged over 18 already in the UK as a dependent)”.
SETF 10.2. An application for settlement must meet all the following requirements:
(a) any fee must have been paid; and
(b) the applicant must have provided any required biometrics; and
(c) the applicant must have provided a passport or other travel document which satisfactorily establishes their identity and nationality; and
(d) the applicant must be in the UK, and
(e) the applicant must be applying as the child of a person (P) who:
(i) has made a valid application for settlement in the UK as a partner or parent based on a 10 year qualifying period, and that application has not been decided; or
(ii) is settled or has become a British citizen, providing P had permission as a partner or parent based on a 10 year qualifying period when P settled.
SETF 10.3. The applicant must have, or have last had, permission to stay in the UK as a dependent child, unless they were born in the UK.
SETF 10.4. An application which does not meet all the validity requirements for settlement is invalid and may be rejected and not considered.
Your email has mentioned that you have spent half your life in the UK, please note this is not applicable to the family life route. This is the private life route.
Please also note, for family life settlement and Private life settlement the applicant must have, or have last had, permission to stay in the UK on the route.
Accordingly, we would like to give you the opportunity to review your application. If after you have reviewed your application, you choose to submit a further application on another route, please advise us as soon as possible and this will be treated as a variation.
Please note, if you wish to vary (change) your application, you will need to submit the correct application for route you wish to apply for within 14 days (12 August 2025), pay the application fee, and resubmit your supporting documents.
If you choose not to have your Settlement application varied or do not reply within 14 days (12 August 2025) of the date of this email, your application may be rejected as invalid under the validity requirements above and will not be considered.
When you have a unique application number (UAN) for the new submitted application, please advise us by email at:
If you require further advice about your eligibility under the Immigration Rules, visit our website at
www.gov.uk/uk-visas-immigration.
If you are unclear about your choices, you are strongly urged to consult with an accredited Immigration Adviser for further guidance.
