Private Life Visa

A Private Life Visa is a route for people who do not qualify under other immigration categories (such as work, study or family visas) but can demonstrate strong personal ties to the United Kingdom. This route recognises that some individuals have established deep connections to the UK — through residence, family life, or other compelling personal circumstances — and may be eligible to remain on the basis of private life considerations.

At Mowbray Advisory, we provide clear, OISC-regulated guidance on the Private Life route, helping you understand the eligibility criteria and prepare a strong application.

What Is a Private Life Visa?

The Private Life route allows individuals who do not have a qualifying family visa to apply for permission to stay in the UK based on their personal circumstances. It is rooted in considerations of fairness and family life, and is different from mainstream family visas which are based on specific qualifying relationships.

This route is often relevant where:

  • Someone has lived in the UK for many years

  • Someone has significant personal ties or family life here

  • There are compassionate or compelling reasons based on personal circumstances

Who Can Apply for the Private Life Route?

You may be eligible if you can show:

Long Residence

You have lived continuously and lawfully in the UK for a long period (usually at least 20 years), or in some cases for at least 10 years if continuous.

Strong Personal Ties

You can demonstrate significant connections or responsibilities in the UK — such as a close family life or community ties — that would make removal unjust or disproportionate.

Eligibility for Private Life is based on individual circumstances and supporting evidence; there are no fixed “checklist” rules as there are for other visa categories.

Key Elements of a Private Life Application

Residence History

Evidence showing the length and continuity of your presence in the UK.

Personal and Family Life

Information about close relationships, responsibilities or ties that make the UK your main home.

Compelling Circumstances

Any factors that point to fairness or hardship if you were required to leave the UK.

Evidence of Integration

Proof of involvement in the UK community, work, education or other long-standing ties.

This route relies on a holistic assessment of your circumstances rather than strict rules.

How the Private Life Route Differs from Other Visas

Unlike defined family visas (such as spouse or partner visas):

  • The Private Life route is not based on automatic qualifying relationships

  • It does not require a sponsor

  • It is assessed on individual factors and personal circumstances

  • There are no fixed quotas or standard visa fees tied to this route

This means the evidence you provide and how your case is presented is crucial to success.

Application Overview

Private Life applications generally involve:

  1. Assessing your residence and ties to the UK
    Reviewing your history and personal circumstances

  2. Gathering supporting evidence
    Documents, statements and records demonstrating your connection to the UK

  3. Completing the online application
    Providing details of your circumstances and reasons for staying

  4. Submitting biometric information
    As part of the application process

Processing times and requirements vary based on individual circumstances.

Common Challenges

Applications under the Private Life route can be complex due to:

  • The absence of fixed eligibility rules

  • The need to present evidence persuasively

  • The subjective nature of personal ties and fairness assessments

Professional guidance can help you present the strongest possible case.

How We Can Help

We support you through every step of the Private Life application:

  • Eligibility assessment based on your unique history

  • Document preparation and evidence strategy

  • Application completion and review

  • Strategic advice on presenting your personal circumstances

You’ll work directly with your adviser from start to finish with practical, clear advice.

Speak to an Immigration Adviser

If you’re planning to apply for a Private Life Visa and want to avoid unnecessary delays or common pitfalls, we can help.
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