Petition · Home Office

Lower the time for UK-born children to apply for ILR from 7 years to 5 years

Closed 115 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge the Government to reduce the time that UK-born children must wait to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK from 7 to 5 years as the current time children have to wait may cause them stress and anxiety. We believe a child aged 7 has already established their life in the UK.
We believe that by 5 years old, children in the UK are already integrated into British society. Many of these children know no other home but the UK, and we believe delaying their legal status until age 7 creates unnecessary uncertainty. Young children need a sense of security to develop emotionally and academically. We believe fear of their immigration status may cause anxiety and stress knowing that they may be forced to leave.

Timeline

27 May 2025 Petition opened for signatures
27 Nov 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 115
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 27 May 2025
Closed 27 Nov 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 12 Aug 2026.