Our client, who had lived in the UK for over 20 years, came to us seeking assistance with regulating her immigration status. She had entered the UK as a Visitor in July 2003 and had been living here ever since. However, her situation was complicated—she did not have the necessary documents to prove her 20-year continuous residency in the country. Her primary goal was to live legally in the UK and care for her aunt, who was suffering from a serious illness and needed daily support.
The leave to remain challenge
Our client’s lack of official documentation covering her entire residence period posed a significant hurdle. The Home Office requires substantial evidence to demonstrate continuous residency on a 20 year private life application, and without adequate proof, there was a risk that her application for leave to remain could be rejected.
Despite the absence of primary documents, we knew that there were alternative ways to substantiate her presence in the UK over the years. Our team worked diligently to gather secondary sources of evidence, which would help build a credible case.
Our Approach
We conducted a thorough investigation to uncover relevant secondary sources of proof. This included:
- Testimonies from neighbours, friends, and community members who had known the client for years
- Medical records from the client’s healthcare visits
- Dated photographic evidence
- Letters from her aunt’s care providers, verifying her critical role as a caregiver
These secondary sources allowed us to piece together a comprehensive history of our client’s life in the UK, despite the absence of formal documentation.
Success with the Home Office
Using this robust collection of secondary evidence, we submitted the application to the Home Office. Our legal team prepared a detailed case, highlighting the client’s continuous residence and her compassionate need to stay in the UK to care for her ailing aunt. The Home Office carefully reviewed the documents we provided, and, to our client’s relief, accepted them as sufficient proof of her residency.
As a result, our client satisfied the requirements of the UK immigration rules and was granted leave to remain. This allowed her to stay in the UK legally, ensuring that she could continue providing essential care to her aunt.
Preparing for Future Immigration Changes
In addition to securing her leave to remain, we further assisted our client in navigating upcoming changes to the UK immigration system. With Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) set to expire by 31st December 2024, we helped her set up an e-visa account, ensuring she would be able to manage her immigration status digitally going forward. This proactive step ensured that she would remain compliant with future regulations and have easy access to her immigration record.
Conclusion
This case is just one example of how Kidd Rapinet’s experienced immigration legal team goes above and beyond to support clients in complex immigration situations. Our dedicated approach to gathering evidence and presenting a compelling case made a life-changing difference for our client, who can now live and care for her family in the UK without the fear of legal uncertainty. Whether dealing with missing documents or facing procedural changes, we are here to provide expert guidance and secure the best possible outcomes for immigration issues.