What is Illegal Immigration?
Illegal immigration refers to the act of entering or remaining in a country without valid legal status. This can happen when someone:
- Overstays a visa or permitted stay
- Enters without a valid visa or travel authorisation
- Remains in a country after their visa has been refused or cancelled
When Does Someone Become Illegal?
Most undocumented migrants initially enter legally but become illegal after:
- Staying beyond their visa expiry date
- Failing to comply with visa rules (e.g., working on a tourist visa)
- Having an asylum or visa application refused
Life as an Undocumented Migrant
Undocumented migrants often face challenges such as:
- Inability to work or rent legally
- Lack of access to healthcare and public benefits
- Risk of arrest, detention, and deportation
- Living in fear of authorities and limited rights
Legalisation or PR Options
Some undocumented migrants may become eligible to stay through:
- Long residence or private life policies (e.g. 10+ years)
- Family ties, including partners and children born locally
- Asylum, humanitarian, or compassionate grounds
- Marriage or civil partnerships with a citizen or PR holder
Explore Illegal Immigration by Country
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- More countries coming soon...
Disclaimer
This website is for informational use only. We do not encourage or support illegal immigration. Please consult a qualified immigration lawyer for legal advice.