Key Eligibility Criteria for Settlement of Partners and Family Members

To obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Spouse, Civil Partner, or Unmarried Partner, applicants must typically demonstrate:

• Five years (60 months) of lawful residence in the UK under the relevant partner visa route.

• Compliance with the financial requirement as stipulated in Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules.

• Unless exempt, proof of advanced English language proficiency applicable to settlement applications.

• Successful completion of the Life in the UK Test.

For those seeking ILR as an Adult Dependent Relative or Child, the applicant must show that they will be adequately maintained, housed, and cared for in the UK without recourse to public funds. Notably, there is no English language or Life in the UK Test requirement for these categories.

Each settlement route for family members comes with additional, route-specific criteria that must be satisfied.

Important Information About Settlement for Partners and Family Members

Achieving settled status (ILR) grants you the right to remain in the UK without time limitations. However, this status may lapse if you remain outside the UK for more than two years. In such cases, a Returning Resident Visa may be required to re-enter the UK and restore your settled status.

ILR is a crucial milestone toward obtaining British citizenship and a UK passport, as Naturalisation mandates that an applicant holds settled status.

Certain applicants are exempt from English language and Life in the UK Test requirements. These exemptions include individuals who are under 18 years of age, 65 or older, or those who cannot meet these requirements due to physical or mental health conditions. The Home Office retains discretion to waive such requirements in exceptional circumstances.