Spouse/Partner ILR — settle in the UK after 5 years
We confirm you qualify on the 5-year partner route, check relationship evidence, financial requirement and KoLL (Life in the UK + English), and file a clean, decision-ready ILR application.
Eligibility at a glance — Spouse/Partner (ILR)
We check each requirement against your history and documents before filing your ILR application.
Current leave as a partner
You must hold valid permission as a partner under Appendix FM at the time of application.
- Same partner throughout the qualifying period
- Fiancé/fiancée time does not count
60 months in the UK as a partner
Usually 2.5 + 2.5 years on the partner route. We confirm qualifying dates and any gaps.
- No 180-day cap like work routes
- Crown Servant accompaniment rules may apply
Genuine, subsisting partnership
Ongoing relationship with your British/settled partner.
- Cohabitation & shared-life evidence
- Explain any address/name changes
Financial requirement (or exemption)
We confirm if the financial requirement applies and how it’s met, or whether an exemption/adequate maintenance applies.
- Mapped to Appendix FM-SE categories
- Employer/accountant letter templates
Life in the UK & English (B1)
Most adults must pass Life in the UK and show English at B1 (or qualify for an exemption).
- Approved SELT providers & degree routes
- Age/medical exemptions assessed
General grounds
Checks on criminality, deception, NHS debts and compliance with conditions.
- Full disclosure with mitigation where relevant
Documents you’ll usually need
We give you a tailored checklist and assemble a clean, indexed PDF bundle for upload.
- Current & previous passports (if available)
- BRP/eVisa and previous partner grants under Appendix FM
- Any Home Office correspondence or reference numbers
- Evidence of a genuine, subsisting partnership
- Cohabitation proofs across the qualifying period (e.g., tenancy/council tax)
- Joint finances or shared responsibilities (where applicable)
- Address history covering the partner route period
- Travel history where relevant; explanations for any gaps
- Name/address change evidence if applicable
- Salary route: payslips, bank statements, employer letter
- Self-employed: accounts, tax returns, accountant letter
- Savings: statements covering the qualifying period
- Life in the UK test reference number
- English at B1 (SELT) or accepted degree/ECCTIS confirmation
- Exemption evidence (age/medical) if relevant
- Letters supporting explanations/mitigation (where needed)
- Translations for non-English documents
- Any additional evidence requested by UKVI
Tip: Keep evidence consistent (names, addresses, dates) and spread proofs across the qualifying period from multiple sources. We provide templates and an index so your case is easy to verify.
How your Spouse/Partner ILR application runs
Clear steps from qualifying date to decision — we prepare and file on time.
Qualifying date & status check
Confirm 60 months on the partner route, same partner, and valid leave under Appendix FM at the date of application.
Evidence strategy
Plan relationship and residence proofs; confirm if financial requirement applies or an exemption/adequate maintenance is relevant.
KoLL readiness
Verify Life in the UK pass reference and English at B1 (or exemption) early to avoid delays.
Forms & submission
Complete the ILR partner form, draft legal submissions, confirm fees, and arrange UKVCAS biometrics/ID verification.
Decision & status
Monitor your case, respond to any requests, and advise on your eVisa/BRP and pathway to British citizenship.
Fees & processing times (Spouse/Partner ILR)
Figures below are taken from official Home Office guidance (last updated 1 July 2025). Priority options may be available at checkout.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
£3,029
Per applicant (main or dependant). Biometrics required; there’s no fee for giving biometrics.
Source: Home Office fees table & family ILR page.
Life in the UK Test
£50
Book at least 3 days in advance at an approved test centre.
Source: GOV.UK — Life in the UK test.
Faster decision (where available)
Priority: +£500
Super Priority: +£1,000
Priority aims for a decision in ~5 working days; Super Priority aims for next working day after biometrics.
Typical processing time
Standard: usually within ~6 months
Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man while the ILR application is pending — it may be withdrawn.
Source: GOV.UK — family ILR page.
IHS: ILR applications do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge. You only pay IHS if you apply for ILR but are granted limited leave instead.
Spouse/Partner ILR — FAQs
Quick answers to common questions. For advice on your facts, book a consultation.
Does time as a fiancé/fiancée count towards the 60 months?
No. Time with fiancé/fiancée permission does not count. The qualifying period must be on the partner route under Appendix FM.
Do I need to meet the financial requirement at ILR?
On the 5-year partner route you normally must meet the financial requirement unless an exemption applies. We’ll confirm the correct category and evidence (salary, self-employed, or savings) or any exemption/adequate maintenance route.
Is there a 180-day absence limit?
No. The 180-day cap applies to certain work routes, not the partner route. You should still maintain residence and evidence a genuine, ongoing relationship
Do I need the Life in the UK test and English B1?
Most adult applicants do (KoLL: Life in the UK + English at B1), unless exempt by age or medical reasons. We’ll check your position and accepted proofs (SELT/degree).
What if my relationship has broken down?
If the relationship ended due to domestic abuse, you may be eligible under the domestic violence settlement route. Otherwise, different options may apply. Ask us for route-specific advice before acting.
Can I change sponsor/partner during the 5 years?
ILR on the 5-year partner route generally requires the same partner across the qualifying period. A change usually resets eligibility; get advice before making any changes.
Can my child apply with me?
Children can often apply as dependants if they qualify. We’ll confirm eligibility and whether they should apply now or later based on residence and best-interests factors.
Can I travel while my ILR application is pending?
Travel can affect an in-country application. If you must travel, speak to us first so we can explain the risks and timing options.
Is Priority or Super Priority available for partner ILR?
Faster decision services are sometimes available depending on location and capacity at checkout. We’ll check availability when we file.