ILR as a Spouse (5-Year Route)

You may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a spouse once you have completed 5 years on a spouse visa under a 5-year route.

UK immigration rules and requirements are subject to change, so it is always best to consult with a qualified immigration solicitor for the most up-to-date information.

If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), our team of immigration solicitors can provide you with the help you need. Call us on 0203 417 3700 for legal advice and assistance with your ILR application.

Page Contents

1. ILR as a Spouse (5-Year Route)
2. What are the requirements to apply for ILR as a Spouse (5-year route)?
3. How to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a spouse?
4. How long does it take to process an ILR application?
5. Super Priority Service for ILR applications
6. Priority Service for ILR applications
7. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application fee
8. Indefinite leave to remain solicitors in London
9. Need Legal Advice & Assistance?

What are the requirements to apply for ILR as a Spouse (5-year route)?

As a spouse of a British citizen or settled person, you may be eligible to apply for ILR under the 5-year route if you meet the following requirements:

• You have been living in the UK for at least 5 years under the Spouse visa or Partner visa;
• You have not stayed outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months during the 5-year period;
• You meet the English language requirement by passing an approved English language test at a B1 level, or by having a degree that was taught or researched in English;
• You have passed the Life in the UK test;
• You meet the financial requirement, which means that you and your partner have a combined income of at least £29,000 gross per year, or you have enough savings to support yourselves without claiming public funds;
• You do not have a criminal record or any other reason why you should not be allowed to stay in the UK.

You must meet all other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Speak to our expert immigration solicitors for legal advice and eligibility assessment.

How to apply for indefinite leave to remain as a spouse?

1. Check your eligibility

To apply for ILR as a spouse, you must have lived in the UK for a certain period of time and meet other requirements. You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years on a spouse visa. You must also meet other eligibility criteria such as passing the Life in the UK test and meeting the English language requirement.

2. Gather your documents

You will need to provide certain documents with your application, such as your passport, marriage certificate, evidence of your relationship with your spouse, and evidence of your financial situation.

3. Fill out the application form

You must apply online using the SET (M) application form. The application form will ask for your personal details, information about your spouse, your immigration history, and your reasons for applying for ILR.

4. Pay the fee

You will need to pay a fee to apply for ILR as a spouse.

5. Submit your application

Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application.

6. Attend a biometric appointment

After you submit your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

7. Wait for a decision

ILR application can take several months. You will receive a decision on your ILR application in writing. If your application is approved, you will receive your new status as a permanent resident of the UK.

The application process for ILR can be complex, and it is recommended that you seek professional legal advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the process.

How long does it take to process an ILR application?

You will usually get a decision from Home Office (UKVI) within 6 months if you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) using the standard service. It may take longer depending on the complexity of the matter.

Super Priority Service for ILR applications

You can apply for an ILR as a Spouse using the “super priority service” to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You will need to pay £800 in addition to the ILR application fee.

Priority Service for ILR applications

You can choose the “priority service” when applying for an ILR as a Spouse to make a faster decision within 5 working days. You will need to pay £500 in addition to the ILR application fee.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application fee

Currently, Home Office (UKVI) fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application is £2,404 per applicant, if you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) using the standard service.

Indefinite leave to remain solicitors in London

Our team of immigration solicitors in London will be able to assist you with any type of Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) application.