Settlement for Partners and Family Members in the UK

The UK offers several pathways to settlement for partners and family members of British citizens and settled individuals, including routes for Spouses or Civil Partners, Unmarried Partners, Adult Dependent Relatives, and Children.

Main Eligibility Requirements for Settlement for Partners and Family Members

To qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK under the Spouse, Civil Partner, or Unmarried Partner route, you must have completed 5 years (60 months) living in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or settled person. Additionally, you must meet the stringent financial requirements outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Unless exempt, you must also satisfy a higher English language proficiency requirement applicable to settlement applications and pass the Life in the UK test.

For those applying under the Adult Dependent Relative or Child route, you must demonstrate that you can be adequately supported, accommodated, and cared for without relying on public funds. There is no English language requirement for these categories, nor is it necessary to pass the Life in the UK test.

Each family-related settlement category also has specific additional eligibility criteria, summarized below.

Additional Information on Settlement for Partners and Family Members

Once granted ILR:

• You can reside in the UK indefinitely without any time restrictions.

• Your settled status may lapse if you are absent from the UK for more than 2 years. To return, consider applying for a Returning Resident visa if your ILR has lapsed.

• Obtaining ILR is a crucial step towards qualifying for British citizenship through Naturalisation, which requires settlement in the UK.

Exemptions to the English language and Life in the UK test include individuals under 18 or over 65 years old. The Home Office also has discretionary powers to waive these requirements based on specific mental or physical conditions, among other exemptions.

For personalised guidance, consulting with an immigration lawyer is advisable.