UK family visas
Settlement (ILR) after a UK partner visa
Most people on a UK partner visa can apply to settle after 5 years of continuous residence on that visa. Settlement is called indefinite leave to remain, or ILR.
- Usual route
- 5 years on a family visa as a partner
- Tests
- Life in the UK test and English
- Income
- Usually £29,000 for newer cases
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- People who plan to live in the UK permanently
- Partners on a family visa who want to plan the path in advance
- Couples who want to know what changes between the first visa and settlement
The basics
What the UK looks for
- 5 continuous years on a family visa as a partner. Time as a fiancé(e) does not count
- The Life in the UK test and the required level of English
- The income requirement, with lower figures for some older cases
- Time on other visas generally does not count towards the 5 years
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. GOV.UK: ILR as a partner
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- Long absences from the UK can break continuity
- The government has said it wants to change settlement rules. Check the current position before you plan
- Keep your evidence organised from the first year, not the fifth
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
A consultation tells you where you stand, and what to do first.
Book a consultationFAQs
Settlement (ILR) questions
Are the settlement rules changing?
The UK government has announced plans to change how settlement works. The rules that apply to you depend on when you apply, so check the current position before you rely on any timeline.
Let's map your global pathway
A first consultation covers eligibility, realistic timelines, total cost and the tax consequences of the move. You leave with a written plan, not a brochure.