Settlement under the spouse visa (ILR)

Spouse visa holders may be able to apply for ILR after five years in the UK under the standard route, or after ten years in some circumstances. Settlement removes immigration restrictions, allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK without time limits and paving the way to British citizenship.

Under new Home Office reforms announced in October 2025 (HC 1333), higher financial thresholds and updated suitability checks now apply to all partner and spouse ILR applications submitted from 2026.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for settlement under the spouse visa, you must usually:

• Have lived in the UK for at least five years on a spouse or partner visa.
• Still be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your British or settled partner.
• Meet financial and accommodation requirements. (The minimum income threshold will rise to £34,500 from March 2026.)
• Pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement.
• Show you have complied with visa conditions during your stay.
• Satisfy the Home Office’s new suitability criteria covering previous immigration compliance and conduct.

Application process

• Step 1 – Check eligibility and gather evidence of relationship, finances, accommodation, and language.
   
• Step 2 – Complete and submit the ILR application online.
   
• Step 3 – Upload supporting documents and attend a biometric appointment.
   
• Step 4 – Await a Home Office decision, usually within six months, with a faster service available for a fee.

Common issues

Applications may be refused if evidence is incomplete or financial thresholds are not met. Gaps in lawful residence, insufficient proof of relationship, or failing the Life in the UK or English language tests can also cause problems.

From 2026, stricter scrutiny of relationship evidence and financial documentation will apply under the revised rules.

How we help

We support applicants by:

• Checking eligibility and advising on timing.
• Preparing document checklists and reviewing evidence.
• Drafting and submitting applications.
• Managing Home Office correspondence.
• Advising on next steps, including British citizenship after ILR.

Why choose us

Our solicitors provide clear, practical guidance on settlement applications. We have experience supporting clients through complex financial, relationship, and documentation issues, ensuring applications are as strong as possible.

Contact our immigration solicitors today for expert advice on applying for settlement under the spouse visa.