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
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.
( Status ) Current leave as a parent
- 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
( Residence ) 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
( Relationship ) Genuine, subsisting partnership
- Ongoing relationship with your British/settled partner.
- * Cohabitation & shared-life evidence
- * Explain any address/name changes
( Financial ) 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
( KOLL ) 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
( Suitability ) 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.
Identity & status
- * Current & previous passports (if available)
- * BRP/eVisa and previous partner grants under Appendix FM
- * Any Home Office correspondence or reference numbers
Relationship
- * Evidence of a genuine, subsisting partnership
- * Cohabitation proofs across the qualifying period (e.g., tenancy/council tax)
- * Joint finances or shared responsibilities (where applicable)
Residence
- * Address history covering the partner route period
- * Travel history where relevant; explanations for any gaps
- * Name/address change evidence if applicable
Financial (if applicable)
- * Salary route: payslips, bank statements, employer letter
- * Self-employed: accounts, tax returns, accountant letter
- * Savings: statements covering the qualifying period
KOLL
- * Life in the UK test reference number
- * English at B1 (SELT) or accepted degree/ECCTIS confirmation
- * Exemption evidence (age/medical) if relevant
Other supporting
- * Letters supporting explanations/mitigation (where needed)
- * Translations for non-English documents
- * Any additional evidence requested by UKVI
How your Spouse/Partner ILR application runs
Step 1 - Qualifying date & status check
Confirm 60 months on the partner route, same partner, and valid leave under Appendix FM at the date of application.
Step 2 - Evidence strategy
Plan relationship and residence proofs; confirm if financial requirement applies or an exemption/adequate maintenance is relevant.
Step 3 - KoLL readiness
Verify Life in the UK pass reference and English at B1 (or exemption) early to avoid delays.
Step 4 - Forms & submission
Complete the ILR partner form, draft legal submissions, confirm fees, and arrange UKVCAS biometrics/ID verification.
Step 5 - Decision & status
Monitor your case, respond to any requests, and advise on your eVisa/BRP and pathway to British citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Time with fiancé/fiancée permission does not count. The qualifying period must be on the partner route under Appendix FM.
Ready to submit your Spouse/Partner ILR?
We’ll confirm eligibility, checklist your evidence, and file a decision-ready application.