ILR After Spouse Visa UK:
Your Pathway to Settlement

If you’re living in the UK on a Spouse or Partner visa, you’ve likely wondered, “When can I finally call the UK my permanent home?” For many, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the last big step – unlocking long-term stability, work freedom, and, eventually, a route to British citizenship.

Indefinite Leave to Remain is the UK’s version of permanent settlement. It means you are no longer restricted by visa conditions and can live, work, or study without limits. For those on the Spouse visa route, ILR is the logical next milestone after holding temporary status.

In most cases, you’ll be eligible to apply for ILR after five years (60 months) on the 5-year Spouse/Partner route.

Here’s how the path usually unfolds:

• Your first Spouse visa is typically granted for 33 months (if applied outside the UK) or 30 months (if applied within the UK).
• You’ll extend via FLR(M) for another 30 months.
• Once you’ve held qualifying leave for a full five years, you can apply for ILR using the SET(M) form.

While reviewing your application for the ILR the immigration officer will look closely at a few key things.

You will need to:

• Prove five years of continuous residence in the UK under the spouse/partner route.
• Show your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
• Meet the financial requirement (often the £18,600 or £29,000 threshold, depending on when you started your route).
• Demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Pass the Life in the UK Test.
• Have no serious criminal convictions or major breaches of Immigration Rules.

• Passports and current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Letters, bills, or official documents proving you’ve lived together throughout the five years.
• Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, or combined income).
• Evidence of continued relationship: For example, marriage certificate, joint bank accounts, council tax bills, rental agreements, or children’s birth certificates, where relevant.

A common pitfall is the timing. You can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before you actually reach the five-year qualifying date but applying too early is a common mistake one of the most common causes of needless refusals Double-check the timing, line up your evidences and be cautious about applying so you don’t risk a refusal or forced repeat extension.

Once ILR is granted, you’ll enjoy all the rights of a settled person. After 12 months, you’ll generally be eligible to apply for British citizenship, completing your journey from spouse or partner to permanent member of the UK community.

Many couples find paperwork and timing very stressful. The SmartMove2UK team can review your case, help you gather proof, and guide you through the online SET(M) form so your transition to ILR is as seamless as possible.

Reach out to The SmartMove2UK.

Our UK Spouse Visa Consultant are just a message away and ready to guide you.