ILR for Families – How Dependants Can Settle in the UK (2025 Guide)

Help your family settle with you in the UK

After years of living together in the UK, your family deserves the same stability and security you’ve worked hard to achieve. Dependants of Skilled Worker or Family Visa holders can also apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — allowing them to live permanently in the UK.

This 2025 guide explains who qualifies, how dependants can apply, and what families need to prepare for a smooth and successful ILR application.

Who this guide is for

This article is for:

• Partners and children of Skilled Worker Visa holders
• Dependants of those applying for ILR or already settled
• Families who want to stay in the UK permanently together

If your family has lived in the UK with you for several years, this guide will help you plan their path to settlement.

What is ILR for dependants?

Dependants are family members of a person with valid leave to remain, such as a Skilled Worker, Family, or Partner Visa holder.

Once they complete the required time in the UK, dependants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in their own right.

Once approved, they can:

• Stay in the UK permanently without visa renewals
• Work or study freely
• Access healthcare and certain benefits (if eligible)
• Apply for British citizenship after 12 months

Who can apply as a dependant

Eligible family members

You can include:

• Your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner (living together for at least two years)
• Your children under 18
• Children over 18 already living in the UK as dependants

Each dependant must apply for ILR individually once they meet the eligibility requirements.

Key requirements in 2025

Length of residence

Dependants usually qualify for ILR after five continuous years in the UK as your family member.

Children born in the UK can apply for registration as British citizens once at least one parent obtains ILR.

Relationship and cohabitation proof

Dependants must show the relationship is genuine and ongoing. You’ll need to provide:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of cohabitation (e.g. joint bills, tenancy agreements)
• Birth certificates for children

Financial requirement

Dependants applying with the main applicant under the Family route must meet the minimum household income requirement — currently £29,000 per year.

If applying as dependants of a Skilled Worker, financial maintenance is covered by the sponsor.

English language and Life in the UK Test

Partners must pass:

• English language test at B1 level or higher (unless exempt)
• Life in the UK Test

Children under 18 are exempt from both.

Step-by-step process for family ILR applications

Step 1: Check eligibility

Ensure each dependant has lived in the UK for five continuous years and meets the relevant relationship and financial rules.

Step 2: Gather documents

Each family member will need:

• Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Relationship or birth certificates
• Evidence of shared address or family life in the UK
• Financial documents (if applicable)
• Test certificates for partners

Step 3: Apply online

Submit each dependant’s ILR application via the official UK Government website. You can apply at the same time as the main applicant or later.

Step 4: Pay the fees

• Application fee: £2,885 per person
• Biometric enrolment fee: £19.20

Step 5: Attend your biometric appointment

Dependants must provide fingerprints and photographs at a UKVCAS service centre.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

The Home Office typically processes applications within 8 weeks.

Timeline summary

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing relationship evidence

Provide consistent proof covering the full residence period.

Not including all dependants

Each dependant must have a separate application, even when applying as a family unit.

Incorrect or expired test certificates

Ensure partners’ English and Life in the UK tests meet current Home Office standards.

Late applications

Submit before visas expire to maintain lawful status.

What happens after ILR

Once dependants are granted ILR, they:

• Can live in the UK permanently
• No longer need sponsorship or extensions
• May apply for British citizenship after 12 months
• Can work or study freely

Children born after parents receive ILR are usually automatically British if born in the UK.

How AHJ Immigration helps families settle permanently

At AHJ Immigration, we understand how important it is for families to stay together. Our consultants guide you through the process to ensure every family member qualifies and every document is correct.

We help you:

• Review eligibility for each dependant
• Prepare relationship and financial documents
• Submit accurate, compliant ILR applications
• Communicate with the Home Office if needed

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to discuss your family’s ILR application today.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Get a full overview of ILR for families, dependants, and children — including eligibility, documents, and timelines.

Book here:

Or call 0121 828 2224 to book by phone.

Paid 1-hour consultation (£120)

After your free call, you can book a 1-hour consultation where we:

• Review each dependant’s eligibility
• Check relationship and financial documents
• Provide written, step-by-step advice

The £120 fee is deducted from your final application cost if you continue with us.

FAQs

1. Can dependants apply for ILR at the same time as the main applicant?
Yes. They can apply together or later once they complete five years in the UK.

2. What if my child was born in the UK?
If born after you received ILR, your child is automatically British. If born before, they can apply for registration.

3. Do dependants need to pass the Life in the UK Test?
Only partners aged 18 to 64. Children are exempt.

4. Can dependants lose their ILR if they move abroad?
Yes. ILR lapses if they stay outside the UK for more than two consecutive years.

5. What happens if my relationship ends before ILR?
The dependant’s visa may no longer be valid. Seek legal advice immediately to explore other options.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your family’s ILR options and requirements.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed review of each dependant’s documents and written advice.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Review and submission of all ILR applications.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring progress and handling Home Office queries.
6. Decision Phase – Guidance on your results and citizenship planning.

Disclaimer

Fees and requirements are always subject to change as UK immigration is ever-evolving. The information provided is correct at the time of publishing. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest Home Office guidance.

Keep your family’s future secure in the UK

Securing ILR for your family is more than a legal step — it’s a lasting commitment to your shared life in the UK. With professional help, the process can be straightforward and stress-free.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or book your free consultation today.

After your free call, you can book a paid 1-hour consultation (£120) for a detailed family review — and we’ll deduct the fee from your final application cost if you continue with us.

Together, we’ll make your family’s future in the UK permanent.