ILR for Spouse and Partner Visa Holders – 2025 Guide

Build a permanent future together in the UK

If you came to the UK on a Spouse or Partner Visa, your goal may be more than just living together — it’s about building a life here. After five years of residence, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the step that lets you and your partner stay permanently in the UK.

This guide explains everything you need to know about ILR for spouses and partners in 2025 — including eligibility, required documents, and how to prepare your application properly.

Who this guide is for

This article is for:

• People currently on a Spouse or Partner Visa
• British citizens or settled partners supporting an ILR application
• Couples planning for long-term residence in the UK

If your 5-year partner visa is coming to an end, this guide will help you plan your ILR application with clarity and confidence.

What is ILR for spouses and partners?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows a spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person to live permanently in the UK.

Once granted, you can:

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

Key eligibility requirements in 2025

Length of residence

You must have lived in the UK for five continuous years as a spouse or partner.
Your visa route must have been under the 5-year route, not the 10-year human rights route.

Relationship requirements

Your relationship must still be genuine and ongoing. You’ll need to show:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of cohabitation (e.g. bills, tenancy agreements, bank statements in both names)
• Evidence that you live together in the UK

Financial requirement

You and your partner must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year (as of 2025).

This can come from:

• Employment income
• Self-employment
• Pensions
• Savings (over £16,000, calculated under Home Office formula)

English language and Life in the UK Test

You’ll need to pass:

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

Good character requirement

You must not have breached immigration laws, committed criminal offences, or been absent from the UK for extended periods without reason.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Confirm that you’ve completed five years in the UK under a valid spouse or partner visa.

Step 2: Gather your documents

You’ll need:

• Passports and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of shared living arrangements
• Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, P60s)
• Life in the UK and English test certificates

Step 3: Apply online

Submit your ILR (Spouse or Partner) application through the UK Government website before your current visa expires.

Step 4: Pay the fees

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

Step 5: Attend your biometric appointment

Provide fingerprints, photos, and submit supporting evidence at a UKVCAS centre.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

Most ILR (spouse) applications are processed within 8 weeks, though priority services are available.

Timeline summary

Common mistakes to avoid

Missing financial documents

Incomplete or mismatched payslips and bank statements are a common reason for delay.

Insufficient relationship evidence

Provide consistent proof showing you live together across the full 5-year period.

Outdated English language test

Ensure your test provider is on the approved Home Office list.

Applying late

Apply before your visa expires to maintain continuous lawful residence.

After ILR – What’s next

Once you receive ILR, you can:

• Live in the UK indefinitely
• Apply for British citizenship after 12 months
• Include dependants in their own ILR applications
• Travel freely without visa conditions

If you spend more than two consecutive years outside the UK, you may lose ILR, so maintain residence.

How AHJ Immigration helps couples settle permanently

At AHJ Immigration, we understand that every relationship and application is unique. We take the time to understand your situation and prepare a complete, compliant ILR submission.

We help you:

• Check eligibility under the 5-year route
• Gather correct financial and relationship evidence
• Review all documents before submission
• Communicate with the Home Office where required

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to speak with our immigration team today.

Book your consultation

Free 30-minute consultation

Get an overview of ILR for spouses and partners, including eligibility and documentation requirements.

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 for in-depth guidance. We will:

• Review your relationship and financial documents
• Confirm eligibility and success prospects
• Provide written, step-by-step advice

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

FAQs

1. When can I apply for ILR as a spouse or partner?
After completing five continuous years in the UK under the 5-year route.

2. Can I include children in my application?
Yes. Dependant children can apply for ILR at the same time if they meet requirements.

3. What if I fail the financial requirement?
You may switch to the 10-year route or seek advice before reapplying.

4. Can I apply if my relationship ended?
No. The relationship must be genuine and ongoing at the time of application.

5. Does this route lead to British citizenship?
Yes. You can apply for citizenship 12 months after obtaining ILR.

Our process

1. Free Consultation – Overview of your eligibility and ILR route.
2. Paid Consultation – Detailed review of your relationship and financial documents.
3. Gathering Documents – Templates, checklists, and consultant support.
4. Application Stage – Review and submission of your ILR application.
5. Waiting Phase – Monitoring and communication with the Home Office.
6. Decision Phase – Guidance on your result 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.

Settle permanently with your partner in the UK

Applying for ILR as a spouse or partner is one of the most meaningful steps in your life together. With careful preparation and professional guidance, you can achieve settlement and plan your next chapter with confidence.

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

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

Your life in the UK together deserves permanence. Let’s make it official.