Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) After a Spouse Visa

After five years on a UK Spouse Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), otherwise known as citizenship or nationality. This is the moment you finally gain stability and peace of mind in the UK.

ILR gives you the right to stay in the country permanently. You can live, work, study, and travel freely without immigration restrictions.

At AHJ Immigration, we help couples reach this milestone confidently. The ILR process can be complex, but with the right preparation, you can avoid mistakes and delays.

What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain means you have permanent residence in the UK.
It is the final step before applying for British citizenship.

Once approved, you no longer need visa renewals or Home Office sponsorship.
You can also apply for benefits and register to vote, just like a permanent resident.

Who Can Apply for ILR After a Spouse Visa

You can apply for ILR if you have:

• Lived in the UK for five continuous years under a Spouse or Partner Visa.
• Remained married or in a civil partnership during that time.
• Lived together permanently in the UK.
• Met the financial requirement throughout the period.
• Passed the Life in the UK Test and English language requirement (B1 level).

If you have spent long periods outside the UK, your application may be delayed. The Home Office expects that you have made the UK your main home.

When to Apply

You can apply for ILR within 28 days of completing five years in the UK as a spouse or partner.

Do not apply too early or too late. Applying before the five-year point can lead to refusal, and applying after your visa expires can break your lawful residence record.

We help you calculate your exact eligibility date before you start.

Financial Requirement for ILR in 2025

To qualify for ILR after a Spouse Visa, you must still meet the income threshold of £29,000 per year (as updated in 2025).

You can use salary, self-employment, pensions, or savings to meet this rule.
Keep consistent evidence for the full five-year period.

Documents You Will Need

Prepare all documents before applying to avoid delay or refusal.

• Current passport and BRP
• Proof of income (payslips, tax returns, savings statements)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of cohabitation for the last five years (bills, tenancy, letters)
• English test certificate (B1 level)
• Life in the UK Test certificate

The Home Office is strict about accuracy. Small errors or missing dates can cause major problems.

Life in the UK Test

The Life in the UK Test checks your knowledge of British history, values, and culture.
You can book the test online through the official government website.

The test includes 24 questions and lasts 45 minutes.
You need to score at least 75 percent to pass.

If you fail, you can retake the test as many times as needed, but it is best to prepare in advance.

English Language Requirement

You must prove your English at B1 level or above.

You can meet this requirement by:

• Passing a B1 English test from an approved provider, or
• Holding a degree taught in English

If you already met B1 level in a previous visa, you do not need to take another test.

Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you meet the 5-year residence, relationship, and financial criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all evidence and check it against Home Office requirements.

Step 3: Apply Online

Submit your ILR application on GOV.UK and pay the fee.

Step 4: Biometrics Appointment

Attend your UKVCAS appointment to give fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Decisions usually take 8 to 12 weeks, though priority options are available.

ILR Fees for 2025

(Fees verified as of October 2025)

Common ILR Mistakes

• Applying too early or too late
• Missing proof of cohabitation
• Failing to meet financial requirements
• Expired test certificates
• Submitting unclear or mismatched documents

We help applicants avoid these issues through detailed preparation and review.

What Happens After ILR

Once approved, you can stay in the UK indefinitely.

You can also apply for British citizenship after 12 months, if you meet the residence and character requirements.

You will no longer need to pay visa or health surcharge fees.
Your ILR status will be confirmed on a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

How AHJ Immigration Helps

The ILR stage is a big step for every family. Our role is to make sure you meet all requirements and submit a complete application.

Our services include:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Review eligibility and requirements.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Full evidence and document review (deducted from final fees).
• Application preparation: We manage forms, evidence, and communication with the Home Office.
• Follow-up support: We help with BRP collection and next steps toward citizenship.

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

ILR, Settlement British Citizenship FAQs

1. How soon can I apply for ILR after my Spouse Visa?
You can apply within 28 days before completing five years in the UK on a Spouse Visa.

2. Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test?
Yes, unless you are exempt by age or medical condition.

3. Can I lose ILR status?
You can lose ILR if you leave the UK for more than two continuous years or commit serious offences.

4. What if I do not meet the financial requirement?
You may still qualify if there are exceptional circumstances involving family life or hardship.

5. Can I apply for citizenship right after ILR?
You must hold ILR for at least 12 months before applying for British citizenship.

Secure Your Future in the UK

Reaching ILR is a major milestone in your journey. Make sure you get it right the first time.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to book your free 30-minute consultation, or schedule a 1-hour paid session (£120) for a full ILR review.

Let us help you and your family settle in the UK for good.