There are a number of routes available to settlement for partners and family members of British citizens and settled persons in the UK:
- Spouse/Civil Partner
- Unmarried Partner
- Adult Dependent Relative (ADR)
- Unmarried Partner
- Children Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain
Applying for Settlement as a Partner & Family Members:
To apply for ILR as a Spouse, Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner, you will need to show that you have completed 5 years (60 months) in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or settled person.
The strict financial requirement under Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules must be satisfied.
You must meet the higher English Language requirement applicable to settlement applications and pass the Life in the UK test. There are some limited exemptions.
Applying as an ADR or child, you must show you will be adequately financially maintained and accommodated and cared for. You will not be entitled to success to public funds.
You will not need to have passed the English language requirement or pass the Life in the UK test.
Each family settlement category has additional eligibility criteria.
Additional Criteria for Settlement for Partners and Family Member:
Once granted settlement or ILR, there are no limits on the time that you cn remain in the UK.
However, if you leave the UK for more than 2 years your status will end. You may be able to apply for a Returning Resident visa.
In order to qualify for a British passport, you will need to show you have permanent resident status, see our Naturalisation section for the requirements.
English language and the Life in the UK test are not necessary if you are under 18 or 65 years of age or over. There are other limited discretionary criteria which may enable you to be exempt if you can show that it would be unreasonable due to a mental or physical condition. Other exemptions also apply.
How can AIB help?
AiB frequently advise and assist family members to secure settlement in the UK with their British citizen and settled partners.
We can advise you on prospects of success, what you will need to meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules, and can prepare your application so you avoid common mistakes which can result in delays.
AiB provide expert independent assessment of the prospects of qualifying for settlement and a professional preparation service for applications for indefinite leave to enter or remain.
We are approachable, responsive and proactive; taking pride in our commitment to meet the needs of our clients by providing sincere, clear, and reliable immigration advice.
Other ways we can help:
We can also advise you on the following related issues:
- Naturalisation as a British Citizen;
- Indefinite leave to enter as an Adult Dependant Relative;
- Indefinite leave to remain as a Spouse or Civil Partner;
- Indefinite leave to remain as an Unmarried Partner;
- Indefinite leave to enter as a Child;
- Indefinite leave to remain as a Child.