Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Through Family Routes
You may apply as:
- A partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner)
- A parent of a child settled in the UK
- A child of a parent settled in the UK
- An adult dependent relative
- A dependant on your partner or parent’s work visa
- A dependant under the Innovator Founder route
Who Is Eligible for ILR through Family Routes?
ILR as a Partner (Family Visa)
To qualify for ILR as a partner, you must:
- Have a family visa as a partner
- Have a partner who is settled in the UK or a British citizen
- Have lived in the UK continuously for: 5 years if on the 5-year route 2 years if on the 2-year route 10 years if on the 10-year route
- Have a genuine, ongoing relationship and have lived together with your partner
ILR as a Partner (Dependant on a Work Visa)
To qualify as a dependant partner of a work visa holder, you must:
- Have a partner who is settled or applying to settle in the UK under certain work visas (e.g., Skilled Worker, Tier 1, Global Talent)
- Have been living in the UK as their dependant for at least 5 years (unless exempt)
- Have a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner
ILR as a Parent
To qualify for ILR as a parent, you must:
- Have a child who is settled in the UK or applying to settle
- Have lived in the UK for 5 years on the 5-year route or 10 years on the 10-year route
- Demonstrate sole or shared parental responsibility and meet financial requirements
ILR as a Child
To qualify for ILR as a child, you must:
- Have a parent who is settled or applying to settle in the UK
- If under 18: be living with your parent(s) and be financially supported by them
- If over 18: have been a dependant before turning 18 and still live a dependent life
- Meet English language and Life in the UK Test requirements if over 18
ILR as an Adult Dependent Relative
To qualify as an adult dependent relative, you must:
- Have a UK sponsor who is a settled person and able to support you financially without using public funds
- Be over 18 and have permission to enter the UK as an adult dependent relative
What Are the Financial Requirements for Family ILR?
For the 5-Year Partner Route
- If you first applied for your family visa before 11 April 2024, you and your partner must usually have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year. An additional £3,800 is required for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.
- If you first applied for your family visa on or after 11 April 2024, you and your partner will need to prove you have a combined income of at least £29,000 a year.
- If your partner receives certain disability or carer’s benefits, you only need to meet the ‘adequate maintenance’ test.
For the 2-Year Partner Route
Must show you can support yourself and dependants without relying on public funds
For Parent and Child Applications
- Financial requirements apply for the 5-year route
- No financial requirement for the 10-year route
What Are the English Language and Life in the UK Test Requirements?
Applicants aged 18-64 must:
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Prove English language proficiency at B1 CEFR level (e.g., SELT, degree taught in English)
Some nationalities may be exempt from the English language requirement.
How Do I Apply for ILR through Family Routes?
For Parent and Child Applications
- Check your eligibility and gather the required documents
- Apply online via the official UK government portal (different forms depending on your route)
- Pay the application fee (£3,029 per applicant)
- Book an appointment at UKVCAS for biometrics
- Upload supporting documents online or at your UKVCAS appointment
- Wait for a decision (standard processing is up to 6 months)
Required Documents for Family ILR Applications
- Valid passport
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Proof of income and accommodation
- Proof of residence in the UK with your partner or child
- Life in the UK Test pass notification
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Child-related documents if including dependants
What Are the Processing Times and Fees for Family ILR?
Typical Processing Timeframes
- Standard service: decision within 6 months
- Priority services may be available at additional cost
Application Costs
- Application fee: £3,029 per applicant
- No additional biometric fee
Can I Switch Between Different Family Routes for ILR?
Options for Changing Your Route to Settlement
- Switching between routes (e.g., from partner visa to parent visa) may be possible depending on circumstances
- You cannot apply for ILR from a visitor visa or short-term visa
- Only Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders may have extended Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) options
What Happens After ILR Approval?
Rights and Responsibilities with Indefinite Leave to Remain
After being granted ILR through a family route, you will:
- Be able to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions
- Have access to public funds (if eligible)
- Be eligible to apply for British citizenship after 12 months
- Have full access to healthcare, education, and other UK services
Maintaining Your ILR Status
ILR can be lost if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years
To maintain ILR, you should not spend extended periods outside the UK
If you plan to leave the UK for a long period, consider applying for a Returning Resident visa
How Can I Apply for British Citizenship After Family ILR?
Path from ILR to British Citizenship
After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship if you:
- Have been physically present in the UK for at least 5 years
- Have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK during those 5 years
- Have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
- Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements
- Are of good character
The application fee for citizenship is £1,576 if you’re 18 or over (including citizenship ceremony fee). It costs £1,214 if you’re under 18. Children who turn 18 during the application process will have to pay an extra £130 for a citizenship ceremony.
What Special Considerations Apply to Children with ILR?
Children's Path to Settlement and Citizenship
- Children over 18 applying as dependants must meet additional criteria (e.g., English test)
- Children born in the UK to parents with ILR are automatically British citizens
- Children who have lived in the UK for the first 10 years of their life can register as British citizens
- Children granted ILR can apply for British citizenship without waiting 12 months if they have a British citizen parent
Latest Family Visa News
Contact Us
Ready to start your UK journey? Let us guide you through every step of the immigration process with expertise and care.
Meridien House
42 Upper Berkeley Street
W1H 5PW
London, England
+44 7739 699 968
+44 20 3988 0575
contact@lexlegal.com
