What is Indefinite Leave to Remain?
If you are a non-UK national who is subject to immigration control, but have lived in the UK legally and continuously for a certain length of time, you may be able to apply for permission to settle in the UK permanently. This is known as Settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). There are different ways to qualify for of ILR and ILR Set (M) is for spouse/partners of a British or settled person in the UK.
Who should Apply for ILR Set (M)?
If you are currently in the UK on a spouse/partner visa (5 year partner route only), and have completed 5 years of contunuous leave, you can apply for ILR to settle in the UK permanently free of immigration control.
When Can I Apply for ILR Set (M)?
If you qualify, the earliest you can apply is 28 days before reaching your 5-year qualfying period.
If you originally switched to the partner route inside the UK, this will be before your current leave expires (as stated on your Biometric Residence Permit).
In all cases, you will need to complete the application online.
How Much does it Cost?
The current Home Office fee for *all ILR applications is £3,029 (*the exception to this being those applying for ILR as a refugee or someone who has been granted humanitarian protection, which currently has NO fee).
You also have the option to speed up your application and get a decision as quickly as 1 working day by choosing the super priority service, the fee for which is an additional £1,000.
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Can I include Children on my Application?
Children under the age of 18 can be included in your application. Dependent children over 18, however cannot apply with you unless they were originally granted leave in this category when they were under 18 and do not live an independent life e.g. They have left home, are married and have a family of their own. Each dependent will cost an additional £3,029 to be added to your application.
What is the Processing Time for ILR Set (M)?
The average processing time to get a decision from the Home Office is 2-3 months (unless you opt for the super priority service as mentioned above).
Delays in your application may occur if you have not provided all the required documents that the Home Office wants to see, or you are required to attend an interview.
What Are the Requirements for ILR Set (M)?
The Financial requirement
In order to satisfy the financial requirement you must meet a minimum income threshold of £18,600.
This threshold increases to £22,400 where you are applying with a dependant child, and then further increments of £2,400 for each additional child.
You can meet this via your spouse/partner's income from employment or self-employment, or your own income. You can also meet this with cash savings over £16,000, pensions, maternity allowances or bereavement benefits received in the UK.
You are exempt from having to meet the minimum income threshold if your spouse/partner is in receipt of specific benefits or allowances. In which case, you will need to provide evidence of adequate maintenance for you and any dependants.
Accomodation
Additionally, you must also have adequate accommodation for you and any dependants that live with you.
The English language requirement
Unless you resided in a country where English is the primary/dominant language e.g. USA or Australia, you will need to demonstrate you have good knowledge of the the English Language.
This can be met by having a degree or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English and recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) otherwise you will need to take a Home Office approved English Language Test at Level B1.
Life In the UK Test
You will also need to pass a Life in the UK Test. Note that the same exemptions for the English Language requirement above also apply.
*Applicants over 65 or have certain disabilities and mental illnesses are exempt from meeting the English Language requirement and passing the Life in the UK Test.
These are the primary requirements but there are many other elements for a successful ILR Set (M) application. There is whole host of information you must provide, and the type of
supporting documents you and your sponsor must include will depend on you and your partner's own circumstances.
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