UK Settlement – Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

UK Settlement Indefinite Leave to Remain

Ready to apply for permanent settlement in the UK? Thai Visa Express UK helps applicants already living in the UK prepare applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Our UK office handles in-country UK applications and is regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), registration number F200700163. Paul Aslett has provided UK immigration advice since 2007.

What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a form of UK settlement. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit on your permission to stay, subject to the rules governing that status.

A spouse or partner visa normally provides limited permission to stay. It does not grant permanent settlement immediately. You must complete the qualifying period and meet the settlement requirements before applying for ILR.

ILR is also different from British citizenship. Becoming a British citizen requires a separate application and assessment.

When Can You Apply for UK Settlement?

The qualifying period depends on your immigration route. Many spouse and partner applicants qualify under the five-year route, while others are on a ten-year route.

For a partner or parent family-route settlement application, you can normally apply up to 28 days before completing the required qualifying period. Applying too early can lead to refusal.

We check your previous visa decisions, UK arrival date and immigration history to establish your route and the appropriate application date.

If you are not yet eligible for settlement, you may need to extend your spouse or partner visa through FLR(M) first.

UK Settlement Requirements for Spouses and Partners

The requirements depend on your route and circumstances. We review:

• Your qualifying residence and previous grants of permission.
• Your partner’s immigration status.
• Evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing.
• Your intention to continue living together permanently in the UK.
• The financial and accommodation requirements applicable to your route.
• The English-language and Life in the UK requirements, including any exemptions.
• Your immigration history and the relevant suitability requirements.

For official guidance, see GOV.UK: settlement as a partner on a family visa.

What Documents Will You Need?

We provide a checklist tailored to your application. Documents may include:

• Your current passport and relevant previous passports.
• Evidence of your immigration status and previous Home Office decisions.
• Your partner’s passport or evidence of their status.
• Your marriage or civil partnership certificate, where applicable.
• Correspondence showing that you and your partner live together.
• Financial evidence required for your route, such as payslips, bank statements, pension evidence or self-employment documents.
• Evidence of your accommodation.
• Your Life in the UK Test result and English-language evidence, unless exempt.

Evidence That You Live Together

Collect dated correspondence addressed to you jointly, or individually at the same address, spread across the period requested by your settlement application.

Useful evidence includes council tax bills, utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, mortgage statements and government or NHS letters.

The period requested for settlement can differ from an FLR(M) extension checklist. We check the specific requirements for your application before selecting the documents.

English Language and Life in the UK Test

Most adult applicants must meet the applicable English-language requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test, unless an exemption applies.

We check the English level required on your intended application date and whether your existing qualification can be used. Do not assume that a test accepted for an earlier visa will automatically meet your settlement requirements.

Read the official guidance on proving your knowledge of English and the Life in the UK Test.

Our UK Settlement Application Service

Our service includes:

• An assessment of your eligibility, route and application timing.
• A personalised supporting-document checklist.
• Review of your relationship, residence, financial and accommodation evidence.
• Preparation of the online application.
• Submission after you approve the completed application.
• Assistance with supporting-document uploads and biometric arrangements.
• Advice on any further information requested by the Home Office.

How Much Does Our Service Cost?

Our professional fee for a standard ILR application is £995.

Home Office application fees, chargeable biometric appointments, optional priority services, tests and translations are additional where applicable.

We explain the scope of our service and payment terms in a client care letter before you instruct us. If your case requires additional work, we discuss any different fee in advance.

What If You Are Not Yet Eligible for ILR?

If you have not completed the qualifying period or cannot meet a requirement, contact us before your current permission expires. We can assess whether an extension or another eligible application is appropriate.

See our UK spouse and partner visa extension service for further information.

Contact Thai Visa Express UK

For help with a settlement application from inside the UK:

WhatsApp: 07493 269875
Email: info@thaivisaexpress.co.uk

Please provide your current visa type, expiry date, the date you first entered the UK on your family visa and details of any previous extensions.

Applying to join your partner from overseas? Overseas visa enquiries are handled by our separate Thai Visa Express Thailand office.

This page provides general guidance. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the rules in force when you apply. Visa and settlement decisions are made by the Home Office; no outcome can be guaranteed.