Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Spouse Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – Settle in the UK with Confidence

If you’ve been living in the UK on a Spouse Visa for 5 continuous years, you could now be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is a key step toward permanently settling in the UK, with full access to work, study, and travel benefits.

At Push Legal Services, we help couples smoothly transition from a Spouse Visa to ILR with expert, friendly support every step of the way.

Are You Eligible for ILR?

You may qualify if:

You’ve completed 5 years (60 months) on a Spouse/Partner Visa (5-year route)
Your relationship with your British or settled partner is ongoing
You meet the financial requirement – currently £29,000 per year (as of April 2024)
You have suitable accommodation
You meet the English language requirement
You have passed the Life in the UK Test
You have not breached immigration laws and meet the good character requirement

Why Apply for ILR?

ILR gives you:

Permanent residency without time limits
The ability to work, study, and run a business freely
Access to public funds (if needed)
Freedom to travel in and out of the UK
A pathway to British citizenship (after 12 months)

When Can You Apply?

Apply up to 28 days before completing your 5-year period. Don’t wait until your visa expires!

Key Requirements Explained:

1
Relationship
You must still be with the same partner who supported your original application.
2
Financial
Meet the minimum income of £29,000/year (various sources of income allowed).
3
Accommodation
Show you have suitable housing.
4
English Language
Prove knowledge via an approved English test or degree taught in English.
5
Life in the UK Test
Required unless you're under 18, over 65, or medically exempt.

Time Spent Outside the UK

There is no strict rule on time spent abroad, but long absences must be explained. Your intention must be to live permanently in the UK. Avoid Common Mistakes, Applications can be refused for:

Applying too early or late
Missing income or document requirements
Submitting incorrect or incomplete information
Relationship breakdown
Serious immigration or criminal issues

Processing Times

1
Standard service
Up to 6 months
2
Priority service
1 working day (additional fee)

Need Help with Your ILR Application?

Let our experienced immigration team support you with a complete, accurate application so you can get approved with confidence.

Take the next step in your UK journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you! Here’s the fully updated FAQ section with the corrected minimum income requirement of £29,000 for a UK Spouse Visa and ILR:

Am I eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
You may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years on a Spouse Visa, provided the following requirements are met:
Minimum income requirement: You and your spouse must meet the financial threshold—currently £29,000 per year, with higher amounts required if you have dependent children.

Compliance with immigration laws: You must have maintained continuous lawful residence in the UK and not breached any immigration conditions.

Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement (typically at least B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Biometric data submission: You will need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) during the application process.

If you're applying for ILR from a different visa route, such as a Skilled Worker visa, different criteria apply—such as a higher or occupation-specific salary threshold and separate continuous residence requirements.
To ensure your eligibility and submit a strong application, it’s highly recommended to seek professional immigration advice.
Will marrying a British Citizen allow me to enter the UK?
Yes. If you are a non-EEA or non-Swiss national and you marry a British Citizen or someone with settled status in the UK, you can apply for a UK Spouse Visa to join your partner in the UK.

However, marriage alone is not enough. The Home Office rigorously checks for genuine relationships and screens for marriage fraud or “sham marriages.” You must provide comprehensive evidence of your relationship.

Additionally, you must meet key requirements like the £29,000 minimum income threshold, suitable accommodation, and English language proficiency.
How can Push Legal Services (PLS) help with my ILR application?
At Push Legal Services, we offer comprehensive legal support to guide you through the ILR application process from a Spouse Visa. Our experienced immigration lawyers ensure your application is accurate, complete, and well-supported. Here's what we do:

Eligibility Check – We assess your specific situation to confirm if you're ready to apply.

Document Preparation – We help you gather, organise, and review all necessary documents, addressing any gaps or concerns early.

Application Completion – We professionally complete your ILR application, ensuring it meets all Home Office standards.

Letter of Representation – One of our expert lawyers will write a strong legal cover letter outlining the merits of your application and referencing relevant immigration law.

Home Office Communication – We can deal with the Home Office directly on your behalf, answering any questions that arise.

Test Preparation – We support you in preparing for the Life in the UK and English Language tests, if required.

Relationship Evidence – We guide you in compiling sufficient evidence to prove that your marriage or relationship is genuine and subsisting.

📞 Call us now on 0333 0124 253 or make an online enquiry to book a consultation with our immigration team.

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