Indefinite Leave to remain (ILR) as an Unmarried Partner Visa

If you have continuously resided in the UK for continuous period of 5 years as an unmarried partner, you may be eligible to apply for settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Applications for ILR will have to be lodged under the Appendix FM of the Immigration rules. You will need to apply with the SET (M) application form.

If you have continuously resided in the UK for continuous period of 5 years as an unmarried partner, you may be eligible to apply for settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Applications for ILR will have to be lodged under the Appendix FM of the Immigration rules. You will need to apply with the SET (M) application form.

You must show that you have remained in a subsisting relationship with your unmarried partner. The “sponsor” of the application is usually the holder of either British nationality of Indefinite leave to Remain. The general requirements for ILR are that the applicant must;

-              Be in a subsisting relationship with the sponsor;

-              Earn at least £18,600, which may be more if there are non-British or European Children applying too;

-              Have suitable accommodation in the UK;

-              Meet the knowledge of English language and life in the UK;

-              Meet the suitability requirements which include no criminal convictions

This application can be submitted either by post or on the same day service. The Home Office will issue indefinite leave to remain on a biometrics residence card which has an expiry date so that the picture can be renewed at a later date.

Depending on the nationality of the sponsor, the applicant can apply to naturalise as British in 12 months. In some instances, this 12 months may be reduced to a single day if the sponsor is British. Please see of naturalisation page for any further information on naturalisation or call one of our lawyers.

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