ILR 5 Year Route – Spouse Visa
ILR 5 Year Route - Spouse Visa
Spouse & Family Visa Applications
Supporting Couples and Families Reuniting in the UK — Expert Guidance for Spouse Visas, Partner Visas, and Family Immigration Routes
ILR 5-Year Route – Spouse Visa
Reaching the end of your 5-year spouse or partner visa journey is a huge milestone. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) marks the point where you can finally settle in the UK permanently — free from visa renewals and immigration restrictions.
At The McKenzie Friend, we help you complete your ILR (5-Year Route) application accurately, ensuring every detail of your stay, relationship, and residence history meets Home Office requirements. Our goal is to make your final step toward settlement smooth, stress-free, and successful.
Our mission: To help couples and families achieve permanent settlement with confidence and clarity — turning years of effort into a secure, settled future in the UK.
Who Can Apply Under the 5-Year Route?
This ILR route is designed for applicants who have completed 5 continuous years in the UK on a:
- Spouse Visa
- Civil Partner Visa
- Unmarried Partner Visa (5-Year Route)
- Fiancé/Fiancée Visa followed by Spouse route (combined duration)
Key Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | What You Must Show |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | 5 continuous years in the UK on the partner route with no major breaks. |
| Relationship | Still in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your British or settled partner. |
| Financial Requirement | Minimum combined income of £18,600 (plus £3,800 for first child and £2,400 for each additional child). |
| English Language | Pass the Life in the UK Test and hold an English qualification at B1 CEFR level or higher. |
| Absences from the UK | Must not have spent excessive time abroad — generally under 180 days in any 12-month period. |
Documents You’ll Need
- Passports and BRPs for both partners
- Proof of cohabitation for each 2-year period (bills, tenancy, council tax, NHS letters, etc.)
- Evidence of income (payslips, tax returns, or self-employment documents)
- English language certificate and Life in the UK test pass letter
- Marriage certificate or evidence of long-term partnership
Application Timeline
- Eligibility window: Apply within 28 days before completing 5 years on your visa route.
- Processing time: Usually 8–12 weeks; priority decisions may take as little as 5 working days.
- After approval: You’ll receive an ILR confirmation letter and a biometric residence permit showing “Indefinite Leave to Remain.”
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Missing cohabitation evidence (especially gaps over 6 months)
- Incorrect financial calculations — e.g., self-employed income periods not matching tax year
- Submitting an expired English test certificate
- Applying too early or after visa expiry
Tip: Keep documents from across all 5 years — ideally one piece of correspondence every 4–6 months showing both names at the same address. It’s one of the strongest ways to prove ongoing residence.
Benefits of Obtaining ILR
- Live and work in the UK without any visa restrictions
- Access NHS services and public funds
- Apply for British Citizenship after 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen)
- Provide stability for your family’s long-term future
How The McKenzie Friend Can Help
We know how much effort goes into building a life in the UK — and how crucial this final step is. Our team provides hands-on, practical support to ensure your ILR application is watertight.
- Comprehensive document review and organisation
- Personalised checklists for your visa route
- Clear explanations of Home Office rules
- Support from application start to decision
“After 5 long years, we finally got our ILR approved. The McKenzie Friend made the process easy and stress-free — everything was checked and submitted perfectly.”
— H. & A. Singh, ManchesterReady to Settle in the UK Permanently?
Your journey to settlement doesn’t have to be stressful. Let our team guide you through the ILR process with clear advice, professional support, and peace of mind. Start your application today and take the final step toward your future in the UK.
Book Your Free Case EvaluationThe McKenzie Friend provides professional immigration support and collaborates with OISC-regulated advisers for complex or appeal-level applications.
Contact
We offer a free 30‑minute consultation to understand your case and recommend next steps.
Office
155 Maybury Road, Woking, Surrey, GU215JR
Contact
info@mckenziefriend.net
Open Hours
Monday-Sunday 9 am - 8 pm
Frequently Asked Questions — ILR (5-Year Route)
Can I apply for ILR earlier than 5 years?
You can submit your ILR application up to 28 days before completing the 5-year period on your partner visa route.
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK Test?
Yes — the Life in the UK Test is mandatory for all ILR applicants aged 18 to 64. It checks your understanding of British culture, history, and values.
What if my income has dropped below £18,600?
Exceptions may apply if you have children or can demonstrate exceptional circumstances. We’ll help you assess whether your case still qualifies.
Can I travel while my ILR application is pending?
No — leaving the UK before a decision is made will automatically withdraw your application. It’s best to wait until approval before travelling.
Do I lose ILR if I leave the UK for a long time?
If you stay outside the UK for more than 2 years continuously, your ILR status may lapse. However, you can apply for a Returning Resident Visa if this occurs.
When can I apply for British Citizenship?
You can apply after holding ILR for 12 months — or immediately if you are married to a British citizen.
Need Guidance with Your ILR Application?
We’ll help you make sure your documents are complete, your forms are accurate, and your application is fully compliant. Speak to our team today to start your ILR process with confidence.
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