ILR for a UK spouse: documents and requirements

If you are applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as the spouse or partner of a person settled in the UK, the core requirements are that you have spent the qualifying period in the UK on a valid family visa as a partner, that you have not breached the continuous residence rules, that you meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test, and that you can prove your relationship and your finances. The documents you need are those that evidence each of these points. The table below sets out the categories of evidence you should prepare, followed by the specific requirements for each.

The qualifying period and continuous residence

The first thing to establish is whether you have completed the qualifying period. If you are on the 5-year route to settlement as a partner, you can usually apply for ILR after you have spent 5 continuous years in the UK on that route. In most cases you must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during that qualifying period. If you think you may have exceeded that limit, you should check how to calculate your continuous residence before you apply, because exceeding the limit can break your continuous residence and delay your application.

The earliest you can apply is 28 days before you have completed the 5 years. Applying earlier can lead to refusal. You should also not wait until your current visa expires; if it expires before you are eligible to apply for ILR, you will need to renew it first.

Relationship evidence

You must prove that your relationship is genuine and subsisting. The Home Office will look for evidence that you are in a civil partnership or marriage that is recognised in the UK, or that you have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply. If you have been in a relationship for at least 2 years but cannot live together, for example because it is illegal in your country, you will need to prove that you have an ongoing commitment to each other.

Evidence of an ongoing commitment can include proof that you communicate regularly, support each other financially, care for any children you have together, and spend time together as a couple, for example on holiday or at events. You should gather documents that show these things: messages or call logs, bank transfers, joint bills or tenancy agreements, and photographs or travel itineraries.

Financial requirement

You will need to prove that you and your partner can support yourselves without relying on public funds. The specific income threshold depends on your circumstances and the route you are on. If your partner is a British citizen, a person with ILR, or a person settled in the UK, the financial requirement for partners applies. You should check the current financial requirement for partners on the official page before you apply, because the threshold can change and the evidence you need to provide depends on it.

Common documents used to evidence income include payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, and if you are self-employed, accounts and tax returns. If you are relying on savings, you will need to show bank statements covering the required period. The exact documents you need depend on how you meet the requirement, so check the official guidance for the financial requirement for partners.

English language and Life in the UK Test

If you are aged 18 to 64, you must meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test. The English language requirement is usually met by having a degree taught in English, or by passing an approved English language test at the required level. The Life in the UK Test is a separate test about British history, culture and everyday life. You must book and pass it before you apply.

You will need to provide your test certificate or degree certificate as evidence. If you are applying as a partner, your partner must also meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test, unless they are exempt. Check the official guidance for exemptions if you or your partner think you may be exempt.

Documents you will need to submit

The table below summarises the categories of evidence you should prepare. The exact documents depend on your circumstances, but these are the main categories.

Requirement	What you need to prove	Typical documents
Identity and immigration status	You are who you say you are and have valid leave	Current passport, previous passports, BRP or eVisa
Relationship	Genuine and subsisting relationship	Marriage or civil partnership certificate, joint tenancy or mortgage, joint bills, correspondence, photos, messages
Financial requirement	You can support yourselves without public funds	Payslips, bank statements, employment contract, self-assessment tax returns, savings statements
English language	You meet the English requirement	Degree certificate or approved English test certificate
Life in the UK	You have passed the test	Life in the UK Test pass certificate
Continuous residence	You have not exceeded the absence limit	Travel records, passport stamps, boarding passes

Applying and what happens next

You must apply online for ILR. You can include your partner and children on the same application form if they are eligible. You must be in the UK to apply. Once you have started the application, you can save it and complete it later.

After you apply, you will be asked to make an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). You will also need to submit your supporting documents, either by uploading them into the online service or by having them scanned at your appointment. Any children aged 6 or over must provide biometric information if you are applying for them on your form.

The fee for ILR is £3,226 for each person applying. There is no fee for biometric information. You will usually get a decision within 6 months if you use the standard service. You can pay an extra £1,000 to use the super priority service, which gives a decision by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday, or 2 working days after if your appointment is at the weekend.

You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

What to do next and what to verify

Before you apply, check the official GOV.UK pages for the current financial requirement for partners and the current English language requirement, because these can change. Also check the official page for ILR as a partner to confirm the qualifying period and any specific evidence requirements for your route. If you are unsure whether you meet the continuous residence requirement, use the official guidance to calculate your time in the UK.

Prepare your documents in advance, upload them to the online service, and attend your biometric appointment. If your application is refused, the decision letter will explain what you have been offered instead, and you may still be able to stay in the UK on a different basis.