If you are residing in the UK on a Spouse Visa, you may want to consider pursuing Indefinite Leave to Remain before your visa period ends. It will allow you to live permanently in the UK without time constraints or work restrictions from UK Visas and Immigration.
You also need ILR to be eligible for British Citizenship. One of the key requirements for ILR is 5 years of legal stay in the UK, which the Spouse Visa can provide, with an initial 2 years and 9 months of stay and a further 2 years and 6 months with an extension.
QC Immigration can assist you in your ILR application. Different routes can be taken through the Spouse Visa, as well as additional requirements that must be met. We will make sure that you meet all the requirements and can prove that you do so in a well-presented application.
The 5-year route
The 5-year route to ILR through a Spouse Visa allows spouses who have met their visa requirements through their stay to pursue an Indefinite Leave to Remain status.
There are further requirements that must be met to successfully apply for ILR, including both the Life in the UK Test and proof that you have good knowledge of the English language – unless you are exempt.
The 5-year route through a Spouse Visa is popular. Having submitted numerous applications from clients in a wide array of circumstances, we are confident that we can provide you with the guidance that you need.
The 10-year route
The 10-year route to ILR through a Spouse Visa is a less common route for those who may not meet the requirements for 5-year ILR but should remain in the UK due to compelling reasons.
They must be able to prove that there are exceptional circumstances, such as a child who is settled in the UK, insurmountable obstacles or other humanitarian or ethical issues that would arise if the family had to move outside of the UK.
A strong case is needed to justify an approval under this 10-year route, so it is highly advisable to seek legal assistance.
Additional fees when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain through a Spouse Visa
ILR through Spouse Visa Fees are £1,538 as of April 6th 2022. There may also be an additional fee if you have dependants who are also applying for ILR.
You must also consider other additional fees such as legal fees, priority service fee and any official translations of documents, if required.
Why you need a strong application
The Home Office wants an application that clearly and concisely highlights your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain through a Spouse Visa. An overly complicated application may lead to your caseworker to wrongly reject your application, leading to a time consuming and expensive or appeal.
Presenting a well-written application form can be as important to the success of your application as meeting all of the ILR requirements, so make sure that you get proper support to increase your chances of success.
Working with QC Immigration
We are an award-winning immigration law firm, with a well-trained and multi-lingual team. Through decades of combined experience, we know what it takes to succeed when submitting ILR applications for those who have resided in the UK on a Spouse Visa, and will be able to provide tailored, helpful, and actionable guidance.
You can click here to book your initial consultation today or send an enquiry.
More guidance on Spouse Visa:
- Spouse Visa
- Spouse Visa 5-Year Route
- Spouse Visa 10-Year Route
- Spouse Visa Application
- Spouse Visa Appeal
- Spouse Visa Lawyers’ Fees
- Spouse Visa UK Cost & Fees
- Spouse Visa Consultants
- Spouse Visa Guidance
- Spouse Visa Refusal Letter
- Spouse Visa Proof of Relationship
- Spouse Visa Mistakes in Application
- Spouse Visa: Separation or Divorce
