Under the current immigration rules, there is no specific “ILR Dependant Visa” route in the UK.
However, several dependant visa categories provide a pathway to ILR after meeting the qualifying residence period as well as some additional requirements.
In this blog we will explain the Dependant visa routes that lead to ILR and the requirements for successful applications for dependent partners.
Is there an ILR Dependant visa?
No, there is no specific ILR Dependant visa. However, several dependant visa types provide clear pathways to permanent settlement or ILR in the UK.
Which Dependant visas lead to ILR?
The following Dependant visa types can enable eligible applicants to obtain ILR in the UK:
- Some of the Points-Based System (PBS) Dependant visa routes. For example:
- Skilled Worker Dependant visa
- Global Talent visa
- Innovator Founder visa
- Family visa (Spouse/Partner of a British citizen or settled person)
What are the requirements for dependant partners to obtain ILR?
To successfully apply for ILR as a dependant partner, you must meet the following key requirements:
1. Relationship requirements
- You must hold a valid visa as the dependant partner of someone who is settled in the UK or a British citizen.
- You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner (married, in a civil partnership or living together as an unmarried couple).
- You and your partner must intend to continue living together permanently in the UK.
2. Residency period
- You must have completed the required qualifying period in the UK, which depends on your visa type. For example, as a dependant partner under the Skilled Worker visa route, you must complete 5 years of continuous leave as the partner of the relevant Skilled Worker.
- Financial requirements
- You and your partner must meet or exceed the financial requirements set by UK immigration rules.
4. English language requirement
- You must prove that you meet the required level of English language proficiency unless you are exempt due to age, disability or nationality (e.g. citizens of majority English-speaking countries).
5. Continuous residence
- You must have continuously lived in the UK during your qualifying period without exceeding permitted absences (e.g. no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period).
6. Good character requirement
- You must meet general suitability criteria, including having no criminal convictions, outstanding NHS debts or breaches of UK immigration laws.
What are the specific ILR requirements for partners under the Family visa route?
If you hold a Family Partner visa (Spouse/Unmarried Partner), you must:
- Hold a valid Family Partner Visa and have completed the required residency period.
- Continue to meet the relationship and financial requirements as assessed during your initial visa application.
What are the specific ILR requirements for partners under PBS-based routes (such as the Skilled Worker visa)?
If you are applying for ILR as a PBS Dependant Partner, you must:
- Have a partner who is already settled in the UK or applying for ILR at the same time.
- Have been living together in the UK for at least 5 years (or less if no specific time limit applies to your visa category).
Updated: 7 February 2025
How Gherson can assist
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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