Spouse Visa to ILR: Master the 5- & 10-Year Routes

Spouse Visa to ILR at a Glance: 5-Year vs 10-Year

The partner route under Appendix FM leads to settlement. Your path depends on whether you meet the financial and English requirements consistently.

• 5-year route: For couples meeting the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) and English from the start. ILR after 60 months on the partner route.
• 10-year route: For couples granted leave under family life (EX.1 or exceptional circumstances) where MIR isn’t met or there are other issues. ILR after 10 years’ continuous residence (with at least 1 year on the relationship basis before applying).

As of 2025, the MIR for partner visas is £29,000 for most new applications, with lower thresholds applying in certain extension scenarios (Gov.uk guidance).

Eligibility Essentials: What You Must Prove

Relationship and Genuineness

You must show a genuine and subsisting relationship. You can be married, in a civil partnership, or in a durable partnership (cohabiting for 2+ years when you first applied) (Gov.uk partner guidance).

Evidence patterns that work:

• Marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable).
• Cohabitation evidence: joint tenancy/mortgage, council tax, utilities, joint bank statements, government/medical letters to the same address.
• Evenly spaced post addressed to you both (or separately but to the same address).
• Photos/travel are supportive only; the Home Office prefers official correspondence.

Financial Requirement vs Adequate Maintenance

5-year route (MIR): Most new partner applications must meet the £29,000 income threshold. Some extensions with the same partner may still be assessed at £18,600 under earlier rules—check the current page for your scenario (Gov.uk income proof).

• Children add-ons (entry clearance/new apps): +£3,800 for the first child, +£2,400 for each further child (Gov.uk).
• Specified evidence (Appendix FM-SE): Payslips, bank statements, employer letters; self-employment accounts and HMRC docs must match the category used.
• Cash savings (Category D): Only savings over £16,000 count. To cover a shortfall: shortfall × 2.5 + £16,000.

10-year route (adequate maintenance): If the sponsor receives certain disability benefits (e.g., PIP, Carer’s Allowance), the test is adequate maintenance. The Home Office uses the formula A – B ≥ C, where A is net income/funds, B is housing costs, and C is the Income Support level for your household (Home Office financial requirement guidance; see also Gov.uk ILR partner).

Policy watch: The Migration Advisory Committee reviewed MIR methodology and thresholds in 2025; keep an eye on government updates and commentary (Government review; MAC 2025 summary).

Quick savings example: If your income is £2,000 short of MIR annually, the savings needed are £2,000 × 2.5 + £16,000 = £21,000. Only the portion above £16,000 counts.

English Language and Life in the UK Test

• Entry: A1 English (some cases).
• Extension: A2 English (after 2.5 years).
• ILR: B1 English plus the Life in the UK Test (ages 18–64) (Gov.uk).
• Exemptions: age, disability, or exceptional circumstances; nationals of majority English-speaking countries for English only.

Not sure which tests you need? See our guide: Life in the UK Test and B1: Do You Need Both in 2025? and how to choose an approved exam: B1 English Test for ILR Citizenship.

Beat test anxiety: Prepare early with the Life in the UK Test App—full handbook, 650+ questions, Brit-Bear smart assistant, realistic mock tests, Hard Mode, and an in-app readiness score to know when you’re exam-ready.

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Continuous Residence and Absences

There’s no 180-day cap on the partner route. However, you must primarily live together in the UK and intend to settle. Long trips are fine if you maintain a joint home and can evidence cohabitation across the period.

Timelines: How Long Each Route Takes

The 5-Year Route Step-by-Step

1. Entry clearance or in-country switch to a partner visa.
2. 30 months: Apply to extend with FLR(M). Use the eligibility window in the final 28 days of your leave.
3. 60 months: Apply for ILR using SET(M) when you hit five years on the partner route.
4. After ILR: You may qualify for citizenship after 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen), subject to residence and good character.

The 10-Year Route Explained

This route applies where you’re granted leave on family life grounds (e.g., EX.1—insurmountable obstacles to family life abroad, child’s best interests) and you don’t meet MIR or other rules. Standards of evidence remain high: detailed relationship proof, living arrangements, and any compassionate factors. ILR requires 10 years’ lawful residence, and at least 1 year of leave based on your relationship before applying (Gov.uk ILR partner).

Switching from 10-Year to 5-Year

You can move onto the 5-year route at your next application once you meet MIR and English. Time already spent on the 10-year route generally does not count towards the 60 months needed for 5-year ILR—your “clock” for SET(M) starts from the grant of 5-year route leave.

Don’t Reset the Clock by Mistake

• Switching to an unrelated route (e.g., Skilled Worker) resets your partner-route 5-year clock.
• Gaps in leave/overstaying: Apply in time. If you miss a deadline, paragraph 39E may protect you only in limited circumstances—include evidence and an explanation.
• Route continuity: Keep the same partner route where possible to preserve accrued time.

Documents and Evidence Checklist for ILR

Cohabitation: 2 Years of Proof

Provide at least 6 items of post from 3+ different sources, addressed to both of you jointly or in single names to the same address, evenly spaced over the last 2 years.

• Council tax bills
• Utility bills (gas/electricity/water)
• Bank/credit card statements
• HMRC or DWP letters
• GP/NHS letters
• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statements
• Insurance letters (home/car)

Guidance: submit official letters from government, banks, landlords or medical professionals confirming you live together and share expenses (Gov.uk).

Money Matters: Payslips, Self-Employment and Savings

• Category A/B (employment): 6 or 12 months’ payslips + matching bank statements + employer letter. Ensure the payslip window matches statements.
• Self-employed: Company accounts, SA302s, Tax Year Overviews, dividend vouchers; align with Appendix FM-SE.
• Category D savings: Savings held for 6+ months. Formula: shortfall × 2.5 + £16,000.
• Mixing categories: Limited combinations are allowed; follow Appendix FM-SE exactly.

English B1 and Life in the UK Test: Pass First Time

1. Book early: Secure a B1 SELT and a Life in the UK Test date 2–3 months before your ILR window.
2. Study smart: Use the Life in the UK Test App for complete handbook content, 650+ questions with explanations, and Hard Mode mock tests.
3. Track readiness: Aim for a 90%+ readiness score before test day.
4. Proof: Keep your pass notification letter/email for upload with your ILR application.

New to the test? Start with our guides: How to Prepare for Life in the UK Test and B1 English Test for ILR.

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How to Apply for ILR

Which Form? SET(M) vs Family Life (10-Year)

• SET(M): Use this online form if you’re on the 5-year partner route and have completed 60 months.
• Family Life (SET(FP)) online route: Use this if you’re on the 10-year partner/family life route and meet the 10-year residence requirement (and 1+ year on the relationship basis).

Fees, IHS, Biometrics and Uploads

• ILR fee: Pay the application fee online (no Immigration Health Surcharge for ILR). See up-to-date figures: ILR Application Fee 2025.
• Priority options: Standard, Priority, Super Priority (availability varies).
• UKVCAS: Book biometrics and upload documents through UKVCAS after submission.

Processing Times and Priority Options

• Standard: Many decisions are made within up to 6 months.
• Priority: Often within 5 working days after biometrics (capacity dependent).
• Super Priority: Often by the next working day after biometrics.

Avoid Refusals: What Trips People Up

Insufficient Cohabitation Evidence

• Gaps or mismatched addresses: Bridge gaps with credible alternatives (council tax, GP letters, bank statements). Explain periods apart (work travel, refurb, caring duties) in a cover letter.
• Moved home: Include tenancy/mortgage completion letters for each address and utility/council tax bills spanning both.
• Name variations: Provide proof of name change or a letter explaining discrepancies.

Financial Shortfalls and Document Errors

• Wrong payslip window: Make sure payslip dates match bank credits. Include an employer letter confirming employment, gross/net pay, job title, and length of employment.
• Missing bank statements: Provide originals or certified online statements covering every payslip.
• Incorrect savings math: Apply shortfall × 2.5 + £16,000. Savings must be held for 6+ months.
• Self-employment gaps: Include accountant-signed accounts, SA302s and Tax Year Overviews for the correct period.

English or Life in the UK Test Issues

• Fail a test? Rebook immediately (often within days). Submit your ILR application in time to protect your status, then upload the pass result before a decision.
• Mitigation plan: Use frequent mock tests and track your readiness score to avoid costly retests.

Case Studies: Real-World Paths to ILR

Case 1: Straight 5-Year Route Success

Olivia (British) sponsors Amir. Combined income meets MIR via Category A. They submit a cohabitation pack (council tax, joint bank, utilities) and pass B1 + Life in the UK on schedule. They apply with SET(M) at 60 months and receive ILR first time.

Case 2: 10-Year Route Then Switch to 5-Year

Priya initially receives leave on the 10-year route under EX.1 due to a temporary MIR shortfall. Two years later, the couple meets MIR and switches to the 5-year route at the next extension. The 5-year clock starts from the new grant; they reach ILR earlier than waiting the full 10 years.

Case 3: Frequent Travel, No 180-Day Cap

Sam travels for work monthly. The couple keeps a joint UK home and submits evenly spaced co-addressed mail for 24 months. Despite high absences, they demonstrate continuous cohabitation and secure ILR.

Decision Helper: Which Route Am I On?

Quick Route-Check Checklist

1. Do you meet MIR and English? Yes → You should be on or switch to the 5-year route. No → You may be on the 10-year family life route.
2. What does your BRP/email say? Look for references to Appendix FM partner or family life leave.
3. When was your last grant? If granted under MIR rules, count towards 60 months. If family life, consider switching when you meet MIR.
4. Plan your tests: Book B1 + Life in the UK in good time. See our overview: Do You Need Both?

Budgeting the Journey

Total Cost: 5 Years vs 10 Years

• Application fees: Entry clearance/switch, FLR(M), then ILR. See current prices and add-ons: ILR Fee Guide 2025.
• IHS: Payable for visas up to ILR (not for ILR itself).
• Tests: B1 English + Life in the UK.
• Translations: Certified translations where documents aren’t in English.
• Professional help: Optional solicitor fees.

Tip: The 5-year route is usually cheaper overall than staying 10 years, due to fewer extensions and IHS payments.

Save Time and Money with Early Test Prep

Delays often come from failed tests near expiry. Start early with targeted practice. The Life in the UK Test App streamlines revision with micro-lessons, mock exams and a readiness score so you only sit the test when you’re ready. Fewer resits = less stress and lower cost.

FAQs: 2025 Rules and Practicalities

Does time on other visas count toward partner ILR?

For the 5-year partner ILR, you generally need 60 months on the partner route. Time on other categories won’t count to SET(M). For the 10-year route, some other visas can count towards 10 years’ lawful residence if they lead to ILR.

Can I apply early or with leave about to expire?

Apply within the published window (often the last 28 days of your qualifying period). If your leave is about to expire, submit an in-time application to protect your status while a decision is pending.

What about BRP expiry and the eVisa transition?

BRP cards show an end date, but your digital status continues. Create your UKVI account and use a share code to prove status. The Home Office is moving everyone to an eVisa.

Do I need both B1 English and the Life in the UK Test?

Yes—unless exempt. Most applicants aged 18–64 must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet B1 English for ILR. See our explainer: Do You Need Both?

What if I fail the Life in the UK Test?

Rebook quickly and continue preparing. Submit your ILR application before your visa expires, then upload the pass result as soon as you have it to minimise disruption.

Ace the Life in the UK Test: Your Shortcut

Smart Prep with the Life in the UK Test App

• All-in-one content: Complete handbook distilled for mobile.
• Brit-Bear assistant: Answers tricky questions and builds a study plan.
• 650+ questions + Hard Mode: Build confidence under exam pressure.
• Readiness score: Know when you’re truly test-ready.
• Offline access: Study anywhere, anytime.

Thousands of learners use the app to pass first time. Pair it with a B1 SELT booking and you’ll remove the biggest blockers to timely ILR.

Call to Action

Stay on track for your ILR window—start preparing today.

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Next step after ILR? Read How to Get British Citizenship. Your Life in the UK certificate can be reused.