ILR as a Partner Under Appendix Settlement Family Life: Your Complete 2025 Guide

If you’ve been living in the UK with your British partner for years, building a life together, you might be wondering when you can finally settle here permanently. The good news is that after 10 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a partner under Appendix Settlement Family Life. This route gives you the security of permanent residence in the UK, and it’s designed for people who’ve combined different visa categories over the years. 

Whether you’ve switched from a work visa to a partner visa, or held various permissions during your time here, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for ILR as a partner under the 10 year route.

What Is ILR Under Appendix Settlement Family Life?

ILR under Appendix Settlement Family Life is a settlement route that allows you to remain in the UK permanently after completing 10 years of continuous lawful residence. Unlike the standard 5 year partner route (often called the spouse visa route), this pathway is specifically for people who’ve built up their qualifying time using a combination of different visa types.

Think of it this way: if you came to the UK on a student visa, later switched to a work visa, and then obtained a partner visa, you can count all that time towards your 10 years. The Home Office recognises that relationships and life circumstances change, so this route provides flexibility for couples whose journey to settlement hasn’t followed the traditional 5 year spouse visa path.

For example, Sarah came to Manchester in 2015 on a Tier 4 student visa, switched to a Skilled Worker visa in 2018, and then applied for a partner visa in 2022 after marrying her British husband. She can count all those years towards her 10 year qualifying period and apply for ILR under Appendix Settlement Family Life in 2025.

Who Can Apply for ILR as a Partner Under the 10 Year Route?

Not everyone will need to use this route. If you’ve been on a standard spouse or partner visa for 5 years continuously, you’d typically apply for ILR under the 5 year route instead. The 10 year partner route under Appendix Settlement Family Life is particularly useful if you’ve:

• Held different types of visas before getting your partner visa
• Had gaps or switches in your immigration status
• Been granted leave outside the Immigration Rules based on your family or private life
• Spent time as a dependent child of someone with a partner or parent visa

Eligibility Criteria Explained

To qualify for ILR as a partner under Appendix Settlement Family Life, you must currently hold a valid partner visa under Appendix FM. This is crucial,  you can’t apply if you’re on a different type of visa, even if you’ve been in a relationship with a British citizen or settled person for years. Your partner must also be either a British citizen living in the UK, someone with settled status (ILR or UK citizenship), or someone applying for settlement at the same time as you.

The relationship requirement is straightforward: you need to prove that your relationship is genuine and has been ongoing. Additionally, you must have held permission based on your relationship with your current partner for at least one year before applying for ILR.

Combining Different Visa Categories

One of the biggest advantages of this route is that you can combine time spent under various visa categories. UKVI will count your time if you’ve held:

• Entry clearance or permission as a partner or parent under Appendix FM
• Permission under the private life route (under paragraph 276ADE or Appendix Private Life)
• Leave granted outside the rules based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
• Permission as a dependent child of someone with limited leave as a partner or parent

The key is that all this time must add up to 10 years of continuous lawful residence. You can apply up to 28 days before completing the full 10 years, which means you need to have completed at least 9 years, 11 months, and 2 days at the point of application.

Requirements for ILR as a Partner Under Appendix Settlement Family Life

Meeting the eligibility criteria is just the start. To successfully obtain ILR as a partner, you’ll need to satisfy several specific requirements that the Home Office carefully assesses.

The 10 Year Continuous Residence Requirement

Continuous residence doesn’t mean you can’t leave the UK at all during those 10 years. However, you need to show that you’ve maintained your main home in the UK throughout this period. The rules around absences are detailed in Appendix Continuous Residence, and generally speaking, you shouldn’t have any single absence exceeding 6 months, and your total absences shouldn’t be excessive.

If you’ve travelled frequently for work or family reasons, it’s worth getting advice about whether your absences might affect your application. Immigration solicitors in Manchester can review your travel history and advise whether you meet the continuous residence requirement.

Valid Immigration Status

You must not be in the UK illegally when you apply. This means you need to submit your ILR application before your current partner visa expires. If you’ve previously overstayed by 28 days or less, this may be disregarded under paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules, but it’s always better to apply on time to avoid complications.

You also can’t be on immigration bail or in breach of your visa conditions. For instance, if you’ve worked more hours than permitted or in a job not allowed under your visa conditions, this could affect your suitability.

English Language at B1 Level

You’ll need to prove you can speak and understand English at CEFR level B1. This is roughly equivalent to intermediate level you should be able to have conversations about familiar topics, understand the main points of clear speech, and produce simple connected text.

Most people meet this requirement by passing an approved English language test from a UKVI-recognised provider. However, if you’ve already passed a B1 test for a previous visa application, you can usually use the same certificate. Citizens of majority English-speaking countries or people with a degree taught in English may be exempt.

Life in the UK Test

Passing the Life in the UK test is mandatory for ILR applications. This computer-based test checks your knowledge of British history, culture, traditions, and everyday life. You need to score at least 75% (18 out of 24 questions correct) to pass.

The test costs £50 and can be taken at various centres across the UK, including several locations in Manchester. You can take the test as many times as needed, but you must pass it before submitting your ILR application. Most people find that studying the official handbook for a few weeks is sufficient preparation.

Suitability Requirements

The Home Office will assess whether you’re a suitable person to be granted settlement. This involves checking whether you have any criminal convictions, outstanding debts to the NHS or the Home Office, or have breached immigration laws.

If you have a criminal conviction resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, you won’t be eligible for ILR under this route. For lesser offences, you’ll need to have completed your qualifying period including at least 5 years after the conviction.

Other suitability issues include involvement in a sham marriage or civil partnership, using false documents, or providing deceptive information in previous applications. If any of these apply, you may still be eligible if you’ve completed 10 years of lawful residence and at least 5 years have passed since the issue occurred.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for ILR as a Partner

The application process might seem daunting, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable.

1. Complete Your Online Application

Start by filling out the online application form on the UKVI website. You’ll need to create an account and work through the form carefully, providing accurate information about your immigration history, relationship, and personal circumstances. Take your time with this – mistakes or inconsistencies can delay your application.

2. Pay the Home Office Fees

The current fee for an ILR application is £3,029 per person. This is a significant expense, so make sure you have the funds available before starting your application. The fee must be paid online when you submit your application form. Unfortunately, there’s no fee waiver available for ILR applications, regardless of your financial circumstances.

3. Book Your Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your online application and paying the fee, you’ll need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. Create an account on the UKVCAS portal and choose a convenient appointment slot at a service point near you. There are several UKVCAS locations in Manchester and throughout the North West.

4. Gather and Upload Supporting Documents

Before your biometrics appointment, you’ll need to upload all your supporting documents through the online portal. These typically include:

• Your current passport and Biometric Residence Permit
• Evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, photos, joint bank statements, tenancy agreements)
• Proof of your partner’s British citizenship or settled status
• Your English language test certificate
• Life in the UK test pass notification
• Evidence of continuous residence (payslips, bank statements, council tax bills)
• Previous passports showing your immigration history

Make sure all documents are clear, legible scans or photos. If documents aren’t in English, you’ll need certified translations.

5. Attend Your Appointment

At your biometrics appointment, you’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken. Bring your Biometric Residence Permit, current passport, and your appointment confirmation letter. The appointment usually takes about 30 minutes. The staff will scan your documents if you haven’t uploaded them already, though uploading in advance is recommended.

6. Wait for Your Decision

After your appointment, the waiting begins. Standard processing times for ILR applications under Appendix Settlement Family Life typically range from 3 to 6 months. During this time, the Home Office will assess your application against all the requirements.

You can continue working and living in the UK while you wait for a decision, as long as you applied before your previous visa expired. However, you won’t be able to travel outside the UK until you receive your decision, as your Biometric Residence Permit will be retained.

Processing Times and Priority Services

One important limitation of the 10 year partner route is that the Super Priority Service is not available. This means you can’t pay extra to get a faster decision on your ILR application if you’re applying under Appendix Settlement Family Life.

However, if you meet the criteria for ILR under the 10 year long residence route (which is similar but has slightly different requirements), you may be able to use the Super Priority Service for that route instead. The key difference is that the long residence route doesn’t require you to be in a relationship with a British citizen or settled person – it’s based purely on your 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.

If you’re not sure which route is best for your circumstances, it’s worth seeking advice from immigration specialists who can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate pathway.

What Happens If Your ILR Application Is Refused?

Nobody wants to think about their application being refused, but it’s important to know your options if it happens.

Common Reasons for Refusal

ILR applications can be refused for various reasons:

• Not meeting the 10 year continuous residence requirement
• Excessive absences from the UK
• Failing to provide adequate evidence of your relationship
• Not meeting the English language or Life in the UK test requirements
• Suitability concerns (criminal convictions, immigration breaches, outstanding debts)
• Issues with your supporting documents

Many refusals happen because of missing documents or insufficient evidence rather than fundamental ineligibility. This is why having your application checked by professionals before submission can be so valuable.

Can You Reapply?

If your application is refused, you can usually submit a fresh application. Before doing so, you’ll need to address whatever issue led to the refusal. For example, if you didn’t provide enough evidence of your relationship, you’d need to gather more comprehensive documents. If the refusal was due to not meeting the continuous residence requirement, you might need to wait longer before reapplying.

Under paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules, if you overstay by up to 28 days and then make a valid application, this overstaying will be disregarded. However, it’s always better to apply before your leave expires.

Right to Appeal

Whether you have a right to appeal depends on the grounds for refusal. If your ILR application is refused and you believe the decision was incorrect or unlawful, you may have 14 days to submit an appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).

Appeals are most likely to succeed if the refusal decision was inconsistent with the Immigration Rules or violated your right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. An Immigration Judge will review the Home Office decision and can overturn it if they find it was wrong in law or not in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

After ILR: Applying for British Citizenship

Getting ILR is often just a stepping stone towards full British citizenship. Once you have ILR, you can start planning for naturalisation.

If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you can apply for British citizenship immediately after receiving ILR. You don’t need to wait 12 months like other ILR holders. However, you must have been lawfully resident in the UK for at least 3 years before your citizenship application.

For unmarried partners or same-sex partners of British citizens (who aren’t in a civil partnership), you’ll need to wait 12 months after receiving ILR before you can apply for naturalisation.

When applying for British citizenship, make sure you haven’t been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in the last 5 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. These absence requirements are strict, and exceeding them can result in refusal of your citizenship application.

How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding the full costs involved helps you budget properly for your ILR application.

The Home Office fee for ILR is currently £3,029 per applicant. This covers the processing of your application but doesn’t include any legal advice or representation.

Many people choose to use immigration solicitors in Manchester to help with their application. Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and the level of service you need. Full service representation typically ranges from £1,500 to £3,500 plus VAT for an ILR application, and usually includes document preparation, application form completion, cover letter drafting, and ongoing case management until a decision is made.

Don’t forget other costs like:

• Life in the UK test: £50 (This fee has remained stable.)

• English language test: typically £150 – £250

• Document translations and certifications: varies depending on how many documents need translating (typically £30 – £85 per page)

• Travel to your biometrics appointment (Basic appointments are often free, but premium/walk-in services can cost between £50 and £200).

• Copies, scans, and postage

Budget around £4,500 – £6,500 in total for the full process if you’re using professional help, or at least £3,300 – £3,500 if you’re doing it yourself.

Get Professional Help with Your ILR Application in Manchester

Applying for ILR as a partner under Appendix Settlement Family Life is a significant step towards making the UK your permanent home. The application process involves careful preparation, extensive documentation, and a thorough understanding of the Immigration Rules.

While it’s possible to apply yourself, many people find that professional guidance gives them confidence and peace of mind. Immigration solicitors can review your eligibility, help gather the right evidence, complete your application accurately, and present your case in the strongest possible way to the Home Office.

If you’re in Manchester or the surrounding areas and need help with your ILR application, professional support is available locally. Getting your application right the first time can save you months of stress and the cost of dealing with a refusal.

Ready to start your journey to permanent settlement in the UK?

Whether you’re just starting to plan your ILR application or you’re ready to submit, getting expert advice can make all the difference. Speak with experienced immigration specialists who understand the 10 year partner route and can guide you through every step.

Call 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment online to discuss your ILR application today.

Don’t leave your future to chance,  get the professional support you need to achieve settlement in the UK with confidence.