UK Spouse Visa (5-Year Route) to ILR
Your future in the UK starts here. Our legal experts simplify the immigration process, ensuring a smooth transition.
What is UK Spouse Visa (5 Year Route) to ILR?
The UK Spouse Visa (5-Year Route) to ILR allows individuals holding a valid spouse visa to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing a continuous 5-year period living with their partner in the UK.
This 5-year route to indefinite leave is available to those who originally entered or remained in the UK on a UK spouse visa, and who have continuously met the financial, language, and relationship requirements throughout their visa periods. Once you receive ILR, you gain the right to live and remain in the UK without immigration restrictions and may later apply for British citizenship.
Who is UK Spouse Visa (5-Year Route) to ILR for?
This ILR route is designed for those who:
This route applies whether you entered the UK on a spouse visa entry clearance, switched from another route to the partner visa, or extended your spouse visa through the UK spouse visa extension process.
What is the Application Process for UK Spouse Visa (5-Year Route) to ILR ?
The process of applying for indefinite leave to remain as a spouse requires thorough documentation and strict compliance with UK immigration rules.
Step-by-Step ILR Application Process
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you are on the 5-year spouse visa route and have spent at least 5 years in the UK continuously.Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare proof of cohabitation, your partner’s immigration or citizenship status, and evidence that you meet the financial requirement and English language requirement.Pass Required Tests
Unless exempt, you must pass the Life in the UK Test and show English proficiency at B1 CEFR level.Submit Your ILR Application Form
Apply online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. Use the correct application form (SET(M)) and pay the relevant fee.Provide Biometric Data
Attend your biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and photograph.Wait for a Decision
ILR applications are usually processed within 6 months. You may be eligible for a priority decision, depending on availability.
The earliest you can apply is 28 days before you complete 5 years under the spouse visa.
What Are the Spouse Visa to ILR Requirements?
To qualify for ILR after 5 years on a spouse visa, you must meet all requirements continuously throughout your visa periods.
1. Continuous Residence in the UK
2. Relationship Requirement
3. Financial Requirement
4. English Language Requirement
5. Life in the UK Test
6. Immigration Compliance
Key Benefits of Spouse Visa to ILR
Gaining indefinite leave to remain through the spouse visa 5-year route gives you:
ILR gives you long-term stability and removes dependence on visa renewals or ongoing sponsorship obligations.
Why Choose Bekenbey?
At Bekenbey Immigration, we help individuals confidently transition from a spouse visa to ILR. Whether you’re approaching the 5-year mark, concerned about financial evidence, or facing a spouse visa refusal, we’re here to guide you.
We offer:
Detailed review of your ILR application
Help verifying that you’re on the 5-year route (and not the 10-year route)
Assistance collecting the required cohabitation and income documents
Strategic support for spouse visa refusals or visa extensions
Priority preparation for ILR after 5 years
Support with your Life in the UK Test and English requirements
Apply for ILR After 5 Years on a Spouse Visa with Bekenbey
If you're holding a spouse visa and approaching 5 years in the UK, now may be the time to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
To start:
Ensure you're on the spouse visa 5-year route
Confirm your continuous residence and cohabitation
Meet the financial and language requirements
Pass the Life in the UK Test
Earliest you can apply is 28 days before your 5-year mark for best timing
Our team will help you complete your ILR application, avoid delays, and prepare your case with full legal confidence.
Documents Needed
We’ve listed all the key documents required for your application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:
Make sure all non-English documents are professionally translated and certified.
Your Immigration
Questions, Answered
Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f