Unmarried Partner Visa to ILR

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What is Unmarried Partner Visa to ILR UK? 

The Unmarried Partner Visa to ILR UK route allows long-term partners of British citizens or those with settled status to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing a continuous 5-year period in the UK under the unmarried partner visa category.

ILR as an unmarried partner grants you the right to live, work, and remain in the UK permanently, with no further need for sponsorship or visa renewal. This path is part of the UK’s family visa framework, designed for partners in genuine and ongoing relationships who are not married or in a civil partnership but have lived together for at least 2 years.

Who is Unmarried Partner Visa to ILR for? 

This ILR route is for:

Individuals on a UK unmarried partner visa granted under the 5-year route

Individuals on a UK unmarried partner visa granted under the 5-year route

Individuals on a UK unmarried partner visa granted under the 5-year route

Individuals on a UK unmarried partner visa granted under the 5-year route

Long-term partners of British citizens or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain

Long-term partners of British citizens or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain

Long-term partners of British citizens or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain

Long-term partners of British citizens or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain

Applicants who have lived in the UK for at least 5 years under the unmarried partner category

Applicants who have lived in the UK for at least 5 years under the unmarried partner category

Applicants who have lived in the UK for at least 5 years under the unmarried partner category

Applicants who have lived in the UK for at least 5 years under the unmarried partner category

Partners who continue to be in a genuine and subsisting relationship

Partners who continue to be in a genuine and subsisting relationship

Partners who continue to be in a genuine and subsisting relationship

Partners who continue to be in a genuine and subsisting relationship

Applicants who meet the required financial, language, and residency requirements

Applicants who meet the required financial, language, and residency requirements

Applicants who meet the required financial, language, and residency requirements

Applicants who meet the required financial, language, and residency requirements

Whether you originally applied from outside the UK or switched from another visa inside the UK, your time spent under the unmarried partner visa category counts toward ILR.

What is the Application Process for Unmarried Partner Visa to ILR? 

The process for applying for indefinite leave to remain as an unmarried partner involves demonstrating your eligibility, submitting documentation, and completing formal application steps under the UK immigration system.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Check Eligibility
    Ensure you are on the 5-year route and have not breached any visa conditions.

  2. Gather Documentation
    Prepare proof of:

    • Your relationship history and cohabitation

    • Financial requirement compliance

    • English language skills

    • Continuous residence in the UK

  3. Pass the Life in the UK Test
    Take and pass this mandatory test unless exempt.

  4. Apply Online for ILR
    Complete your application through the UK government portal using the SET(M) form and upload all required documents.

  5. Biometric Submission
    Attend your UKVCAS appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.

  6. Decision
    Your ILR application as an unmarried partner will typically be decided within 6 months, or faster via the super priority service.

What Are the Requirements for ILR as an Unmarried Partner? 

To qualify for ILR under the unmarried partner route, you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

1. Length of Stay

You must have completed 5 continuous years in the UK under the unmarried partner visa (5-year route).

You must have completed 5 continuous years in the UK under the unmarried partner visa (5-year route).

You must have completed 5 continuous years in the UK under the unmarried partner visa (5-year route).

You must have completed 5 continuous years in the UK under the unmarried partner visa (5-year route).

You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

2. Relationship Status

Your partner in the UK must be a British citizen or have settled status (e.g., ILR).

Your partner in the UK must be a British citizen or have settled status (e.g., ILR).

Your partner in the UK must be a British citizen or have settled status (e.g., ILR).

Your partner in the UK must be a British citizen or have settled status (e.g., ILR).

You must have lived together for at least 2 years before your initial application, and continuously thereafter.

You must have lived together for at least 2 years before your initial application, and continuously thereafter.

You must have lived together for at least 2 years before your initial application, and continuously thereafter.

You must have lived together for at least 2 years before your initial application, and continuously thereafter.

Evidence of ongoing cohabitation and partnership is required (e.g., utility bills, council tax statements, tenancy agreements).

Evidence of ongoing cohabitation and partnership is required (e.g., utility bills, council tax statements, tenancy agreements).

Evidence of ongoing cohabitation and partnership is required (e.g., utility bills, council tax statements, tenancy agreements).

Evidence of ongoing cohabitation and partnership is required (e.g., utility bills, council tax statements, tenancy agreements).

3. Financial Requirement

The minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year (higher if dependent children are included).

The minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year (higher if dependent children are included).

The minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year (higher if dependent children are included).

The minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year (higher if dependent children are included).

You must meet the adequate maintenance requirement for ILR, using income, savings, or a combination.

You must meet the adequate maintenance requirement for ILR, using income, savings, or a combination.

You must meet the adequate maintenance requirement for ILR, using income, savings, or a combination.

You must meet the adequate maintenance requirement for ILR, using income, savings, or a combination.

Supporting documents include payslips, bank statements, and employment letters.

Supporting documents include payslips, bank statements, and employment letters.

Supporting documents include payslips, bank statements, and employment letters.

Supporting documents include payslips, bank statements, and employment letters.

4. English Language Requirement

You must meet the B1 CEFR level in English speaking and listening.

You must meet the B1 CEFR level in English speaking and listening.

You must meet the B1 CEFR level in English speaking and listening.

You must meet the B1 CEFR level in English speaking and listening.

You can demonstrate this through a recognized SELT, a UK degree, or proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

You can demonstrate this through a recognized SELT, a UK degree, or proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

You can demonstrate this through a recognized SELT, a UK degree, or proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

You can demonstrate this through a recognized SELT, a UK degree, or proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

5. Life in the UK Test

You must pass this mandatory test to show you understand UK laws, traditions, and society.

You must pass this mandatory test to show you understand UK laws, traditions, and society.

You must pass this mandatory test to show you understand UK laws, traditions, and society.

You must pass this mandatory test to show you understand UK laws, traditions, and society.

Required unless you are under 18 or over 65, or medically exempt.

Required unless you are under 18 or over 65, or medically exempt.

Required unless you are under 18 or over 65, or medically exempt.

Required unless you are under 18 or over 65, or medically exempt.

6. Immigration Compliance

You must remain as an unmarried partner in compliance with the visa terms.

You must remain as an unmarried partner in compliance with the visa terms.

You must remain as an unmarried partner in compliance with the visa terms.

You must remain as an unmarried partner in compliance with the visa terms.

You must not be in breach of immigration rules and must have made a valid application for ILR before your visa expires.

You must not be in breach of immigration rules and must have made a valid application for ILR before your visa expires.

You must not be in breach of immigration rules and must have made a valid application for ILR before your visa expires.

You must not be in breach of immigration rules and must have made a valid application for ILR before your visa expires.

Key Benefits of ILR as an Unmarried Partner

Once granted ILR as an unmarried partner, you can:

Live and work in the UK permanently without needing further visas

Live and work in the UK permanently without needing further visas

Live and work in the UK permanently without needing further visas

Live and work in the UK permanently without needing further visas

Travel freely without immigration restrictions

Travel freely without immigration restrictions

Travel freely without immigration restrictions

Travel freely without immigration restrictions

Apply for naturalisation as a British citizen after holding ILR for 12 months

Apply for naturalisation as a British citizen after holding ILR for 12 months

Apply for naturalisation as a British citizen after holding ILR for 12 months

Apply for naturalisation as a British citizen after holding ILR for 12 months

Access public benefits, healthcare, and education

Access public benefits, healthcare, and education

Access public benefits, healthcare, and education

Access public benefits, healthcare, and education

Sponsor other family members

Sponsor other family members

Sponsor other family members

Sponsor other family members

Switch employment freely or start a business

Switch employment freely or start a business

Switch employment freely or start a business

Switch employment freely or start a business

Avoid future visa fees and sponsorship obligations

Avoid future visa fees and sponsorship obligations

Avoid future visa fees and sponsorship obligations

Avoid future visa fees and sponsorship obligations

You’re no longer tied to your partner’s immigration status and enjoy full residency rights in the UK.

Why Choose Bekenbey?

At Bekenbey Immigration, our expert visa solicitors and lawyers can help you transition from a UK unmarried partner visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain.

We provide:

  • Personalised review of your ILR eligibility

  • Guidance through the financial requirement

  • Document support to prove ongoing cohabitation

  • Application assistance via super priority service

  • Responses to complications like time outside the UK

  • Reliable legal strategy for naturalisation as an unmarried partner

Whether you’re applying for ILR or have previously had a visa refusal, we’ll help you prepare and submit your ILR application accurately and on time.

Apply for ILR as an Unmarried Partner Today with Bekenbey

If you’ve spent 5 years in the UK under the unmarried partner visa, now may be the time to apply for indefinite leave to remain and secure your future in the UK.

You may:

  • Apply up to 28 days before completing your 5-year period

  • Submit a valid application for ILR through the online portal

  • Choose the super priority route for faster results

Our specialists can work on your ILR application, ensure your evidence is complete, and manage communication with the UK immigration authorities.

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:

1

Current passport and biometric residence permit

1

Current passport and biometric residence permit

1

Current passport and biometric residence permit

1

Current passport and biometric residence permit

2

Partner’s proof of British citizenship or ILR status

2

Partner’s proof of British citizenship or ILR status

2

Partner’s proof of British citizenship or ILR status

2

Partner’s proof of British citizenship or ILR status

3

Documents showing 5 years of residence in the UK

3

Documents showing 5 years of residence in the UK

3

Documents showing 5 years of residence in the UK

3

Documents showing 5 years of residence in the UK

4

At least 2 items of joint correspondence for each of the last 5 years

4

At least 2 items of joint correspondence for each of the last 5 years

4

At least 2 items of joint correspondence for each of the last 5 years

4

At least 2 items of joint correspondence for each of the last 5 years

5

Payslips, employment letters, or self-employment proof to meet the financial requirement

5

Payslips, employment letters, or self-employment proof to meet the financial requirement

5

Payslips, employment letters, or self-employment proof to meet the financial requirement

5

Payslips, employment letters, or self-employment proof to meet the financial requirement

6

Evidence of B1-level English proficiency

6

Evidence of B1-level English proficiency

6

Evidence of B1-level English proficiency

6

Evidence of B1-level English proficiency

7

Life in the UK Test certificate

7

Life in the UK Test certificate

7

Life in the UK Test certificate

7

Life in the UK Test certificate

8

Documents for any dependents included in the application

8

Documents for any dependents included in the application

8

Documents for any dependents included in the application

8

Documents for any dependents included in the application

9

Previous visa approvals and renewals

9

Previous visa approvals and renewals

9

Previous visa approvals and renewals

9

Previous visa approvals and renewals

All documents not in English must be 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

Can I apply if I’ve had short breaks in cohabitation?

Short breaks may be accepted, but you must show the relationship remained genuine and subsisting. You must provide continuous documentation and explain any absences.

Can I apply if I’ve had short breaks in cohabitation?

Short breaks may be accepted, but you must show the relationship remained genuine and subsisting. You must provide continuous documentation and explain any absences.

Can I apply if I’ve had short breaks in cohabitation?

Short breaks may be accepted, but you must show the relationship remained genuine and subsisting. You must provide continuous documentation and explain any absences.

Can I apply if I’ve had short breaks in cohabitation?

Short breaks may be accepted, but you must show the relationship remained genuine and subsisting. You must provide continuous documentation and explain any absences.

Is it possible to apply under the 10 years route?

Yes, but this page focuses on the 5-year route. The 10 years route to ILR may be available to those with long-term lawful residence, but it has different requirements and timeframes.

Is it possible to apply under the 10 years route?

Yes, but this page focuses on the 5-year route. The 10 years route to ILR may be available to those with long-term lawful residence, but it has different requirements and timeframes.

Is it possible to apply under the 10 years route?

Yes, but this page focuses on the 5-year route. The 10 years route to ILR may be available to those with long-term lawful residence, but it has different requirements and timeframes.

Is it possible to apply under the 10 years route?

Yes, but this page focuses on the 5-year route. The 10 years route to ILR may be available to those with long-term lawful residence, but it has different requirements and timeframes.

Can I use the Super Priority Service?

Yes. Many applicants choose to submit their ILR application through Super Priority Service, which offers a decision within 30 working days. We’ll help you choose the right service based on your case.

Can I use the Super Priority Service?

Yes. Many applicants choose to submit their ILR application through Super Priority Service, which offers a decision within 30 working days. We’ll help you choose the right service based on your case.

Can I use the Super Priority Service?

Yes. Many applicants choose to submit their ILR application through Super Priority Service, which offers a decision within 30 working days. We’ll help you choose the right service based on your case.

Can I use the Super Priority Service?

Yes. Many applicants choose to submit their ILR application through Super Priority Service, which offers a decision within 30 working days. We’ll help you choose the right service based on your case.