Key Points
- Settlement comes first.
- Spouses of British citizens: 3 years' residence and no 12-month wait after ILR.
- Others: 5 years' residence and 12 months with ILR.
- Absence limits and the good character requirement apply.
If your partner is a British citizen
You need to have lived in the UK for at least three years, with limited absences, and to hold Indefinite Leave to Remain on the date you apply. Because the partner route to ILR takes five years, most spouses meet the residence period by the time they settle.
If your partner is not a British citizen
The standard rules apply: five years' residence and, normally, twelve months after being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Other requirements
- English at B1 and the Life in the UK Test, which you will usually already have from the ILR application
- Absences within the permitted limits
- The good character requirement, covering criminal, financial and immigration history
- Presence in the UK on the date that starts the qualifying period
Dual nationality
The UK allows dual nationality. Your country of origin may not, so check its rules before applying.
Official Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. The rules and figures are set by the Home Office and can change.