At First Law Solicitors, we provide expert legal guidance for spouses and partners of settled persons or British citizens applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This is the final step toward securing permanent residency in the United Kingdom, granting freedom from immigration restrictions and the right to live, work, and study without limitation.
Our solicitors combine deep legal knowledge with compassion and strategic precision, ensuring that every application is fully compliant with Home Office standards and digitally verified under the Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA).
ILR for spouses and partners is governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
It remains a protected family route under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, distinct from the 10-year “Earned Settlement” framework that now governs most work-based routes.
This route recognises that family unity takes precedence over contribution metrics or income-based settlement models.
Applicants who meet the requirements after five continuous years of lawful residence on a spouse or partner visa may apply from within the UK for permanent settlement.
Valid and Genuine Relationship
Your marriage or partnership must continue to be legally recognised and genuine. The Home Office will assess whether the relationship is ongoing, exclusive, and based in the United Kingdom.
Residence and Intention to Reside
There is no formal 180-day absence limit for family-based settlement.
Instead, the Home Office considers whether you and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Excessive absences may trigger a manual review through DUAA systems, which track border movements in real time.
If significant time has been spent abroad, your solicitor must evidence that the UK remains your primary home; for example, through employment, school records, or joint residence documentation.
Financial Requirement
Your household must meet the income or savings threshold defined in Appendix FM-SE.
The current standards (as of January 2026) are:
Our solicitors prepare all financial evidence with full DUAA verification to ensure each document aligns precisely with HMRC data and Home Office evidential standards.
English Language and Life in the United Kingdom
Applicants must demonstrate at least CEFR Level B1 proficiency in English and pass the Life in the UK Test.
Both results are digitally verified through the DUAA database, removing the need for paper confirmation.
Since the implementation of the Data Use and Access Act 2025, the family settlement process has become entirely digital.
Applications are now filed through the UKVI digital account, and physical Biometric Residence Permits have been retired.
Your immigration status is stored electronically as an eVisa, accessible via secure share codes for employers, landlords, or government authorities.
Through DUAA integration, Home Office caseworkers can view:
Our solicitors conduct full DUAA pre-checks to ensure that all data held by UKVI, HMRC, and DWP is consistent with your application.
All uploaded evidence is certified using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES), meeting the Home Office’s Digital Excellence compliance standard.
Many ILR spouse applications are delayed or refused due to:
At First Law Solicitors, we proactively identify and resolve these issues before submission.
Every case is reviewed by a senior solicitor who ensures your relationship, financial, and residence evidence withstands both automated DUAA screening and human caseworker review.
We regularly represent clients facing complex circumstances, including:
Our strategic approach ensures that each client’s personal and legal circumstances are framed within the Home Office’s modern evidential model.
Once ILR is granted, most spouses of British citizens may immediately apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, provided they meet the good character and residence criteria.
Our firm manages the entire transition, ensuring there are no gaps in digital records or documentation between ILR and citizenship applications.
Legal Accuracy and Clarity
We provide clear, evidence-based representation that distinguishes between residence requirements and the intention to reside test.
Digital Compliance Leadership
Every application is filed under DUAA 2025 standards and authenticated with Qualified Electronic Signatures for secure digital traceability.
Experienced Oversight
A senior solicitor oversees every ILR spouse case, ensuring the submission meets both evidential and emotional expectations.
Strategic Continuity
From initial entry clearance to British citizenship, we remain your legal partners for every step of your family’s journey.
For expert advice or full representation in your Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Spouse application, contact First Law Solicitors today.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to book a confidential consultation with an immigration solicitor.
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