Visa Wizard
The IAS Visa Wizard is the easy way to find the correct visa for you
ILR from a Spouse Visa
Maximise your chances of a successful ILR application with our Application Package
Call 0333 363 8577 for a free consultation
If you are a non-EEA or Swiss national, you can gain the right to remain in the UK by marrying a British Citizen, or a person with settled status in the UK. If you do this, you will be granted a Spouse Visa. Once you are living in the UK with your spouse or partner, you may wish to make your position more permanent. You can achieve this by gaining ILR from a Spouse Visa. ILR, or, Indefinite Leave to Remain, allows you to settle in the UK permanently without being tied to visa regulations.
The initial grant of leave for a Spouse Visa is two and a half years. When this period has come to a close, you may choose to extend your Spouse Visa for another two and a half years. Assuming you meet the current requirements laid out by the Home Office then you can extend your Spouse Visa. With this visa extension, you will be able to reside in the UK for five years, qualifying to go from a Spouse Visa to ILR.
Our dedicated lawyers can help you with everything you need to know about switching to ILR from a Spouse Visa. We can assess your eligibility for ILR, gather and check your supporting documents and help with completing your application form to the highest standard.
Your lawyer will also write a Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This letter provides the Home Office with information on your case and its merits and will reference relevant UK immigration laws which strengthen your application. We will also make sure you to meet all the necessary requirements by preparing you for your ‘Life in the UK’ test and IELTS test. With IAS, your chances of being granted ILR from a Spouse Visa will be maximised.
FAQs
Am I eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
The Indefinite Leave to Remain after a five years period is usually granted to those on a Spouse Visa assuming the following:
- Minimum income requirement of £18,600 (rising with every child dependent) is met
- No immigration law in the UK or abroad has been broken
- The applicant has passed ‘Life in the UK’ test and the English Language Test
- The applicant can supply Biometric Resident information
Read more about the ILR requirements here.
Will marrying a British Citizen allow me to enter the UK?
If you are a non-EEA or Swiss national and you marry a British Citizen or person with settled status in the UK you will be eligible to apply for a Spouse Visa.
It is important to note, however, that the Home Office are very strict with applications for Spouse Visas. They are trained to spot cases of marriage fraud or ‘sham marriages’ and a Spouse Visa application requires a great deal of evidence to prove your relationship or marriage is genuine.
Read more about Spouse Visas and other Partner Visas
Can I gain British Citizenship by marriage?
After Indefinite Leave to Remain has been granted you will be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by marriage. This process is called British Naturalisation.
Read more about British Citizenship or British Naturalisation
How can IAS help?
Our expert lawyers can help you with your application for ILR from a Spouse Visa. We will work with you to ensure that your application is completed to the highest standard before it is submitted. Our services include:
- assessing your eligibility for ILR;
- gathering your documentation and looking for issues or gaps;
- addressing any issues with your documentation;
- completing your application to a professional standard;
- having a lawyer prepare a Letter of Representation. This letter accompanies your application and provides details on your case and its merits. It will also reference any relevant UK immigration laws that support your application;
- liaising with the Home Office where appropriate;
- preparing you for your ‘Life in the UK’ test;
- preparing you for your English Language test;
- checking that you have enough evidence to prove your relationship is genuine to the Home Office.
Contact IAS today on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online to arrange a consultation with a qualified immigration lawyer.
Our packages
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as successful, smooth and stress-free as possible
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any hearings/tribunals
A few of
our experienced
immigration lawyers
Case studies
We are proud to have changed lives for the better. Here are some of their stories:
Asis: EEA Free Movement
Asis, a Spanish national, was offered employment in the UK but was unsure whether or not he would be able to bring his wife and children with him when he… Read More
Terence: Tier 1 Visa
Terence, an Australian investor, found several investment opportunities in the UK. He was unclear about his immigration options and contacted IAS. Working closely with our specialist lawyer, he was able… Read More
Parents Visiting in the UK
Harriet is dual Canadian-British Citizen who was currently living in the UK. She needed guidance on whether her Canadian Citizen parents would need a visa to enter the UK… Read More
Tomas: Child Dependent Case
Tomas had come to the UK to start his life before bringing his daughter to join him. Although not an easy application, a creative idea by his lawyer at IAS… Read More
Mike: Visiting the UK with a Criminal Record
Mike, a South African National received the news that his brother had recently had a newborn baby boy.
Mike was eager to meet his new nephew, however his brother lived… Read More
Ajay: Family Visit Visa Appeal
Ajay’s Mother, a national of the United Arab Emirates, wanted to visit her son who lived in the UK and applied for a Family Visitor Visa but was refused.… Read More
Latest reviews
Brilliant service and very friendly helpful staff. I have received my letter for my ceremony and it took me only… Read More
IAS evaluated my situation properly and successfully tailored my application to secure a happy result
Excellent service! Would definitely recommend to anyone needing help with immigration issues. Our lawyer was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.
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