Set M Form: ILR Application Form Guide for Spouse & Parents

What is the Set (M) Form?

The SET(M) form is the application form used to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK on the basis of marriage, civil partnership or a parent of a child to a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

If you are the immediate relatives of a British settled person and wish to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you can use the Set M Form.

The ILR status grants you the right to live freely in the country, without immigration restrictions. It is also a necessary step before you can seek citizenship in the UK.

If you want to apply for ILR, you can review this Set M guidance to ensure to complete all the relevant sections of your form.

You may be able to apply for the Super Priority service. This would give you a faster decision on your application at an additional cost.

If you have further queries, at IAS our immigration experts are happy to guide you step-by-step through your ILR application.

Who can use the Set (M) Form?

According to the UK immigration law, the Set (M) form can be completed by the following categories:

• Partners of a UK settled person under the 2-year route. To be eligible, you must have been granted limited leave for 27 or 24 months. You can apply for ILR when you have completed at least 24 months with such leave
• Partners of a UK settled person under the 5-year route. You must have been granted 30 months of limited leave, of which 60 should have already been completed
• Partners who currently lives with a British settled person and plan to get married or register a civil partnership
• Parents of a child settled in the UK (under the 5-year route)

Same-sex partners and civil partners are included in the legal definition of “partner” and can file a Set M Form for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Check your ILR eligibility before you submit your Set M

Before you can start your ILR application process, you must make sure that you meet all the requirements set by UK immigration law.

First, you should meet specific financial criteria to prove that you can support your family financially. If you are a single applicant, you need a minimum threshold of £29,000. This can also be achieved through a combination of incomes from employment, pensions, and cash savings of over £88,500.

Before you can settle in the UK, you also need to demonstrate your knowledge of British language and customs. To this end, you must pass the Life in the UK Test, a computer-based exam about English traditions, history, and politics.

If you hold a degree that was taught or researched in English, you are exempt from the language requirements. Otherwise, you must pass one of the recognised qualifications in Speaking and Listening at B1 level or above.

What supporting documents do I need for Set (M) application?

Have these ready before starting the SET M online form:

• Passports (current + previous)
• Immigration status
• Marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate
• Proof of cohabitation
• Financial documents
• Life in the UK Test pass reference
• English language proof
• Partner’s passport / status proof

You must state in your Set M application form all your reasons for wishing to settle in the UK.

What you’ll be asked in SET M form: Section by Section

The structure and the sections included in the Set M Form are similar to the ones of the Set O application form online. This form, however, can be used only by ILR applicants who already hold a Work permit. If you are the dependant of a British settled person, you need to file a Set M.

You must complete your Set M application form must in all its sections and include the relevant documents. These include:

Section 1: Start

This is the eligibility and routing section. The Home Office uses it to confirm you are on the correct route, where are you applying from (in or outside the UK), your current visa, etc.

Section 2: Application

This is the main body of the form. It collects all personal, immigration, relationship, and suitability information.

Sub-sections you’ll complete:

• Your details
• Immigration history
• Address and travel history
• Relationship details
• Children (if applicable)
• Criminality and suitability

Section 3: Finance

This section checks whether you meet the financial requirement for settlement. You’ll enter details such as employer name, salary amount, length of employment, other incomes, etc.

Section 4: Documents

This is where the Home Office tells you what evidence they expect, and where documents will later be uploaded via UKVCAS.

Section 5: Declaration

This is your legal confirmation that the application is truthful.

Section 6: Pay

This is where you pay the ILR application fee and the application becomes formally submitted.

Note: No Immigration Health Surcharge is charged for ILR application.

Section 7: Further Actions

This moves your application from online form → biometric processing. You need to create or log into a UKVCAS account to book a biometric appointment and upload documents online (or take them to appointment).

At the biometric appointment

• Fingerprints taken
• Photograph taken
• Passport & BRP checked

After the biometric appointment

• Application is fully submitted
• Decision processing begins

When to submit your Set M Form for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

ILR applications are time-sensitive, meaning you must submit your request before your current leave expires. However, according to the immigration rules, you must not file your Set (M) Form more than 28 days before your current immigration status ends.

When you submit your Indefinite Leave to Remain form, both you and your dependents must already be present in the UK.

As a part of your ILR application process, you will be asked to attend your local post office to collect your biometric data. If you are under 18, your parents or legal guardian must accompany you.

What are the fees for filling out the set (M) Form?

If you are a single applicant submitting your Set M Form for Indefinite Leave to Remain, there is a fee of £3,029 for standard applications. You can also present your ILR form in person at a Premium Service Centre. This process is shorter but requires additional service fees.

If you are applying with your dependants, the ILR fee increases by £3,029 for each child you are applying for.

You can pay your ILR fees by credit or debit cards, cheques or postal orders. If you are paying by card, you must include your correct payment details in the dedicated page of your Set (M) Form.

It is important to note that the Home Office will consider your application only when your payment is cleared. If your Set M Form contains errors, your fee will be refunded less an administration fee for each person included in your application.

Set M guidance: Common pitfalls and mistakes

Completing your Set M Form for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK may be complicated. There are several sections, and you must fill in all the relevant information about yourself and your dependents.

An incomplete Indefinite Leave to Remain form may result in your application being rejected. However, there are some common mistakes that you can easily avoid by reviewing the following Set M Form checklist:

• In your ILR form, you should list all the reasons for your intention to settle in the UK. To support your application, you should produce written evidence of your prospects in the country;
• It is mandatory to provide honest information about your personal history in section 9 of the form. If you do not complete this part, your application will not be processed. Making a false statement is also an offence that can result in your arrest;
• You must send the correct fee to the Home Office to cover also your dependants’ application;
• If you are applying for your children under the age of 18, you must provide their birth certificate or other evidence of your kinship;
• If you are under the age of 18, your parents or legal guardians must sign your Set M Form.

How IAS can help with SET M application

When you submit your Set M Form, you do not want to make any mistakes. If you fail to complete one of its sections or if documents are missing, your application will be refused. You may also lose your application fee with a further fee for administrative services.

For this reason, it is always recommended to have your legal adviser check your Set (M) Form before you submit it. At IAS, our immigration lawyers are ready to provide their best guidance to let you and your beloved ones settle in the UK. We can assess your ILR eligibility and help you complete your Set M application form.

Our expert immigration lawyers are based in offices throughout the UK, including in London, Manchester, or Birmingham. Use the office finder to find your closest branch.