The Government has published details on those wishing to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have a family member settled in the UK.
You can apply as: a partner – with your family visa; a partner – as a dependant on your partner’s work visa; a parent – with your family visa; a child – with your family visa; a child – as a dependant on your parent’s work visa; an adult dependent relative on a family visa.
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It’s also called ‘settlement’. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
You’ll need to apply the same way as your partner or parent settled or is applying to settle.
If you’re not eligible because of your family in the UK, there are other ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
When to apply
You can apply once you’re eligible. If you’re applying as a parent or a partner with a family visa, the earliest you can apply is 28 days before you meet the requirements for time spent in the UK. Your application may be refused if you apply earlier.
Do not wait until your current visa expires. If your visa expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to renew it first.
Fees and how long it takes
It costs £2,389 for each person applying. You can include your children on the same application form, if they’re eligible. You also need to pay £19.20 per person to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Get a faster decision on your application
You can pay to use the super priority service to get a faster decision.
It costs an extra £800 to get a decision: by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday or 2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend.
