Introduction to ILR as an Unmarried Partner
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an Unmarried Partner allows individuals who have lived in the UK with their partner in a durable relationship to settle permanently. This route applies to couples who are not married or in a civil partnership but have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage.
Applicants may qualify under either the 5-year route or the 10-year route, depending on their immigration history and personal circumstances. Understanding which route applies to you is critical to a successful ILR application.
ILR as an Unmarried Partner Under the 5-Year Route
You can apply for ILR after completing 5 continuous years in the UK on an Unmarried Partner visa that leads to settlement. Your application must be submitted no earlier than 28 days before your current visa expires.
Eligibility Requirements for ILR as an Unmarried Partner
To qualify for ILR, you must meet UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements, including:
Your partner is a British citizen, holds Indefinite Leave to Remain, EU Settled Status, or status under Appendix ECAA
Both partners are aged 18 or over
You have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years
Your relationship is genuine and subsisting
You intend to live together permanently in the UK
Any previous relationships have ended permanently
You meet the financial requirement (5-year route)
You have adequate accommodation
You meet the English language requirement
You have passed the Life in the UK Test
English Language Requirement for ILR as an Unmarried Partner
For the 5-year route, applicants must meet the English language requirement by one of the following:
Ways to Meet the Requirement
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Passing an approved English test at CEFR level A1 or higher
Holding a UK Ecctis-recognised degree taught in English
Exemptions
You may be exempt if you:
Are aged 65 or over
Have a physical or mental condition preventing compliance
Face exceptional circumstances beyond your control
❗ No English language requirement applies to the 10-year route.
5-Year Route vs 10-Year Route – Key Differences
Qualifying Period
5-Year Route: ILR after 5 years
10-Year Route: ILR after 10 years (time on both routes can count)
Financial Requirement
5-Year Route: Minimum income of £29,000 (for applications after 11 April 2024)
10-Year Route: No financial requirement
English Language
5-Year Route: Required
10-Year Route: Not required
Immigration Status Flexibility
5-Year Route: Requires valid leave (not a visitor)
10-Year Route: More flexible, may include overstayers or those on immigration bail
Appendix FM – Paragraph EX1
5-Year Route: EX1 not required
10-Year Route: Must satisfy EX1 (exceptional circumstances)
Financial Requirement for ILR as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)
Applicants must show they can be maintained in the UK without public funds:
£18,600 – Partner only
£3,800 – First non-British child
£2,400 – Each additional non-British child
How Income Is Calculated (Adequate Maintenance)
The Home Office uses the formula:
A – B ≥ C
Where:
A = Net income
B = Housing costs (rent + council tax)
C = Income Support equivalent
Permitted Sources of Income
Applicants may rely on:
Employment income (Categories A & B)
Self-employment or business income (Categories F & G)
Cash savings over £16,000 (Category D)
Pension income (Category E)
Rental or investment income (Category C)
Documents Required for ILR as an Unmarried Partner
Key documents include:
Current passport and immigration documents
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Proof of cohabitation
Financial evidence
Accommodation details
English language certificate (if applicable)
Life in the UK test pass certificate
Criminal record disclosure (if applicable)
Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances.
Refusal of an Unmarried Partner ILR Application
If your application is refused, you may:
Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 14 days
Submit a fresh application
Seek an administrative review where available
Legal advice is strongly recommended before challenging a refusal.
Super Priority Service for ILR as an Unmarried Partner
Primus Solicitors is registered to offer the Super Priority Service, allowing a decision within 24 hours after biometrics.
This is ideal for applicants requiring urgent outcomes.
Solicitor Fees for ILR as an Unmarried Partner
Most solicitors charge a fixed fee, typically covering:
Full application preparation
Legal advice and eligibility assessment
Document review and submission
Communication with the Home Office
Fixed fees offer transparency and peace of mind.
Why Choose Primus Solicitors?
Specialist family and partner visa lawyers
Extensive experience with ILR applications
Fixed fees and payment plans
Super Priority submissions available
Clear, honest, and strategic advice
Contact Our Immigration Lawyers Today
Our specialist immigration solicitors can guide you through the ILR as an Unmarried Partner process from start to finish.
📞 Call: 0161 222 5860
📧 Email: info@ansarhabib.com
Primus Solicitors – helping you secure permanent status in the UK with confidence.
