The UK Spouse Visa is a specific route in immigration law which allows overseas nationals to come and live with their loved ones in the UK. However, it can be a complex process as route is fraught with high refusal rates, hefty paperwork and complicated requirements. What is the UK Spouse Visa? Otherwise known as a ‘Marriage Visa’ or ‘Partner Visa’, the Spouse Visa UK permits overseas nationals to come and live in the UK with their British spouse for up to 30 months. It is vital that the partner (‘sponsor’) of the applicant is either a British citizen or someone who has Settled Status in the UK. The couple must also be aged 18 or over. Spouse Visa holders are permitted to gain employment in Britain, but they are prohibited from public funds such as carer’s allowance, social housing and Universal Credit. Moreover, the rules, requirements and eligibility criteria of this route remain notoriously difficult to satisfy. The criteria can vary from applicant to applicant too, depending on your personal circumstances. It is also important to note that the Spouse Visa rules apply to all foreign nationals, including EEA citizens. The Spouse Visa requirements 2021 The Spouse Visa requirements have some complex criteria to overcome. In fact, it is arguably the hardest visa to apply for in the entirety of British immigration law. Generally speaking, the Spouse Visa rules dictate that: The couple are both aged 18 or over The marriage or civil partnership is legitimate (I.e., recognised in UK law) The ‘sponsor’ of the applicant must be a British citizen or someone with Settled Status The pair have lived together and been in a relationship for the past two years (with proof) The applicant and his/her partner must also meet the following requirements: Pass the ‘genuine relationships test’ Meet the minimum income threshold Pass an English language test Have appropriate accommodation in the UK Take a tuberculosis (TB) test (depending on country of residence/birth) The genuine relationship test It is important to note that the UK Spouse Visa is only applicable to couples who are legitimately married or who are in a civil partnership. Couples who are engaged or in a long-term relationship that is akin to marriage can instead apply for a Fiance Visa or Unmarried Partner Visa. Furthermore, you must pass the ‘genuine relationship test’. This is a largely subjective test in which a UK immigration officer will closely assess your application and, ultimately, the sincerity of your relationship. The Government considers this aspect of the application a priority in order to crack down on ‘sham marriages’ and ‘marriages of convenience’, meaning you must convince UKVI that your relationship is legitimate and not fraudulently arranged for visa purposes or immigration advantages. Speak to a UK immigration advisor in our team. Since this aspect of the Married Partner Visa is subjective, there is not a singular checklist of documents to submit. However, you might want to consider submitting the following documents in your application: Evidence of having lived together (whether in the UK or overseas) such as a joint mortgage or tenancy agreement Birth certificates of any children you have together Evidence of your joint finances like bank accounts, savings and money sent to one another Your marriage certificate or evidence of your civil partnership Photographs together throughout your relationship Text messages, email correspondence or social media chat logs Travel documents that prove you’ve met at least once before you married Proof of your joint accommodation in the UK Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 or Ask A Question The financial requirements The visa sponsor (the British or settled spouse) must provide evidence of their earnings to prove that they meet the minimum income threshold of the UK Spouse Visa. To satisfy this requirement, the UK-based spouse must earn at least £18,600 per annum. If there is one dependent (child) involved, this income requirement rises to £22,400. For any further dependents, the sponsor will need to earn an additional £2,400 per each child thereafter. If for whatever reason the financial requirement cannot be met, UKVI will consider other means such as savings or any welfare support. Generally speaking, you should have at least £16,000 in savings between the two of you but you can also combine your savings and earnings if needed. English language Spouse Visa applicants emigrating to the UK must be able to prove that they can speak and understand English at a certain level by sitting a test. The test can only be taken by an approved ‘Secure English Language Testing’ (SELT) provider. The English test certificate will be valid for two years. You may need to re-take the test if you intend on renewing your UK Spouse Visa. However, you can bypass this requirement if you come from an English-speaking country – or if you hold a degree/higher qualification that was taught in English that is approved by UK NARIC. Those under the age of 18 and over 65, or anyone with a long-term physical or mental condition, are also exempt. Accommodation Another key aspect of the UK Spouse Visa is proving your accommodation is fit for purpose. It must meet UK living standards and must be big enough to accommodate the two of you. You will need additional bedrooms for children if you have any. You will need to provide a written description of the property to prove that there is enough space for your family. You also need to prove that you can afford to pay the mortgage or tenancy agreement. Children age 10 or over of the opposite sex are not permitted to share a room. However, children under the age of 10 can share a room and babies under one years old can share a bedroom with their parents. Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 or Ask A Question How can 1 Absolute Advisor help? Our immigration lawyers at 1 Absolute Advisor specialise in all aspects of UK family immigration law. We know how stressful it can be being separated from your loved ones, and we endeavour to reunite you as fast as possible. If you need legal advice to help you with the Spouse Visa application, speak to our immigration lawyers today. As your ‘one Absolute Advisor’, our Spouse Visa lawyers will ensure you meet the requirements and will even help you to complete the application. Get in touch with us today for a free initial consultation on 0207 993 6762.
If you are the Spouse of a British citizen (or someone with Settled Status), you will need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in order to remain in the UK permanently. Read our short guide on how you can seek ILR through the UK Spouse Visa. If you need help with your ILR application, our immigration lawyers based in London are on hand to help. We can assess your case or over the phone from anywhere in the world. Give 1 Absolute Advisor a call on 0207 993 6762. The 5-year route and the 10-year route There are two routes through which a spouse can seek ILR: the 5-year route and the 10-year route. Before applying, you must know which route applies to you as you may have been issued conditions when your Spouse Visa extension application was approved. If you’re unsure, you can verify with the Home Office and double check any past emails or letters you have received from UKVI. If you hire an immigration lawyer, they may also be able to check for you. The 5-year settlement route is the most common pathway to ILR. To apply, you need to satisfy the requirements according to Appendix FM of the immigration rules and fill out Form Set (M). Meanwhile, those on the 10-year route to settlement will need to use Form FLP (RP) and meet the Spouse to ILR requirements. What are the ILR Spouse Visa requirements? You are most likely familiar with the UK Spouse Visa rules – particularly once you have sought an extension. The requirements of the ILR to Spouse Visa are largely the same. You will need to satisfy the financial requirement, prove your knowledge of English, pass the genuine relationship criteria and provide evidence of your accommodation. You may need to provide evidence of your absences from the UK while you have been living in the UK with your partner. Additionally, you must prove that you have lived in the UK for five years consecutively. The rules here can be complicated, as your 5 years are only ‘recognised’ if you have accumulated this time whilst holding a Spouse Visa – and must have remained with the same partner. Fortunately, Married Partner Visas are granted for a period of 30 months. This means that after your initial Spouse Visa and a subsequent extension, you will have accumulated 5 years (60 months) to be eligible for ILR. What documents are needed in the Spouse Visa ILR application? You should include the following documents in your application: Any/all passports and travel documents that prove your residency in the UK Your Spouse’s passport/travel documents that prove he/she is a permanent resident of the UK (I.e., with British citizenship or Settled Status) Proof of cohabitation with your partner Evidence of meeting the financial requirements (bank statements, utility payments and mortgage or rent payments) Proof of your English language knowledge and Life in the UK test Evidence of absences taken from the UK, e.g., with travel documents or a letter from your employer Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 or Ask A Question Why has my Spouse Visa ILR application been refused? It is frustrating when your Spouse Visa to ILR application has been refused by UKVI, but unfortunately it is all too common. Applicants make the mistake of attempting the application themselves and fail to prove that they meet all of the eligibility criteria. However, your application could have been refused for outstanding charges and debt owed to the NHS over £500. The Home Office may have decided that you are not of ‘good character’. If you have a history of breaching the immigration rules, for example by providing fake documents, making serious errors or failing to disclose adequate material, UKVI may block you from applying for ILR. You will also be denied if you have been convicted of a serious criminal offence which you received a custodial sentence for. The financial requirement Similar to the Spouse Visa application, you will need to meet the same financial requirements. For example, by meeting the Minimum Income Threshold or through combined savings. Read our Spouse Visa financial guide to find out more about the Partner Visa financial requirements. The accommodation requirement Again, you will also need to prove that your home meets UK living standards. It must also have adequate space for yourself, your partner and any children (dependents) who live with you. Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 or Ask A Question The English Language requirement and Life in the UK test A key difference to the English language requirement for Spouse Visa holders seeking ILR is that you will also need to pass a Life in the UK test in addition to passing an English language test. There are some exemptions to the KoLL requirement (‘knowledge of the English language and life in the UK’), for example due to age or vulnerability. You also don’t need to prove your understanding if you originate from an English-speaking country or if you studied a degree that was taught in English. The absence requirement Normally, applicants seeking ILR must not have spent significant time outside the UK. These absences must not have exceeded 180 days in any 12-month period and applies to most applicants. For example, Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa holders will need to provide evidence of their absences overseas by submitting travel documents and visa stamps. Fortunately, Spouse Visa ILR applicants do not need to meet such stringent requirements. That said, any absences must be for a justifiable reason. You could be deemed suspicious if you have spent the majority of the past 5 years overseas when your Spouse Visa was granted on the condition of permanent cohabitation with your partner in the UK. So while the absence rule does not apply to you, you must be mindful that you continue to satisfy the ‘genuine relationship’ requirement of the Spouse Visa rules. In some circumstances, UKVI will completely waive the requirement for you. For instance, if you were abroad due to your employment, your partner’s work and on holidays spent together. What are the ILR Spouse Visa fees? ILR applications cost £2,389 per person, though this may rise if you require a super-priority service (£800) and if you hire an immigration lawyer to streamline the process for you. How can our London immigration lawyers help? At 1 Absolute Advisor, our immigration lawyers have decades of experience between them, and all the dedication and commitment to your case. Our lawyers are also all OISC-certified. We even have Spouse Visa immigration specialists who know exactly what UKVI is looking for in your application and how you can tick all of their boxes. Call us on 0207 993 6762 for expert insight into your Spouse Visa to ILR application and for legal advice regarding your case.
Indefinite Leave to Remain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a status granted to overseas nationals who wish to live in the UK permanently and free from immigration restrictions. Since the route is highly sought by hundreds of visa applicants every year and is regarded as the final step before full British citizenship, the ILR application is fraught with complex jargon and lengthy immigration requirements. If you need help navigating the Indefinite Leave to Remain rules, speak to our immigration lawyers at 1 Absolute Advisor. Our ILR specialists are more than happy to advise you from start-to-finish with your application, so get in touch by calling 0207 993 6762. What is Indefinite Leave To Remain? Sometimes referred to as Permanent Residence, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a highly regarded immigration status which grants holders the right to live and work in the UK without facing any restrictions. In addition, ILR status grants access to UK benefits and a wide variety of advantages that Visa holders are generally prohibited from. And, since ILR is a gateway for overseas nationals to gain access to a long list of new rights and protected permanent residency in the UK, the ILR requirements are stringent and thorough. UKVI also critically assesses each ILR application it receives. Indeed, there is little room for error when it comes to Indefinite Leave to Remain status. To be eligible, you must have lived in the UK for a continuous period of at least five years. However, some are eligible to apply for ILR status in as little as three years if they have been granted an exemption from the residency rule. The good news is that applicants with ILR status do not need to contend with the immigration rules. They do not need to apply, extend or renew a UK Visa, and are able to live in the UK permanently. Most UK visas put applicants on the path towards ILR, including the Work Visa, Spouse Visa and similar categories of the Family Visa. However, it is important to note that not all visas permit holders to switch onto ILR. Indefinite Leave To Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain is commonly referred to as ‘Permanent Residence’. If you're an overseas national, and you're granted Indefinite Leave to remain, you'll have permission to live and work in the United Kingdom without restriction. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE), also mentioned as settlement or permanent residence, are kinds of immigration status within the UK which mean there is no longer a deadline on a person’s ability to remain in the UK. If you hold Indefinite Leave To Remain or ILE, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will state either ‘indefinite leave to remain’, ‘indefinite leave to enter' or ‘no time limit’. It may also state ‘settlement’. When travelling outside the United Kingdom, you must always take your BRP card with you to re-enter the border. What is the difference between Indefinite Leave To Remain and British Citizenship? Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship is not the same thing. A person holding an Indefinite Leave to Remain retains their original nationality. They are also not permitted to vote in the General elections unless they qualify for it under their nationality. Any migrant who holds the Indefinite Leave to Remain can leave and return to the United Kingdom without any restrictions. However, if they leave the country for more than two years they might lose their Indefinite Leave To Remain status. What is the Acquisition of British citizenship? Any applicant who has held Indefinite Leave To Remain for more than twelve months and is over the age of 18 years can apply for British Citizenship if they have been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for at least five years. Certain Indefinite Leave To Remain Holders can apply for British Citizenship under the registration clauses if they are qualified to do so or if they are born in the UK or if they hold another form of British Nationality. The cost of registration is normally less than the cost of naturalisation and the applications do not have to meet the knowledge and language requirements. Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 OR Ask A Question What are the Indefinite Leave to Remain requirements? In order to be deemed eligible for ILR, you must meet the following requirements: There are certain requirements that must be fulfilled for someone to become eligible to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain. The most important and basic requirement is for the applicant to have lawfully lived in the United Kingdom continuously for a certain period of time. In most cases, non-EEA people will be able to apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain after living in the UK for five years. However, the minimum time requirement is based on the visa the applicant is currently living under and their circumstances. Along with the time requirements, there are other requirements that a prospective applicant must fulfill in order to become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. These requirements are as follows: The residency requirement (either five years or three years of ‘continuous’ and lawful residency in the UK) The good character requirement (I.e. you have adhered to UK laws and have not breached any immigration conditions) The absences requirement (you must not have spent more than 180 days outside of the UK in any 12-month period) The English language requirement (you will need to prove you have sufficient understanding of the English language and also sit a Life in the UK test to prove your knowledge of English customs and traditions) You must not have any criminal convictions or breach of immigration laws You must pass the Life in the UK test You must have passed the English test set out by the Common European Framework Reference for languages at the B1 level (unless you are exempted to do so) The applicant must not have spent more than 180 days outside outside the United Kingdom during the 12 months of their UK residency It is important to note that if an applicant is found to have deceived the Home Office in any application or during their time in the UK, they will not be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain and further necessary action could be taken against them. What is the ILR English Language requirement? If you have applied for a UK Visa, it is likely you will have needed to sit an English language test to prove that you have a reasonable degree of speaking, listening and writing in English. For ILR, you must score level B1 in speaking and listening as specified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Some people, such as those who originate from English-speaking countries or who are reasonably exempt due to age or disability, do not need to take the test. However, a key component of the ILR application is the Life in the UK test. Here, you must score at least 75% to pass. This test is significantly harder, with some officials dubbing it more like a ‘pub quiz’, as you need to prove that you understand UK laws, traditions, customs, culture and British history. You will have to prove that you meet the English language requirements by having either: An English qualification at level B1, B2, C1 or C2 A degree that is taught or researched in English By being a national of a majority English-speaking country Applicants who are aged 65 years or above or physically or mentally unable to prove their English language requirement are exempted from the same. What are the time Indefinite Leave To Remain requirements? The amount of time an applicant must have spent in the United Kingdom is based on the visa they are currently holding or on their current living situation. The applicant must have been living in the UK lawfully for their time to be counted in the time requirements for the Indefinite Leave To Remain. Typically, the minimum time requirement is five years for most applicants. Individuals who have been living under the spouse visas, family visas, unmarried partner visas or Tier 2 work visas can apply for an Indefinite Leave To Remain after five years. However, there are several other visas and living situations that have different requirements for minimum time spent in the UK. Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 OR Ask A Question What are the visa routes to ILR? In order to be eligible for ILR, you must have continuously lived in the UK for a period of five years unless you have been given specific permission to seek ILR in three years. Nevertheless, not all visas count towards your residency in the UK. Time spent in the UK under ‘temporary’ visas such as the UK Student Visa and the Visitor Visa do not contribute the years required towards ILR. However, the following visa routes do count towards your five years’ residency: If you have lawfully lived in the UK as per the visa you hold, you will be able to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain after you have completed the minimum time requirement for that particular visa. An individual applying for Indefinite Leave To Remain will also have to fulfil other requirements. The various Visas/ Routes which can lead to getting Indefinite Leave to Remain status include: UK Spouse Visa General Family Visa Unmarried Partner Visa Specialist visas – Investor Visa, Global Talent Visa, Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa Work visas – Skilled Worker Visa, Intra-company Transfer Visa, Sole Representative Visa, Sportsperson Visa and Minister of Religion Visa Global Talent Visa Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Tier 1 Investor Visa Tier 2 Sportsperson Visa Tier 2 Minister of Religion Visa Tier 1 Innovator Visa Tier 1 Start-Up Visa Tier 2 (General) Visa Skilled Worker Visa Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa UK Ancestry Visa Retired Person Visa Long residence Returning resident Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive. There are many unique UK visas and immigration permits. If you’re unsure about your accumulative residency in the UK, speak to an immigration lawyer who can check for you. An individual can also become eligible for Indefinite Leave To Remain through other routes where you are not required to hold a specific visa. Who is exempt from applying for ILR? Not everyone who is eligible for ILR actually needs to apply for it. The immigration rules do outline some exemptions, such as people who are automatically eligible for British citizenship instead like British citizenship by descent, for example. Children can also be exempt if they are the dependent of someone with British citizenship or Settled Status. Similarly, an adult dependent in need of long-term care will not need to apply for ILR. Refugees who have been granted protection through a UK resettlement scheme are also exempt from meeting the ILR requirements. There are certain individuals who do not need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain to be granted with settled UK status, this includes: People who are eligible for British Citizenship by descent or any other form of automatic The child dependents of British Citizen or of a person who has settled status An adult dependent who is a reliant on the long term care of a family member who is a British Citizen or a has a settled status Any refugee resettled in the United Kingdom through the Gateway Protection Program What is the Life in the UK Test for Indefinite Leave To Remain? The Life in the UK test is another important part for fulfilling the knowledge of language and life requirements. This test is mandatory as it comes under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and it is taken to test the applicant’s knowledge of British Life and proficiency in the English Language. The Life in the UK is computer based and it contains 24 multiple choice questions that test topics such as British Values, History, Traditions and everyday life in the United Kingdom. The test has a time limit of 45 minutes and you will need to get 18 questions correct out of 24 or 75% to pass the test. After taking the test, you will get the Pass Notification Letter or an email with the code if you successfully pass your test. The cost of taking the test is £50 and there are more than 30 accredited centers where you can take the test. You can sit the test in any one of the five centres closest to where you live. There are no limitations on the number of times you can take the test and once you pass, the Life in the UK Test never expires. Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 OR Ask A Question What are the application forms for Indefinite Leave to Remain? Generally, you will be required to fill one of two possible forms to apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain. The forms are: SET (M)- You will have to fill this form if you're applying as a spouse, civil partner, same-sex or unmarried partner of a person present and settled in the UK. SET(O)- Almost all other applicants will have to fill this form The applications for almost all Indefinite Leave To Remain are now submitted online, including those who have been living under Tier 1 Investor and Global Talent Visas, Tier 2 Visas, Skilled Worker Visas, PBS Dependents and those on UK Ancestry Visas. The online Indefinite Leave To Remain forms can be found on the Home Office’s Website. How long is the Indefinite Leave To Remain valid for? Once you get Indefinite Leave to Remain (Indefinite Leave To Remain), you are allowed to stay in the UK without any restrictions on your time or activities. You will also be permitted to travel into and out of the country without any immigration control. Although Indefinite Leave To Remain grants indefinite permission to live in the UK, you can lose this status under certain circumstances. The UK immigration rules specify that the Indefinite Leave To Remain status will expire when the holder has left the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the Isle of Man and has remained absent for more than two continuous years. This means that after two years of absence from the UK, you would not be considered present or settled in the UK. The two-year rule applies to everyone regardless of the expiry date of your Indefinite Leave To Remain documentation, such as your BRP or vignette in your passport. Your status will be automatically lapsed after you have stayed out of the country for two years. If you have lost your Indefinite Leave To Remain status as per the two-year rule, you will have to apply for entry clearance as a returning resident before you come back to live in the UK. It is important to note that if the applicant holds EU settled status, then the expiry rule applies after spending five years out of the UK. Who is exempt from the Indefinite Leave to Remain expiry rule? There are certain conditions which can exempt applicants from the Indefinite leave to remain expiry rule, they are as follows: If you are a dependent of a member of HM Armed Forces who you have accompanied overseas If you are a dependent of a British Citizen or a settled person ( this could be an individual with Indefinite Leave To Remain, settled status or permanent residence) who is in permanent employment in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development, the Home Office or British Council and you have been accompanying them overseas If you are a commonwealth citizen covered by Section 1(5) of the Immigration Act 1971 If you return to the UK under circumstances that do not require a leave to enter Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 OR Ask A Question How long does it take to get an Indefinite Leave To Remain in the UK? The time taken to get a decision regarding an Indefinite Leave To Remain application varies according to the different routes and visa categories and also the personal circumstances of your application. The applications that require further enquiries usually take longer to decide than the general timeline. The UKVI also publishes processing times for Indefinite Leave To Remain applications on their websites to give you a general idea of how long your application might take. The general processing time is upto 6 months. However, most Indefinite Leave To Remain applications are decided in 8 weeks. You can opt for a super-priority service to speed up your application processing time and the cost for the service is £800. By availing this service, your Indefinite Leave To Remain application will normally be decided in 24 hours. What are the benefits of holding an Indefinite Leave To Remain? There are numerous benefits of holding an Indefinite Leave To Remain or ILE, some of them are: You will no longer be subjected to conditions on your visa You will not have to register with the police, observe reporting restrictions or tell the Home Office when you change your address. You will be eligible for access to public funds and services such as the NHS, housing and other social benefits on the same basis as a British citizen. You can be employed by anyone, self-employed, unemployed or be permitted to run a business in the UK. You can leave and re-enter the UK any number of times, as long as you are not outside the UK, British Isles or Ireland for a continuous period of 2 years or longer. What are the fees for applying for an Indefinite Leave To Remain? The cost of applying for an Indefinite Leave to Remain is £2,389 which is the cost for the Home Office to process the application for the Indefinite Leave to Remain. Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 OR Ask A Question What is the five-year route to settlement? ILR applicants must generally have lived lawfully in the UK for a period of five years. Applicants can accrue this time while living under the same visa, or by accumulating 5 years by combining different UK visas, providing they were granted back-to-back. In other words, you must not have any gaps in your immigration history in the UK. This is typically referred to as the ‘five-year route to settlement’. However, some are eligible in as little as three years, including: The Innovator Visa (although time spent under the Start-up Visa will not count towards the three years of residency required) The Global Talent Visa Any ‘Tier 1 Exceptional Talent’ Visa The Investor Visa The Entrepreneur Visa (this route has since expired, but those still living in the UK with this permit can seek ILR up until 5 April 2025) It is important to note that while many applicants are able to switch UK visas during their five year stay, those with an Investor Visa, Innovator Visa and Entrepreneur Visa must resume living in the UK under these specific permissions in order to accrue the time necessary for ILR. What is the ILR ‘180 day’ absences rule? Applicants must prove to UKVI that they have not spent more than 180 days outside of the UK in any given 12-month period throughout the past five years. The reason this is in place is because you must show your intent to live in the UK permanently. Any excessive absences overseas might cast doubt on your sincerity and intention to remain in the country. Those with a UK Family Visa, such as a Spouse Visa, may be exempt from the absence rule. However, this exemption does not cover ILR family members when they come to apply for British citizenship. It is therefore advised to err on the side of caution if you plan on spending significant time outside of the UK. You can also seek an exemption from the absence rule if you have serious or compelling reasons to be overseas. For instance, if a close family member has a serious illness or if you are required to travel for work. Similarly, if a natural disaster or conflict has struck when you are abroad, UKVI may waive the absence rule for you, too. How can 1 Absolute Advisor help with the ILR application? Our lawyers in London, UK, are all OISC-certified and expertly trained to issue legal immigration advice. Our immigration solicitors are well versed in the ILR application rules, and can help you with your case no matter how complex it may seem. Furthermore, 1 Absolute Advisor offers bespoke ILR packages and personalised services to meet your needs at a guaranteed price promise. Read our full ILR guide if you wish to learn more about the ILR requirements, and get in touch with our friendly client care team today for a free consultation on your case on 0207 993 6762. Discuss Your Case For FREE 0207 993 6762 OR Ask A Question How do I apply for British citizenship with Indefinite Leave to Remain? ILR status and British citizenship are not synonymous: you will need to apply for British citizenship separately. How long you need to wait before you can seek UK citizenship largely depends on your personal circumstances. Most people will need to wait 12 months while holding ILR status before being eligible for full citizenship, while others (like Spouses of British citizens) can actually switch immediately from ILR to citizenship. If you need help applying for UK nationality after being awarded ILR, 1 Absolute Advisor is here to help. Our lawyers are specially trained in UK nationality law, and can help you no matter the complexity of your query. Call us today on 0207 993 6762.
