Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a Partner in the UK – 2025 Guide

If you’ve lived in the UK legally for five years as the spouse or partner of a British citizen or someone with settled status, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). In this article, MetropolVisa outlines the current ILR requirements, financial thresholds, and expected changes in the coming years.

Key Requirements for ILR as a Spouse or Partner

To be eligible for ILR, you must meet the following conditions:

• You are still in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner;

• You meet the financial requirement;

• There is no reason for refusal (such as criminal history or breaches of immigration rules);

• You have adequate accommodation in the UK;

• You have completed 60 months on a partner visa (5-year route);

• You meet the English language and Life in the UK test requirements.
  

Applications can be processed quickly through the super priority service, which offers a decision within 24 hours after your biometrics appointment.

Meeting the Financial Requirement for ILR

The financial requirement is one of the most complex parts of the ILR application. Incomplete or incorrect documents can result in refusal.

The applicable income threshold depends on when you were granted your visa:

• £18,600 if your first visa was issued before 11 April 2024 (plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child),

• £29,000 for applications submitted from 2029 onwards, regardless of the number of children.
  

Eligible income sources include:

• Employment income (salaried or non-salaried),

• Self-employment or earnings as a company director,

• Cash savings above £16,000 held for at least 6 months,

• Rental income (not from your main home),

• Dividends, investments, pensions,

• UK maternity allowance or bereavement benefits.
  

Not all income sources can be combined. For example, self-employment and savings cannot be combined. A well-planned application strategy is essential.

Cash Savings: How ILR Rules Differ

Cash savings are calculated differently for ILR compared to earlier applications.

Entry clearance and extension applications (before April 2024):

(Savings – £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = Income value
Example: (£62,500 – £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = £18,600

ILR applications:

(Savings – £16,000) = Income value
So, to meet the £18,600 threshold: £18,600 + £16,000 = £34,600

This makes ILR more accessible for those relying on savings.

ILR Savings Requirement from 2029

• For initial and extension applications: £88,500 (2.5 x £29,000 + £16,000)

• For ILR applications: £45,000 (£29,000 + £16,000)
  
  

Will the Financial Requirement Increase Again?

There may be future increases to the financial threshold, but as of 2025, no additional rises beyond £29,000 have been confirmed.

Apply with Confidence – MetropolVisa Can Help

ILR applications as a partner involve detailed financial planning and documentation. MetropolVisa’s experienced team is here to guide you through each step of the process and maximise your chance of success.