You may submit your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner under the 5-year route a maximum of 28 days prior to completing five years on an unmarried partner visa. The application process is conducted online using the SET (M) application form. Your submission will be reviewed by the Home Office UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in accordance with the Immigration Rules detailed in Appendix FM. For expedited processing, you can opt for the Super Priority Service, which ensures a decision on your ILR application is rendered within 24 hours.

Complimentary Immigration Consultation for ILR as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)
Our dedicated team of family visa solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors is pleased to offer a complimentary one-time immigration consultation regarding your ILR application as an unmarried partner under the 5-year route. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our expert solicitors for free online immigration advice, or schedule an appointment for comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific application needs.

Expert Immigration Solicitors for ILR as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)

Our dedicated team of family visa solicitors offers unparalleled immigration advice and legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application as an unmarried partner. With a proven track record of successfully assisting thousands of clients with their ILR applications under the 5-year route, our specialist partner visa solicitors are equipped to provide efficient, friendly, and reliable immigration services tailored to your needs.

We pride ourselves on our ability to prepare and submit your ILR application to the Home Office UKVI through the Super Priority Service, ensuring a decision is reached within 24 hours.

“Aden & Co Solicitors are renowned for delivering exceptional UK immigration services, as evidenced by our impressive 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of satisfied clients. Trust our experienced immigration solicitors to navigate the complexities of your ILR application and secure your future in the UK.”

Understanding the Costs of ILR as an Unmarried Partner

When considering your ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application, it’s crucial to understand the associated costs. Below, we detail our comprehensive fixed fee structure for your ILR application, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the process.

Our Fixed Fees for Your ILR Application

Our professional fees for processing your ILR application range from £1,000 + VAT to £1,500 + VAT. This fixed fee encompasses all aspects of our services, including:

• Expert guidance on required documentation
• Thorough document review
• Completion of the application form
• Online submission of your application
• Scheduling of your biometrics appointment
• Preparation of a comprehensive cover letter to support your application
• Uploading all necessary supporting documents for consideration
• Conducting any necessary follow-up actions until a decision is rendered by the Home Office UKVI.

The specific fixed fee will depend on the complexity of your case and the workload involved in preparing your ILR application. An initial payment of 50% of our fee is required when we commence work on your application, with the remaining balance due upon the completion and readiness of your application for submission.

“If the full service cost is beyond your current budget, we offer alternatives. You can opt for our one-off immigration advice and consultation service for a fixed fee of £100 (inclusive of VAT), or choose our immigration document checking service, available for £300 (including VAT).”

UKVI Fees for Your ILR Application: Comprehensive Overview

When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, it is essential to be aware of the associated costs. Alongside our competitive fixed fee for assisting you with your ILR application, you will also need to cover the UKVI fees mandated by the Home Office, amounting to £2,885.

For those seeking expedited processing, the Super Priority Service is available at an additional fee of £1,000, ensuring that a decision on your ILR application is reached within 24 hours.

Super Priority Service for ILR Applications as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)

As expert family visa solicitors located in London, registered with the Home Office and UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), we offer the Super Priority Service for ILR applications submitted as an unmarried partner. This premium service guarantees a decision on your application within just 24 hours, provided that you opt for the Super Priority Service during your submission.

Our skilled family visa solicitors are adept at preparing and submitting your ILR application swiftly, thereby expediting the decision-making process. This means you won’t endure extended waiting periods for your ILR application outcome, which can often stretch into months or even years.

One-Off Service for Submission of Your ILR Application via Super Priority Service

Our dedicated team of fast-track immigration solicitors provides a unique one-off service for the submission of your ILR application through the Super Priority Service, ensuring that you receive a decision within 24 hours. We operate under a “no submission, no fee” policy. If we are unable to submit your ILR application through the Super Priority Service within 48 hours of receiving your payment, we will refund the total fees paid, without any deductions.

Under our Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), if we do not successfully submit your ILR application through the Super Priority Service within the stipulated 48 hours, you are entitled to a complete refund of your fees.

Conversely, if we successfully process your ILR application through the Super Priority Service within 48 hours of payment, a fixed fee of £250 plus VAT (£300 inclusive of VAT) will apply, as per the CFA signed between you and our firm.

How to Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an Unmarried Partner Under the 5-Year Route

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner under the 5-year route involves several essential steps:

1. Complete the Online Application: Begin by filling out the SET (M) application form on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
2. Submit Your Application: After completing the form, submit your ILR application online, ensuring to pay the requisite Home Office UKVI fees associated with the application.
3. Book Your Biometrics Appointment: Create an account on the UKVCAS web portal to schedule your biometrics appointment.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Prior to your biometrics appointment, ensure that you upload all necessary supporting documents online.
5. Attend Your Biometrics Appointment: On the day of your appointment, bring your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), passport, and your biometrics appointment letter.
6. Await the Decision: After your appointment, you can expect a decision on your ILR application. Typically, if you applied through the standard service, the decision will be made within 3 to 6 months. Alternatively, if you opted for the Super Priority Service, you may receive a decision within 24 hours.

Requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)

To secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner through the 5-year route within the UK, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:

Valid Application: Submission of a valid ILR application as an unmarried partner is crucial. Applicants must ensure compliance with the stipulations outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

Five Years of Residence: Applicants may submit their ILR application 28 days before reaching the 5-year residency mark in the UK under the unmarried partner visa. It is imperative that they have completed the qualifying duration of 4 years, 11 months, and 2 days by the time of the online application submission.

Immigration Status Requirement: It is mandatory for the applicant to be currently residing in the UK on an unmarried partner visa. The ILR application must be made prior to the expiration of the existing leave.

Relationship Requirement: The applicant must be the unmarried partner of an individual who holds one of the following statuses: British Citizen, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status, EU national with pre-settled status, refugee or humanitarian protection status holder, Turkish Businessperson visa holder, or Turkish Worker visa holder. Evidence supporting the authenticity and ongoing nature of the relationship with the UK sponsor must be submitted to substantiate the ILR application.

Suitability Requirement: Compliance with the suitability standards delineated in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules is essential for the applicant.

Financial Requirement: Applicants must meet the financial prerequisites for extending their unmarried partner visa. This requirement can be fulfilled through:

• Income derived from the applicant or UK sponsor’s employment or self-employment.
• Savings possessed by the applicant or the sponsor.
• Rental income from properties owned by the applicant or the sponsor.

Accommodation Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate that adequate accommodation is available for the family unit, including any other household members not included in the application. This accommodation must be owned or exclusively occupied by the family and should not require public funds.

English Language Requirement: The applicant is required to demonstrate proficiency in English at CEFR level B1, as mandated by UK Immigration Rules.

Life in the UK Test Requirement: Successful completion of the Life in the UK test is a requisite for all applicants seeking ILR under this category.

Transitional Financial Requirement for ILR as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)

The UK Home Office has established transitional financial requirements for individuals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as unmarried partners under the five-year route. This applies specifically to those who submitted their initial applications as fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partners prior to April 11, 2024, and were subsequently granted permission under this category.

As outlined in paragraph E-LTRP.3.5 of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, applicants holding partner status on the five-year route must adhere to specific financial criteria. For those who successfully applied for entry clearance or permission to stay as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, or partner before the cutoff date, the required gross annual income is £18,600.

Notably, under the updated guidelines, if the financial threshold surpasses £29,000 due to the presence of children within the family unit, applicants need only demonstrate a gross annual income of £29,000.

Applicants must provide conclusive evidence that the UK-based sponsor’s gross annual income meets or exceeds the following criteria based on family composition:

Understanding Financial Requirement Sources for Immigration Applications

When applicants are tasked with meeting the minimum income threshold, they can typically fulfill the financial requirement through one of the following five categories:

• Employment Income: This includes earnings from either salaried or self-employed work of the partner, or the applicant themselves if they possess the right to work in the UK. This income is classified as either Category A or Category B, contingent upon the applicant’s employment history.
• Non-Employment Income: This category encompasses revenue generated from sources such as property rentals or dividends from investments. It is classified as Category C.
• Cash Savings: Applicants or their partners can utilize cash savings exceeding £16,000, provided these funds have been held for a minimum of six months and remain under their control. This is categorized as Category D.
• Pensions: The applicant’s partner or the applicant may meet the financial requirement through state, occupational, or private pensions. This falls under Category E.
• Self-Employment Income: Income derived from self-employment or as a director or employee of a recognized limited company in the UK is included here. This income can be classified as either Category F or Category G, based on the financial years being referenced.

Defining the Adequate Maintenance Requirement

If the applicant’s partner is receiving any of the following benefits or allowances within the UK, the applicant can satisfy the financial requirement at the application stage by providing proof of “adequate maintenance,” rather than adhering to the £18,600 income threshold:

• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
• Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement, or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
• Police Injury Pension

Should the applicant’s partner receive any of the aforementioned benefits or allowances on behalf of a child, the applicant can still qualify by demonstrating “adequate maintenance.” The necessary evidence to validate that the applicant’s partner is receiving a specific benefit or allowance is detailed inAppendix FM-SE.

Understanding the Formula for Adequate Maintenance Calculation

The Home Office UKVI employs a specific formula to assess whether applicants meet the adequate maintenance criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as unmarried partners under the five-year route:

Formula: A – B ≥ C
In this equation, each variable represents the following:

A denotes the net income, calculated after deducting income tax and National Insurance contributions.

B refers to housing costs, which include rent and council tax.

C signifies the income support amount available to a comparable British family of the same size.

Do You Need to Fulfill the Life in the UK Test and English Language Requirement?

Applicants are required to pass both the Life in the UK test and the English language requirement unless they are over the age of 65 or are exempt for health-related reasons.

To satisfy the English language requirement, applicants must provide credible evidence demonstrating that they:

• Are a national of a majority English-speaking country, or
• Have successfully completed an approved English language test in speaking and listening, achieving at least a B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, with an accredited provider recognized by the Home Office, UKVI, or
• Hold an academic qualification that UK Ecctis recognizes as equivalent to a Bachelor’s, Master’s degree, or PhD in the UK, which was delivered in English, or
• Are exempt from the English language requirement at the time of application due to one of the following:
• • The applicant is aged 65 or older;
  • The applicant has a physical or mental disability that inhibits compliance with the requirement; or
  • Exceptional circumstances hinder the applicant’s ability to meet these requirements prior to their entry into the UK.

Reapplying for ILR as an Unmarried Partner Following Refusal

If your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner under the five-year route has been declined by the Home Office (UKVI) and you do not believe a challenge to this refusal would be successful, you may still have the option to submit a fresh ILR application as an unmarried partner. It is crucial that this new application complies with the requirements outlined in paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules. Ideally, you should utilize the Super Priority Service to expedite the decision-making process, allowing you to receive a resolution on your ILR application within 24 hours.

Appealing the Refusal of ILR as an Unmarried Partner (Five-Year Route)

Should your application for ILR as an unmarried partner be refused by the Home Office (UKVI), and you have been granted the right to appeal the decision, it is imperative to lodge your appeal with the First Tier Tribunal within 14 days from the date of the refusal. Successful appeals can be based on arguments that the refusal contravenes established regulations or infringes upon your rights to private and family life as protected under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The appeal will be heard and decided upon by an Immigration Judge at the First Tier Tribunal. Our expert family visa solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors are equipped to offer the essential legal representation you need to contest the refusal decision effectively.

Naturalisation Application as an Unmarried Partner of a British Citizen

As an unmarried partner of a British citizen, you can apply for naturalisation after being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for a minimum of 12 months, provided you have resided lawfully in the UK for at least five years prior to your application date. It is essential that your absences from the UK within the five years leading up to your naturalisation application do not exceed 450 days, and you should not have been absent for more than 90 days during the last 12 months before submitting your application for British citizenship. Our dedicated team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers comprehensive immigration advice and legal services to assist you with your naturalisation application as an unmarried partner of a British citizen following the grant of ILR.

How Can We Assist You?
Our dedicated team at Aden & Co Solicitors is poised to offer expert immigration guidance and legal representation on a fixed fee basis for your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application as an unmarried partner. This fixed fee covers all aspects of our solicitors’ work on your ILR application until the Home Office UKVI reaches a decision. The comprehensive casework undertaken by our immigration specialists includes the following key services:

Guidance on Requirements: Our experienced solicitors will provide tailored advice on the essential criteria you must fulfill to ensure the success of your ILR application as an unmarried partner.

Document Preparation: We will compile and send you a detailed list of supporting documents required to bolster your ILR application, ensuring you are fully informed of the necessary paperwork.

Document Assessment: Our legal team will meticulously review your documents to confirm that they align with the Immigration Rules, ensuring compliance and strengthening your application.

Application Form Completion: We will handle the completion of the relevant application form for your ILR application as an unmarried partner, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.

Expedited Submission via Super Priority Service: Where applicable, we will submit your online ILR application through the Super Priority Service, facilitating a quicker resolution to your application process.

Appointment Scheduling: After you submit your application online, we will coordinate an appointment at the application centre for your biometric enrolment, ensuring a smooth process.

Comprehensive Cover Letter Preparation: Our specialists will draft a detailed cover letter to accompany your application, articulating how all legal requirements are met for the approval of your ILR application as an unmarried partner.

Online Document Upload: Prior to your biometric enrolment, our solicitors will upload all necessary supporting documents to be considered alongside your ILR application.

Ongoing Follow-Up: Our team will manage all follow-up tasks until the Home Office UKVI renders a decision on your ILR application, providing you with continuous support throughout the process.

Why Choose Aden & Co Solicitors for ILR as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)?

When it comes to applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an unmarried partner from within the UK, Aden & Co Solicitors stands out as a premier choice. Here are several compelling reasons to entrust your ILR application to our dedicated family visa solicitors and immigration lawyers in London:

Exceptional Legal Expertise
At Aden & Co Solicitors, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled legal services for ILR applications as unmarried partners. Our expertise is reflected in our outstanding 5-star Google Reviews, with 99% of our clients expressing satisfaction with the high standard of service provided by our skilled immigration lawyers.

Comprehensive Remote Legal Services
Our team of specialized family visa solicitors offers expert immigration guidance and legal representation from the comfort of your home. Leveraging advanced technology, we can manage your ILR application entirely online, eliminating the need for in-person visits to our London office. While we warmly welcome clients to meet us in person, our remote services are designed to save you valuable time and travel expenses.

Availability Seven Days a Week
We are dedicated to providing immigration advice and legal support every day of the week. Our commitment to accessibility ensures that you receive the assistance you need, whenever you need it.

Qualified Specialists Handling Your Case
All casework related to your ILR application as an unmarried partner is managed by our fully qualified and experienced family visa solicitors. With extensive experience in handling ILR applications, our specialist team guarantees that your case is in capable hands.

Expedited Visa Processing
Our knowledgeable family visa solicitors can efficiently prepare and submit your ILR application using a fast track process. By utilizing the Super Priority Visa Service, we aim to secure a decision on your application within just 24 hours.

Complimentary Online Immigration Advice
Our dedicated team of family visa solicitors is available to provide one-off complimentary immigration consultations through our website’s inquiry form, ensuring you have access to valuable advice at no cost.

Transparent Fixed Fees with Flexible Payment Options
Aden & Co Solicitors offers competitive, fixed fees for ILR applications as unmarried partners, with flexible payment plans available. You can opt to pay half of the agreed fee upfront when we begin work on your application, with the remaining balance due upon preparation for submission to the Home Office UKVI.

Explore Our Additional Services for Unmarried Partner Visas