Your partner can apply for ILR once they have reached 5 years continuous residence in the UK as your dependant. This may mean that you apply first and your partner applies at a later date. This will always be the case where you are eligible to apply for ILR in 2 or 3 years as your partner must apply after 5 years.
Dependent children can apply for ILR at the same time as you with you if:
- you and the child’s other parent are applying for ILR at the same time; or
- you are applying as a sole parent with sole responsibility for the child.
Children are not subject to the continuous residence requirements, but partners are. In addition, partners and children over 18 must meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK test.
It can be difficult to navigate the Immigration Rules when it comes to dependants, and it can be challenging to determine what further documents are needed when making an application as a family. We have vast experience of making successful ILR applications on behalf of families. If you are interested in finding out how we can help please contact us.