Understanding ILR and who qualifies as a dependent
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants a person the right to live in the UK without immigration time restrictions. Once someone holds ILR, their immediate family members—such as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or children under 18—can be eligible to join or remain in the UK as dependents.
However, the UK immigration system defines “dependent” strictly. Adult siblings, parents, or other extended family members do not qualify unless there are exceptional compassionate circumstances. The system emphasizes close family units and legally recognized relationships.
Recent updates to ILR dependent visa rules in 2025
The UK Home Office made several policy adjustments in early 2025. A key change is stricter scrutiny of relationship authenticity. The Home Office now demands more robust evidence for unmarried partners, especially for those who haven’t lived together continuously for 2 years.
Another major update involves processing times. Standard applications now take up to 12 weeks, while the super priority route (within 1-2 working days) is limited to certain application centers.
Additionally, dependents must now demonstrate stronger integration ties to the UK, such as schooling for children or proof of ongoing cohabitation for spouses.
Eligibility requirements for ILR dependents
To apply as a dependent, the applicant must demonstrate:
A genuine and subsisting relationship with the ILR holder
Intention to live together permanently in the UK
No breach of UK immigration laws or overstays
English language proficiency (for adult partners)
Good character (no criminal record or immigration deception)
If the dependent is a spouse or partner, the relationship must have existed before the ILR holder received their status—unless they had lawful leave on another family route.
Financial requirements for ILR dependent applications
Financial thresholds remain a cornerstone of the application. As of 2025, the sponsor must show a minimum gross annual income of £29,000 for a partner, which may increase depending on the number of dependent children included in the application.
Alternatively, cash savings of £88,500 held for at least 6 months can be used in lieu of income. All financial documents must meet exact formatting and date guidelines; even minor errors can result in refusal.
Relationship evidence: Proving your connection
For unmarried or civil partners, simply stating your relationship isn’t enough. The Home Office requires:
Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents
Utility bills and correspondence addressed to both individuals
Photos over time, travel records, and social history
Birth certificates of shared children (if any)
Recent refusals have cited “lack of genuine evidence of cohabitation” more frequently in 2025. It’s vital to compile consistent, traceable, and recent documentation.
Residency requirements for dependents inside the UK
If the dependent is already in the UK, they must not have overstayed a previous visa or violated visa terms. They can apply to switch to an ILR dependent visa only if they have lawful status at the time of application.
Living together is non-negotiable. If the couple has been separated due to study, work, or other obligations, they must provide a detailed explanation with documentary support—such as visas, travel records, or employment letters.
Applying from outside the UK: what’s changed
As of 2025, biometric appointments have shifted to a fully digital system in many countries. Applicants must now pre-upload supporting documents before attending their VFS appointment.
Visa decision waiting times for overseas ILR dependents have increased slightly due to global demand, with average timelines between 8 and 12 weeks.
Dependents must not travel to the UK before receiving a decision and collecting their visa vignette. Doing so can result in refusal of entry at the border.
Can children of ILR holders apply?
Yes, children under 18 are eligible to apply as ILR dependents if:
Both parents are settled or applying at the same time
One parent is settled and the other is not barred from entering or staying in the UK
The child is not married or living independently
The child has not formed their own family unit
If the child was born in the UK after the parent received ILR, they may be eligible to register directly as a British citizen instead of applying for a dependent visa.
Common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them
Some of the most frequent errors include:
Submitting outdated documents
Not including full financial evidence (e.g. missing payslips or bank statements)
Using photos or letters without proper dates
Failing to meet English language test requirements
Applying after a visa has expired
In 2025, Home Office caseworkers are instructed to refuse incomplete applications without asking for more information, so accuracy is critical.
Switching from another visa category to ILR dependent
Switching is possible from many routes, such as Tier 2, Graduate visa, or Student visa. However, the applicant must be inside the UK with valid leave and must meet all standard requirements.
Time spent in the UK on another visa typically does not count toward future ILR unless they switch to the partner route and complete 5 years. Each case must be evaluated individually to determine the best timing for the switch.
Rights of ILR dependents: work, study, and healthcare
Once granted, ILR dependents can:
Work in any role, including self-employment
Study without restriction
Access the NHS without paying the immigration health surcharge (IHS)
However, they are not entitled to public funds (benefits) unless they later obtain ILR themselves. Dependents are also expected to abide by the same UK laws and integrate into British society.
Pathway from ILR dependent to settlement
Spouses and partners on ILR dependent visas can apply for ILR themselves after 5 years of continuous residence under the family route. They must meet:
The 5-year lawful stay requirement
Continuous cohabitation with the ILR holder
Knowledge of Life in the UK
English language proficiency at B1 level
Children may be eligible sooner, depending on their age, parental status, and time spent in the UK.
How bs immigration can support your ILR dependent journey
Applying for an ILR dependent visa in 2025 is more complex than ever, with updated policies, stricter documentation checks, and longer wait times. At BS Immigration, our team specializes in family-based UK immigration routes.
We provide:
Tailored guidance for each applicant
Document checks and preparation
Ongoing support until you receive your visa decision
Strategic advice for switching and future ILR pathways
Book a consultation today and take the stress out of your immigration process.
