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Last Updated 15 October 2026

What is ILR for a dependent partner?

A dependent partner can apply for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) when their partner is settled or applying to settle on a work route, such as the Skilled Worker visa. You usually need 5 years of living in the UK with your partner, no more than 180 days abroad in any 12 months, a genuine relationship, a pass in the Life in the UK Test and English at B1. You apply online using the SET(O) form; the fee is £3,226 per person. Once granted, dependants can live, work, and study in the UK without any time restriction.

If your spouse or parent holds a UK Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, or another qualifying employment-based visa, you can apply for ILR (settlement) after completing 5 continuous years as a UK dependant, with no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. This is the official pathway to UK permanent residency for family members of skilled workers.

Dependants receive full and unrestricted work rights from day one. There is no need for a separate work permit, employer sponsorship, or Labour Market Test. Study rights are also fully included.

ILR Dependant Visa: Key Facts

Category	Details
Visa Type	Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — Settlement — for Dependants of UK Work Visa Holders
Applicable For	Dependants of Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, T2 / Tier 2, International Sportsperson, and other qualifying employment-based UK visa holders
Who Can Apply	Married spouse or civil partner; unmarried partner who has lived with the main applicant for at least 2 years; dependent children under 18; children aged 18 or over who held a dependant visa before turning 18 and do not live independently
Residence Requirement	5 continuous years as a UK dependant on the sponsor's qualifying visa
Absences	No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5 years (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker and most other work routes)
Work Rights	Full and unrestricted — any employer, any sector, no separate work permit needed
Study Rights	Full — any UK school, college, or university without restriction
Immigration Health Surcharge	EXEMPT — ILR applicants do not pay IHS; full NHS access granted from date of settlement
Application Fee (per person)	£3,226 per applicant (approx. INR 3,45,000) — applies equally to all dependants
Priority Service	+£500 (approx. INR 53,500) — decision within 5 working days
Super Priority Service	+£1,000 (approx. INR 1,07,000) — decision by next working day after biometrics
Standard Processing Time	Up to 6 months from application submission
Life in the UK Test	Required for all dependants aged 18 to 64 — pass 18 out of 24 questions
English Language Requirement	B1 level CEFR in speaking and listening — required for dependants aged 18 to 64
Application Method	Online SET(O) form, then an identity check (UKVCAS appointment or UK Immigration: ID Check app). Apply from inside the UK, no earlier than 28 days before reaching 5 years
How ILR Is Issued	As an eVisa in your UKVI account — physical BRP/BRC cards are no longer issued
Pathway to British Citizenship	After 12 months of ILR — subject to residence and good character requirements
Where to Apply	Within the UK — ILR is applied for from inside the UK after 5 years of residence as a dependant

UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent): Overview

The UK PR Dependent Visa is the route through which spouses, partners, and children of skilled workers settle permanently in the United Kingdom. Settlement — known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — is not a visa. It is a permanent immigration status. Once granted, it does not expire and cannot be revoked unless the holder voluntarily surrenders it or leaves the UK for more than 2 consecutive years.

Dependants can apply simultaneously with the primary applicant when the main visa holder becomes eligible for ILR. Or they can apply separately at a later date if the dependant joined the UK at a different time and needs more time to complete their own 5-year qualifying period.

UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent) for Indian families

Benefits of the UK PR Dependent Visa for Indian Families

The UK PR Dependent Visa gives Indian families a comprehensive and permanent settlement package in the UK. The benefits of UK PR Dependent visa include:

Full and unrestricted right to work.
Full NHS access at no surcharge.
Full right to study across any UK school, college, or university.
Children receive free state school education while adults can access UK universities at the domestic tuition fee rate after settlement.
No expiry on ILR.
Pathway to British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.
Right to access public funds such as public housing, and other state services they are entitled to.
Settlement is independent and is not affected by the main applicant's employment change, departure, or relationship breakdown.
Freedom of movement within the UK anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Interested in UK Immigration? Let Y-Axis guide you through the full UK PR Dependent Visa process.

Who is Eligible for the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)?

Eligible Dependants

The following family members of a primary UK work visa holder may apply for the UK PR Dependent Visa:

Legally married spouse in a marriage recognised under UK law
Civil partner in a registered civil partnership recognised under UK law
Unmarried partner who has lived with the main applicant in a relationship for at least 2 years
Unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age — biological, adopted, or step-children
Children aged 18 or over who held a UK dependant visa before turning 18 and do not live an independent life

Note: Parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members of the main visa holder are generally not eligible under this route.

ILR application for dependent partner: key requirements

Your partner must already be settled or apply at the same time as you. You must have lived in the UK with them for 5 years, spent no more than 180 days abroad in any 12 months (Skilled Worker and most work routes), and be living together when you apply.

Sponsor (Primary Applicant) Requirements

Requirement	Details
Visa / Permit Type	Must hold (or have last held) a qualifying UK work visa — Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, T2 / Tier 2 (General), Scale-up Worker, Global Talent, T2 Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, UK Ancestry, Representative of an Overseas Business, or Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent, Entrepreneur or Investor)
Residence in the UK	Must have lived and worked in the UK for at least 5 years on qualifying visas
Continued Employment	Must continue to be needed for their job — employer confirmation letter required at ILR application
Salary Requirements	Skilled Worker sponsors must usually earn at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for their job, whichever is higher. If their first certificate of sponsorship was issued before 4 April 2024, the minimum is £31,300 (or £25,000 for Immigration Salary List jobs) or the lower going rate, whichever is higher. Healthcare and education jobs follow national pay scales. See gov.uk ILR salary requirements.

Dependant Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Details
Continuous Residence	5 continuous years as a UK dependant on the sponsor's qualifying visa — counting from the date the first qualifying dependant visa was issued
Relationship (Partner)	Married, in a civil partnership, or living together in a relationship for at least 2 years. The relationship must be genuine and continuing, and you must be living together when you apply (for Skilled Worker and most work routes)
Financial Self-Sufficiency	Supported by the sponsor without relying on UK public funds (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, etc.)
Life in the UK Test (ages 18 to 64)	Must pass — 24 questions, 18/24 correct (75%). Exempt if under 18, aged 65+, or long-term medical condition certified by Home Office form
English Language (ages 18 to 64)	B1 level CEFR — via SELT, UK degree taught in English, or exemption as national of majority English-speaking country
Children (additional)	Not married or in civil partnership; living with sponsor; financially supported; children over 16 need additional residence and financial evidence
Children 18 and over (additional)	Must have first entered UK as dependant before 18; must not be living independently; must pass Life in UK Test and meet English language requirement

Can UK PR Dependent Visa Holders Work in the UK?

Yes. Dependants on a UK dependant visa have full and unrestricted work rights from the day their visa is granted which continue upon receiving ILR (settlement). There is no waiting period and no employer restrictions.

Work / Activity	Permitted for Dependant?
Full-time employment (any sector)	Yes — unrestricted; no Skilled Worker visa or Certificate of Sponsorship required
Part-time employment	Yes — unrestricted
Self-employment and freelance work	Yes — permitted; standard UK business registration applies
Work for any UK employer	Yes — no restriction to the sponsor's employer or occupation
Change employer freely	Yes — no requirement to stay with any particular employer
Work anywhere in the UK	Yes — no geographic restriction
Remote work for an Indian employer (from UK)	Generally permitted — UK tax and National Insurance obligations apply; confirm with a tax adviser
Work for NHS, public sector, or private sector	Yes — no sector restrictions
Separate UK work permit required?	No — full work rights included in dependant visa and confirmed on settlement; no additional authorisation needed

Study Rights for UK PR Dependent Visa Holders

Dependants on a UK dependant visa and ILR holders can study at any registered UK educational institution with no restrictions, including state schools, further education colleges, language schools, and universities.

Study Aspect	Details for Dependants
Spouse / Partner	Can study full-time or part-time at any UK university, college, vocational school, or language institute without restriction
School-age children	Compulsory free state education in UK state (public) primary and secondary schools for all children residing in the UK
English language courses (ESOL)	Available at local colleges — many subsidised or free through the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme
Further Education (FE) colleges	No restriction — dependants may enrol for vocational qualifications, diplomas, and professional certifications
UK universities	Dependants can apply to any UK university; ILR holders who meet residency conditions pay the domestic tuition fee rate, not the higher international rate
Apprenticeships	Dependants can access UK apprenticeship programmes — paid employment with structured training across sectors
Student finance eligibility	ILR holders ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years before the start of a course may be eligible for UK student loans and grants

UK PR Dependent Visa Fees

Fee Type	Amount (GBP)	Amount (INR approx.)
ILR Application Fee (per person — adult and child equally)	£3,226	INR 3,45,000 approx.
Priority Service (decision within 5 working days)	+£500 per application	INR 53,500 approx.
Super Priority Service (next working day after biometrics)	+£1,000 per application	INR 1,07,000 approx.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	EXEMPT for ILR applicants	Not applicable
Biometric enrolment (UKVCAS appointment)	No fee (included with application)	Not applicable
Life in the UK Test (per sitting)	£50	INR 5,350 approx.
English Language Test — SELT / IELTS for UKVI (approx.)	£150 to £200 approx.	INR 16,000 to INR 21,400 approx.
Document certified translation (per document, if required)	£50 to £150 approx.	INR 5,350 to INR 16,000 approx.
Y-Axis Professional Consultancy Fee	As per service package	As per service package

Note: INR amounts are approximate; check the current exchange rate. The ILR application fee is the same for every applicant regardless of age. Each dependant applying simultaneously with the main applicant pays the £3,226 fee separately. ILR applicants are fully exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

UK PR Dependent Visa Processing Time

Stage	Estimated Time
Life in the UK Test preparation and booking	2 to 4 weeks — book online at lifeintheuktests.co.uk; test centres across the UK
English Language Test (if required)	2 to 6 weeks — booking plus results turnaround time
Gathering and organising documents	1 to 3 weeks
Online SET(O) application submission	1 to 3 days once documents are ready
UKVCAS biometrics appointment booking	1 to 3 weeks (varies by UK city)
Standard UKVI processing (after biometrics)	Up to 6 months
Priority Service (after biometrics)	Within 5 working days
Super Priority Service (after biometrics)	By end of next working day (weekday appointment) or 2 working days (weekend appointment)
Total timeline — standard service	3 to 8 months from preparation to ILR grant
Total timeline — priority service	4 to 8 weeks from preparation to ILR grant

Note: Processing times are indicative. Submitting a complete and correct document set at the time of application significantly reduces the risk of delays or requests for additional information (known as "further submissions" requests).

Documents Required for the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)

Documents for Spouse / Civil Partner

Valid passport
eVisa details / UKVI account share code showing your UK dependant status
Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
Life in the UK Test pass certificate
Proof of language evidence ( SELT / IELTS)
Proof of continuous residence in the UK
Complete absence record from the UK — dates, destinations, and reasons for all absences during the 5-year qualifying period
Evidence of genuine and subsisting relationship
Sponsor's employer confirmation letter
Recent passport photographs

Documents for Dependent Children

Valid current passport for each child
Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as a UK dependant for each child
Full birth certificate showing both parents' names
Evidence of continuous residence as a UK dependant for the qualifying period
School enrolment letter or attendance records (school-age children)
Bank statements or payslips as evidence of financial support by the sponsor
For children over 16: Proof of where they live and that they are not living independently; any rent or upkeep paid to the sponsor
For children 18 and over: additionally, Life in the UK Test pass certificate and English language evidence

Financial and Supporting Documents (Sponsor)

Last 3 months' payslips from UK employer
Current UK employment contract with salary details
Employer letter confirming continued need for the role and that salary meets the applicable ILR threshold
Last 3 months' UK bank statements
Sponsor’s eVisa details / UKVI account share code and visa approval letter
National Insurance number and UK tax reference

Note: All documents not in English must have a certified translation. Always check the official UKVI checklist for your specific visa category before submitting. Y-Axis can provide a personalised document checklist based on your sponsor's visa type and family circumstances.

Step-by-step process for UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent) application

How to make an ILR application as a dependent partner (step by step)

You apply from inside the UK. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm the sponsor's visa type and eligibility.

Step 2: Confirm the dependant's qualifying period.

Step 3: Prepare for and pass the Life in the UK Test for dependents aged between 18 to 64.

Step 4: Clear language proficiency tests like SELT, IELTS, etc.

Step 5: Compile all required documents such as passports, BRPs, marriage/birth certificates, 5-year residence evidence, absence record, sponsor's employment letter, financial proof, etc.

Step 6: Complete the online SET(O) form – no earlier than 28 days before you reach 5 years, and before your current visa expires.

Step 7: Pay the application fee along with Priority (+£500) or Super Priority (+£1,000) service for faster approval.

Step 8: Upload documents to the UKVCAS portal.

Step 9: Book and attend a UKVCAS biometrics appointment.

Step 10: Await the UKVI decision (up to 6 months on the standard service). Do not leave the UK while waiting, as this withdraws the application.

Step 11: Get your ILR as an eVisa – view and share it through your UKVI account. You can then live in the UK permanently with full work, study and NHS rights.

Financial Requirements for the UK PR Dependent Visa

The sponsor must demonstrate they can financially support themselves and their dependants without relying on UK public funds. This is a mandatory requirement under UK Immigration Rules.

Financial Requirement	Details
No recourse to public funds	The sponsor and dependants must not be relying on UK government benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, etc.) at the time of the ILR application
Salary requirement for sponsor	Skilled Worker sponsors must usually earn at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for their job, whichever is higher. If their first certificate of sponsorship was issued before 4 April 2024, the minimum is £31,300 (or £25,000 for Immigration Salary List jobs) or the lower going rate, whichever is higher. Healthcare and education jobs follow national pay scales. See gov.uk ILR salary requirements.
Evidence required	Last 3 months' payslips, current employment contract, and last 3 months' UK bank statements
No fixed dependent income threshold	No separate minimum income per dependant is set — overall household financial self-sufficiency is assessed
Important note	Salary thresholds are periodically updated by the Home Office. Confirm the current applicable threshold with Y-Axis advisers before applying

English Language Requirements for the UK PR Dependent Visa

All dependants aged 18 to 64 must meet the B1 English language requirement as part of the ILR application. This applies to spouses, partners, and qualifying adult children.

Upcoming change: The Home Office has announced that the English level for ILR on certain routes will rise from B1 to B2. Check gov.uk for the start date before you book a test.

Scenario	English Language Requirement
Spouse / partner aged 18 to 64	Must demonstrate B1 CEFR English in speaking and listening — via a Secure English Language Test (SELT), a UK degree taught in English, or as a national of a majority English-speaking country
Children under 18	Exempt — no English language requirement
Dependants aged 65 or over	Exempt — no English language requirement
Dependants with a long-term physical or mental condition	Exempt — medical evidence on the Home Office exemption form required
Recognised test providers (SELT)	IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert SELT, PSI Services, Trinity College London GESE, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI — minimum B1 level required
B1 English standard	Ability to understand clear speech on familiar topics; communicate in everyday situations; produce simple connected text on familiar topics

Life in the UK Test for UK PR Dependent Visa Applicants

All dependants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test before applying for ILR. The test cannot be waived for this age group.

Test Requirement	Details
Who must pass	All ILR applicants and dependants aged 18 to 64 — including spouses, partners, and qualifying adult children
Who is exempt	Dependants under 18; dependants aged 65 or over; dependants with a long-term physical or mental condition (certified on the Home Office exemption form)
Test format	24 multiple-choice questions — must answer at least 18 correctly (75%) to pass
Test duration	45 minutes
Test fee	£50 per sitting
Where to book	Online at lifeintheuktests.co.uk — test centres across the UK
Study material	Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (official handbook, 3rd edition)
Certificate validity	No expiry — the pass certificate is valid indefinitely once obtained
Retakes	No limit on retakes; each sitting costs £50

UK PR Dependent Visa: ILR Validity and Key Conditions

Situation	Rule
ILR grant	ILR is a permanent immigration status granted from the date of the UKVI decision
Expiry of ILR	ILR does not expire — it is valid indefinitely
Absence rule	ILR lapses if the holder is absent from the UK for more than 2 continuous years — returning resident visa may be required after extended absence
Independence of dependant's ILR	Once the dependant holds ILR, their status is independent — not affected by the main applicant's employment change, departure, or relationship breakdown
Relationship breakdown	The dependant's ILR is not revoked on divorce or separation — it is an independent and permanent status once granted
Child turns 18 after ILR	A child's ILR granted while under 18 remains valid. If the child has not yet applied and turns 18, different rules apply — consult Y-Axis
Pathway to British citizenship	After 12 months of ILR, dependants can apply for British naturalisation

Pathway to British Citizenship for UK PR Dependent Visa Holders

The UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR) is the final step before British citizenship. The total timeline from UK arrival as a dependant to British passport is approximately 6 to 7 years.

Route	Details
Step 1: UK Dependant Visa	Live in the UK as a dependant on the sponsor's Skilled Worker or qualifying work visa for 5 continuous years
Step 2: ILR (UK PR — Permanent Residency)	Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain — £3,226 per person — after 5 years as a dependant
Step 3: British Naturalisation (Citizenship)	Apply after 12 months of ILR — fee: £1,709 per adult (plus £130 citizenship ceremony fee); £1,000 per child registration (subject to change). Must have spent no more than 450 days outside UK in the 5 years before citizenship; no more than 90 days absent in the 12 months immediately before application
Total UK pathway timeline	Approximately 6 to 7 years from first arrival as a dependant to British citizenship
British passport benefit	Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. Right to live and work in the UK permanently and to vote in UK elections
Dual citizenship and India	India does not permit dual citizenship. Indian nationals who naturalise as British citizens must surrender Indian citizenship. They can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card — confirm with the Indian High Commission

Is the 5-year ILR rule changing?

The Home Office has proposed an “earned settlement” model with a 10-year baseline qualifying period, under which partners may need to qualify in their own right. These rules have not yet been laid before Parliament and no start date is set, so the current 5-year rules still apply. We will update this page as soon as the new rules are published.

Success Story: Sweta’s UK Dependent Visa Journey

Watch how Sweta successfully moved to the UK on a dependent visa with expert guidance from Y-Axis. In this testimonial, she shares her experience, application journey, and how professional support helped make her UK migration process smoother and stress-free.

How Can Y-Axis Help with Your UK PR Dependent Visa?

As the world's No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, Y-Axis has been providing reliable, personalised immigration services for 25+ years with over 10 lakh clients assisted. Our UK immigration experts provide complete, end-to-end assistance including:

Free eligibility assessment — confirm whether your family qualifies based on the sponsor's visa type, residence period, and salary
Personalised document checklist for Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, T2, or other work visa dependant ILR applications
Life in the UK Test preparation guidance — recommended materials and practice resources
English language test guidance — identifying the right SELT provider and booking support
Comprehensive absence record calculation — assessing total UK absences and their impact on eligibility
Evidence of continuous residence — guidance on which documents to gather across the full 5-year qualifying period
SET(O) online application form preparation, review, and submission support
UKVCAS biometrics appointment booking assistance
Sponsor employment letter guidance — ensuring the letter meets UKVI requirements precisely
Financial assessment — confirming the sponsor meets the applicable salary threshold for ILR
Long-term UK immigration roadmap — from dependant visa to ILR to British citizenship (naturalisation)
OCI card application guidance for Indian nationals after naturalisation as British citizens
Resume and UK job search assistance for dependant spouses seeking employment after settlement
Post-ILR support — British citizenship application, biometric passport guidance, voter registration, and public services access

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for ILR as a dependent partner?

Apply online with the SET(O) form once you have lived in the UK with your partner for 5 years. You can apply up to 28 days before reaching 5 years, and at the same time as your partner.

Can a dependent partner apply for ILR before the main applicant?

No. Your partner must already be settled or must apply at the same time as you.

How much does ILR cost for a dependent partner?

The application fee is £3,226 per person, plus £50 for the Life in the UK Test. Priority (£500) and Super Priority (£1,000) services cost extra.

Do dependent partners need the Life in the UK Test and English?

Yes, if aged 18 to 64. You need a Life in the UK Test pass and English at B1 level in speaking and listening. The Home Office has announced the level will rise to B2 for certain routes, so check gov.uk for the start date.

How long can I be outside the UK as a dependent partner?

For Skilled Worker and most other work routes, no more than 180 days in any 12-month period during the 5 years.

How long does an ILR decision take?

Up to 6 months on the standard service. Priority gives a decision within 5 working days of your identity appointment, and Super Priority by the end of the next working day.

Will the new 10-year settlement rules affect dependent partners?

The proposed earned settlement rules may require partners to qualify in their own right. These rules have not yet been laid before Parliament, so the current 5-year rules still apply.

Do UK ILR Dependent Visa holders need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

No. ILR applicants — including all dependants applying for settlement — are fully exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Upon receiving ILR, all family members have full access to NHS services as UK-settled residents at no surcharge cost. The IHS exemption does not apply to the temporary dependant visa stage — only from the point of ILR (settlement).

Do dependant children get free education in the UK?

Yes. All dependent children residing in the UK — including those on UK dependant visas or holding ILR — are entitled to free compulsory state education in UK state primary and secondary schools. Education is compulsory in the UK for children aged 5 to 16 in England (4 to 16 in Northern Ireland; 5 to 16 in Scotland and Wales). Adult dependants can also study at any UK university, college, or vocational institution without restriction.

Does the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR) lead to British citizenship?

Yes — through a clear pathway. Once a dependant holds ILR, they can apply for British naturalisation (citizenship) after 12 months of settlement. Additional requirements include no more than 450 days spent outside the UK in the 5 years before the citizenship application and no more than 90 days absent in the 12 months immediately before applying. A British passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.

Do UK PR Dependent Visa applicants need to pass the Life in the UK Test?

Yes. All dependants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test as part of their ILR application. The test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions and requires at least 18 correct answers (75%) to pass. The test takes 45 minutes and costs £50 per sitting. Exemptions apply for applicants under 18, aged 65 or over, or those with a long-term physical or mental condition certified on the Home Office exemption form.

What English language requirement applies to the UK PR Dependent Visa?

Dependants aged 18 to 64 must demonstrate B1 level English (CEFR) at the time of the ILR application. This can be evidenced through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI or LanguageCert at B1 or above; a UK degree taught and assessed in English; or as a national of a majority English-speaking country. Dependants under 18, aged 65 and over, or with a certified long-term medical condition are exempt from the English language requirement.

What documents are required for the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)?

Key documents include valid passports (all passports held during the 5-year period), current BRP card, marriage or birth certificates (with certified translation if not in English), Life in the UK Test pass certificate, English language evidence (B1 level SELT or UK degree), evidence of continuous UK residence across the 5-year qualifying period (utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, payslips), complete absence record, evidence of genuine relationship (for spouses), and the sponsor's employer confirmation letter and salary evidence.

Can a dependant apply for ILR separately from the main visa holder?

Yes. A dependant can apply for ILR separately at a later date — for example, if they joined the UK after the main applicant and need more time to complete their own 5-year qualifying period. In this case, the dependant applies using the online SET(O) or SET(M) form (depending on the route) independently. The main applicant may already hold ILR by this time. Y-Axis can help determine the correct route based on your specific timeline.

How is the 5-year qualifying period calculated for UK ILR Dependent applications?

The 5-year continuous qualifying period begins from the date the first qualifying UK dependant visa was issued to the dependant — not the date of entry into the UK. Time spent as a dependant on another qualifying work visa category (for example, as a T2 dependant before switching to a Skilled Worker dependant visa) can also count towards the 5-year period. Absences from the UK must be within allowable limits — excessive absences can disrupt the continuous residence requirement. Y-Axis can calculate your qualifying period.

What happens to the dependant's ILR if the sponsor leaves the UK or the relationship breaks down?

Once a dependant holds ILR, their immigration status is fully independent. It is not affected by the main applicant's departure from the UK, change of employment, or relationship breakdown. ILR is a permanent status — it cannot be revoked because of changes to the sponsor's circumstances. ILR only lapses if the holder leaves the UK for more than 2 continuous years or is deported. Dependants affected by relationship breakdown or domestic violence may also have separate protections under UK immigration law — seek legal advice from Y-Axis.

How does the UK PR Dependent Visa compare with Canada OWP and USA H-4 for Indian families?

The UK ILR Dependent route offers full and unrestricted work rights for spouses from day one of the dependant visa — no waiting period, no employer restriction, no Labour Market Test. The USA H-4 visa has restricted work rights (H-4 EAD required; only available in specific circumstances) and India faces Green Card backlogs of 10 to 20+ years. Canada's Open Work Permit for dependants of Express Entry or PGWP holders also gives full work rights, with PR in approximately 2 to 3 years. The UK ILR route is one of the clearest and most straightforward family settlement pathways for Indian professionals in 2026.

Can the dependant apply for ILR if the main applicant already has ILR?

Yes. If the main applicant has already received ILR, the dependant can still apply for their own ILR separately — provided the dependant has completed their own 5-year qualifying period as a UK dependant. The dependant uses the SET(M) form in this case (applying as the partner or dependant of a British citizen or person settled in the UK). Y-Axis can confirm the correct form and route based on your specific situation.

What is the Earned Settlement proposal and how does it affect UK ILR Dependent applications?

In early 2026, the UK government published proposals under the Earned Settlement plan that could extend the qualifying period for ILR beyond 5 years for new applicants entering the UK immigration system in the future. Those already in the UK and approaching their 5-year anniversary are strongly advised to apply promptly under the current rules before any legislative changes take effect. Rules could change rapidly. Y-Axis can advise on the current status of any proposed changes at the time of your enquiry.

What is the ILR application process for UK PR Dependants from India?

The UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR) is applied for from within the UK — not from India. The dependant must already be living in the UK on a valid UK dependant visa for at least 5 years before applying. The process involves: completing the online SET(O) form, paying the fee, uploading documents to the UKVCAS portal, attending a UKVCAS biometrics appointment in the UK, and awaiting the UKVI decision. Indian families planning this move should first obtain a UK Skilled Worker Dependant Visa to enter and begin residing in the UK. Y-Axis can guide the full process from India.

How can Y-Axis help with the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent) application?

Y-Axis provides complete end-to-end UK ILR Dependent Visa assistance — including free eligibility assessment, personalised document checklist, Life in the UK Test preparation guidance, English language test booking support, absence record calculation, 5-year residence evidence compilation, SET(O) application preparation and review, UKVCAS biometrics appointment support, employer letter guidance, and long-term planning for British citizenship (naturalisation). With 25+ years of experience and over 10 lakh clients served, Y-Axis is the world's No. 1 immigration consultancy. Call +91-7670800000 or sign up at www.y-axis.com.

What is the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)?

The UK PR Dependent Visa — formally known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for Dependants — allows the spouse, civil partner, and dependent children of a Skilled Worker or work visa holder to permanently settle in the UK. Once granted, dependants can live, work, and study in the UK without any time limit. The application is made online using the SET(O) form. Settlement is the final step before British citizenship.

Who qualifies as a dependant for the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)?

Eligible dependants include the legally married spouse or registered civil partner of the main applicant; dependent children under 18 years of age (biological, adopted, or step-children); and children who entered the UK as a dependant before the age of 18 and do not yet live independently (not married, not in a civil partnership). Parents, siblings, grandparents, and adult independent children are generally not eligible under this route.

How long must a dependant live in the UK before applying for ILR?

A dependant must have lived continuously in the UK as a registered dependant on the sponsor's qualifying UK work visa for at least 5 years. The 5-year period starts from the date the first qualifying dependant visa was issued — not from the date of entry into the UK. You can apply up to 28 days before reaching your 5-year anniversary. Applications submitted early may be refused.