Unifying Your Family's Status.

When you cross the finish line to Settlement, who comes with you? We identify the family members eligible for Immediate Settlement and those who must wait.

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The "Immediate Settlement" List (No 5-Year Wait)

  • UK Ancestry Dependents

    Your partner and children can apply for ILR on the exact same day as you, even if they arrived in the UK last week. They are exempt from the continuous residence requirement.

    View UK Ancestry Dependents →

  • Dependent Children (under 18)

    Children generally do not need a 5-year qualifying period. Provided both parents are applying for settlement (or one is already settled/British), the child settles immediately with you. Their status is linked to your parental authority, not their own residence.

    View Dependent Children (under 18) →

  • Bereaved Partners

    If your partner (who was British or Settled) passes away, you do not need to finish your 5-year route. You can apply for Immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain as a Bereaved Partner, provided the relationship was subsisting at the time of death.

    View Bereaved Partners Visa→

The "5-Year Clock" for PBS Partners.

 

For partners of Skilled Workers, Global Talent, and Innovators, the rules are stricter.

The Rule: Partners under Appendix Continuous Residence must complete their own 5-year qualifying period.

The Scenario: If the Main Applicant settles after 3 years (Accelerated Route) or 5 years, but the Partner joined 2 years later, the Partner cannot settle yet. They must apply for a Dependent Extension to bridge the gap until they hit their own 60-month milestone.

The "Both Parents" Trap.

To grant settlement to a child, the Home Office requires that both parents are either settled or applying to settle.

The Trap: If one parent is settling (e.g., the Main Applicant) but the other parent is only extending (e.g., a Partner who hasn't finished 5 years), the child cannot settle yet. They must be granted permission in line with the 'least settled' parent.

Exceptions:

  • One parent is deceased.

  • One parent has 'Sole Responsibility' (requires strict proof).

  • Serious and compelling family considerations apply.

Mandatory Integration Tests.

Unless exempt, dependent Partner’s and Children turning 18 must pass two specific assessments to prove their integration into British society prior to submission.

 

Life in the UK Test

A 24-question digital exam covering British history, traditions, and law. You must score 75% to pass.

The Nuvora Standard: "The certificate has no expiry date, but the name on it must match your passport exactly. We verify your booking details to ensure the unique reference number (URN) is valid for settlement.

The Language Test (B1)

You must prove "intermediate" proficiency in Speaking and Listening. This is a step up from the A2 level required for visa extensions.

The Nuvora Standard: "Not all tests are valid. It must be a SELT (Secure English Language Test) with an approved provider. Alternatively, we can use your Degree (if Ecctis verified) or your National Passport (if from a majority English-speaking country).

Are you Exempt?

You do not need to take these tests if:

  • You are under 18 or over 65 years of age.

  • You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from studying (requires a specific Medical Waiver).

Financial Stability Check.

You must prove you can support your dependents without recourse to public funds.

  • Partners: Usually requires confirmation of the 'Minimum Income Requirement' (often £29,000 or linked to the Main Applicant's salary rules).

  • Children: We must prove 'Adequate Maintenance' (Income Support level) or meet the specific salary threshold of the main route (e.g., Skilled Worker dependent rates).

Dependent Settlement FAQs

  • Not automatically. However, once you (the parents) settle, a child born in the UK is entitled to register as a British Citizen immediately. They bypass the 'Settlement' application entirely.

  • Yes, provided they were granted leave as a dependent child before they turned 18 and are not living an 'independent life' (married/living separately). They retain their 'child' status for the application but must pass the Life in the UK test.

  • Yes. If you switched from a 'Student Dependent' to a 'Skilled Worker Dependent', both periods count towards your 5-year total, provided the relationship remained genuine and subsisting.

Do You Meet the Requirements?

The rules are rigid, but your strategy doesn't have to be. Use our free assessment to see if you qualify.

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