ILR after a spouse visa: a guide for Pakistani applicants

The basic requirements

• Five years (60 months) on the partner route, usually across two grants of 30 or 33 months.
• A continuing genuine relationship with your partner.
• The financial requirement.
• English language at the level required by the Immigration Rules at the date of application (currently B1 or above for settlement on the partner route), and the Life in the UK test, unless exempt. English requirements can change, so check the current rule before applying.
• No unacceptable criminal record or immigration breaches.

Which financial threshold applies

If you first received permission on the partner route on or after 11 April 2024, the threshold is £29,000. If you were already on the five-year partner route before that date, you may continue to be assessed against the previous threshold of £18,600 (plus any child amounts) for extensions and settlement. Check which applies before preparing your evidence.

Practical points

• Documents from Pakistan, such as nikah nama or family registration certificates, may need certified translation.
• Time spent outside the UK, including extended family visits, must be recorded carefully.
• Evidence of cohabitation should run consistently across the full five years.

Fees

From 8 April 2026 the ILR fee is £3,226 per person. Our fees for advice are set out on our fees page; initial enquiries are handled through our intake process, with any full case assessment fee confirmed before work begins.

Figures checked against GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 3 October 2026. Fees and rules change; always confirm the current position on GOV.UK before applying.