ILR for Dependants: Requirements and Timeline 2026

Overview: ILR for dependants

When you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, your family members who hold dependant visas can also apply for settlement. Dependants - typically your partner and children - are an integral part of the UK immigration system, and the rules governing their ILR applications are closely tied to the main applicant's route but carry their own requirements, fees, and potential complications.

Each dependant must submit their own ILR application and pay their own fees. The costs add up quickly for families: with the ILR application fee at £1,846 per person, a family of four faces a total bill of over £7,000 in application fees alone, before factoring in biometrics, English tests, and the Life in the UK test. Understanding how the dependant route works - and planning for it - is essential to avoid delays, refusals, or unexpected financial strain.

This guide covers everything you need to know about ILR for dependants in 2026: who qualifies, what the requirements are, how much it costs, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls. The rules are set out in the GOV.UK settlement guidance and the Immigration Rules (Appendix FM). Always check the latest official guidance or consult an immigration adviser for your specific situation.

Who counts as a dependant?

In UK immigration terms, a dependant is a family member who has been granted permission to stay in the UK based on their relationship to the main visa holder (the "main applicant" or "sponsor"). Not every family member qualifies. The Home Office recognises the following categories of dependants for most work and family visa routes:

• Spouse or civil partner: Your legally married husband or wife, or your civil partner. Unmarried partners in a relationship akin to marriage (who have lived together for at least 2 years) also qualify on some routes.
• Children under 18: Your biological children, adopted children, or stepchildren who are under 18 at the time of the initial application and are not living an independent life (not married, not in a civil partnership, and financially dependent on you).
• Children over 18: In limited circumstances, children who were included as dependants on the original visa and have continued as dependants. If they have turned 18, they are treated as adult dependants and face additional requirements (English language and Life in the UK test).

Parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members generally cannot be included as dependants on work visa routes. They would need to apply through a separate route such as the Adult Dependent Relative visa, which has its own stringent criteria and is rarely granted.

Dependant status by visa route

Partner dependants

If the main applicant holds a work visa (such as a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa), their spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner can apply for a dependant visa. The partner dependant is granted leave for the same duration as the main applicant and can work in the UK without restriction - there are no limits on the type of employment, salary, or hours.

Requirements for a partner dependant

At the initial visa and extension stages, partner dependants must show:

• Genuine relationship: Evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting. This includes marriage certificates, joint finances, shared addresses, photographs, and communication records. The threshold is similar to the family visa route.
• Maintenance and accommodation: The couple must be able to maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. This does not require meeting a specific income threshold (unlike the family visa route), but you must show you will not rely on welfare benefits.
• Valid relationship: The relationship must have existed at the time the main applicant applied for their visa, or the partner must apply to join later as a dependant (which requires the main applicant to still hold valid leave).

At ILR stage

When the main applicant applies for ILR, the partner dependant can apply for ILR at the same time. The partner must meet:

• 5 years of continuous residence in the UK (or the qualifying period required by the main applicant's route)
• English language at B1 level (unless exempt)
• Life in the UK test pass (unless exempt)
• Absence limit not exceeded (180 days in any rolling 12-month period)
• Good character requirement met

The partner's qualifying period must match the main applicant's. If the partner joined later (for example, arriving in the UK 6 months after the main applicant), the partner may not have completed the full qualifying period and would need to wait until they have.

Child dependants

Children included on the main applicant's visa can apply for ILR as dependants. The rules differ depending on the child's age at the time of the ILR application.

Children under 18

Children who are under 18 at the date of the ILR application have a simplified process:

• No English language requirement: Children under 18 are exempt from the English language test
• No Life in the UK test: Also exempt for under-18s
• Absence rule still applies: The 180-day rule applies to children just as it does to adults. If a child has been abroad for an extended period (for example, attending boarding school overseas), their ILR application could be refused
• Good character: Children aged 10 and over are subject to the good character requirement. Children under 10 are not

Children aged 18 or over

If a child was included as a dependant on the original visa but has since turned 18, they are treated as an adult dependant at the ILR stage. This means they must:

• Pass the Life in the UK test
• Meet the English language requirement at B1 level
• Meet the good character requirement
• Not have breached the 180-day absence limit

This is a significant change that catches many families off guard. If your child is approaching 18 and you are close to eligibility for ILR, it may be worth considering whether to apply before their 18th birthday to avoid the additional requirements.

Age-related requirements summary

Eligibility requirements

Each dependant must independently meet the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) eligibility criteria. The main applicant's approval does not automatically grant ILR to dependants. Here is a consolidated list of requirements that every dependant must satisfy:

1. Continuous residence

The dependant must have completed the same qualifying period as the main applicant - typically 5 years of continuous residence for most work routes. The dependant's qualifying period starts from the date their dependant visa begins, not from the main applicant's visa start date. If the dependant joined the UK later, their qualifying period may not yet be complete.

2. Lawful residence throughout

The dependant must have held valid leave to remain throughout the qualifying period. Any gaps in immigration status - even short ones caused by late applications - can be fatal to an ILR application. If you are a dependant, always apply for extensions well before your current leave expires.

3. Absence limits

No more than 180 days absent in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying period. Each dependant's absences are assessed individually.

4. English language (adults only)

Dependants aged 18 or over must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR level B1 or above. This can be met by passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), holding a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country. Children under 18 are exempt.

5. Life in the UK test (adults only)

Dependants aged 18 or over must have passed the Life in the UK test. The test is a 24-question multiple-choice exam with a pass mark of 75% (18 out of 24). Children under 18 are exempt. Prepare using our Life in the UK Practice Quiz.

6. Good character

All dependants aged 10 and over must meet the good character requirement. This means no unspent criminal convictions, no deception in immigration applications, and no involvement in activities contrary to the public good. Children under 10 are exempt.

7. Main applicant must qualify

The dependant's route to ILR is linked to the main applicant. If the main applicant's ILR application is refused, the dependant's application is normally also refused (unless the dependant qualifies independently through another route, such as long residence).

Applying together or separately

Dependants can apply for ILR at the same time as the main applicant or separately at a later date. Both approaches are valid, but there are practical differences.

Applying at the same time

This is the most common and usually recommended approach. The advantages are:

• Simpler process: The main applicant and dependants submit their applications together. The Home Office considers them alongside each other, which reduces the risk of inconsistencies between applications.
• Single biometrics appointment: Family members can often attend biometrics appointments together at the same UKVCAS centre, saving time and logistics.
• Aligned status: If approved, the whole family receives ILR at the same time. No one is left on a temporary visa while others have settled status.

Applying separately

There are legitimate reasons to apply separately:

• Dependant joined later: If the partner or child arrived in the UK after the main applicant, they may not have completed the required qualifying period. They would need to wait until their own 5-year residence is complete.
• Absence rule breach: If a dependant has exceeded the 180-day absence limit, the main applicant may wish to apply for ILR first and add the dependant later once their situation is resolved (this may require a fresh extension application in the meantime).
• Financial reasons: With fees of £1,846 per person, some families stagger applications to spread the cost. The main applicant applies first, and dependants follow once funds are available.

What happens to dependants if only the main applicant gets ILR?

If the main applicant is granted ILR but a dependant is not (or has not yet applied), the dependant remains on their current visa. They can continue to live and work in the UK under their existing leave. However, they will need to apply for further leave (an extension) before their current visa expires, and eventually apply for their own ILR when eligible. The dependant's visa does not automatically become invalid when the main applicant gets ILR.

Fees and costs per dependant

ILR fees apply per person, with no family discount. For families, the financial burden is substantial and requires careful planning. Here is a breakdown of the costs at the ILR stage for each dependant.

ILR application fees per dependant

Total family costs at ILR stage

Here is what a typical family might pay at the ILR application stage alone (excluding priority services and lawyers):

These figures do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) paid during the visa and extension stages, which can add thousands to the cumulative total. Use our UK Visa Cost Calculator for personalised cost estimates for your whole family.

NHS surcharge for dependants

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid by visa holders and their dependants to access NHS healthcare. Each dependant must pay the surcharge for the duration of their visa, and it is a significant cost - especially for families.

Current IHS rates

As of 2026, the IHS rates are:

• Standard rate: £1,035 per year per person
• Discounted rate: £776 per year for students, Youth Mobility Scheme, and children under 18

IHS costs for a family over 5 years

The IHS is paid upfront when applying for each visa and extension. Over a 5-year qualifying period, the cumulative cost is substantial:

For a family of four (two adults, two children), the IHS alone over 5 years comes to approximately £19,016. This is in addition to the visa application fees, ILR fees, and other costs.

IHS exemptions

Dependants of Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from the IHS - a significant saving. This exemption also applies to dependants of those on a Senior or Specialist Worker visa working for the NHS or in eligible health and social care roles. If the main applicant is exempt, their dependants are also exempt. See our Health and Care Worker to ILR guide for details.

No IHS at ILR stage

Importantly, the IHS is not payable when applying for ILR itself. Once granted ILR, you and your dependants have full NHS access without any surcharge. This is one of the key benefits of achieving settled status.

Absence rules for dependants

The absence rules for ILR apply equally to the main applicant and every dependant. Each person's absences are assessed individually. The rule is:

No more than 180 days absent in any rolling 12-month period during the qualifying period.

Why this matters for families

In many families, not everyone travels at the same time. A partner might visit their home country with the children while the main applicant stays in the UK for work, or a child might be sent abroad for an extended family visit or schooling. Each of these trips counts towards that individual's 180-day absence limit. It is possible for the main applicant to qualify for ILR while a dependant does not - simply because the dependant has spent too many days outside the UK.

Common scenarios that cause problems

• Extended family visits: Sending children to stay with grandparents overseas for several months during school holidays is common but can push them over the 180-day limit. A 60-day summer trip plus a 30-day winter trip plus short half-term visits can easily exceed the threshold within a single rolling 12-month window.
• Maternity/paternity trips: A partner returning to their home country for an extended period around the birth of a child (to be near family) can accumulate significant absence days.
• Different travel patterns: If the main applicant and partner travel separately, each person's absence count can differ substantially. Track trips for each family member individually.

How to track dependant absences

Use our ILR Absence Calculator to check absence days across rolling 12-month windows. For ongoing tracking, create an ILR Tracker account and log trips for each family member. The dashboard automatically checks every rolling window and warns you if anyone is approaching the limit. For a full explanation of how rolling windows work, see our guide to ILR absence rules.

Documents needed

Each dependant's ILR application must be supported by its own set of documents. While some documents overlap with the main applicant's application, each dependant needs individual evidence.

Documents for all dependants

• Valid passport: The dependant's current passport and any previous passports covering the qualifying period
• Current BRP: The dependant's own Biometric Residence Permit
• Evidence of relationship: Marriage or civil partnership certificate (for partners), or birth certificate (for children). Certified translations required if not in English.
• Travel history: Evidence of all trips outside the UK during the qualifying period - passport stamps, boarding passes, flight bookings. If the dependant used eGates (which do not stamp passports), request entry/exit data from the Home Office in advance.
• Proof of UK address: Bank statements, utility bills, or official correspondence showing the dependant resides in the UK

Additional documents for adult dependants (partner or children 18+)

• English language certificate: B1 SELT certificate, or evidence of exemption
• Life in the UK test pass: Reference number from the pass notification

Additional documents for child dependants

• Birth certificate: Full birth certificate showing both parents' names
• Adoption order: If the child is adopted
• School records: Evidence of school attendance in the UK during the qualifying period (school letters, attendance records)
• Consent from other parent: If the other parent is not the main applicant or is not included in the application, you may need a consent letter or court order confirming that the child can settle in the UK

Document checklist

Use our ILR Document Checklist to track your document preparation for each family member and ensure nothing is missed.

Switching from a dependant visa

Some dependants may wish to switch from their dependant visa to their own independent visa category. This is a common consideration for partners who want to build their own immigration history separate from the main applicant. However, there are important implications.

Switching to an independent visa

A dependant can apply to switch to their own visa - for example, a Skilled Worker visa if they have a qualifying job offer. If the switch is granted, the dependant starts a new qualifying period on their new route. Time already spent as a dependant does not count towards the new qualifying period for ILR.

When switching makes sense

• Relationship breakdown: If the relationship with the main applicant ends, the dependant loses their basis for remaining as a dependant. Switching to an independent visa (if eligible) allows them to stay in the UK.
• Main applicant leaves the UK: If the main applicant returns to their home country or is no longer in the UK, the dependant's visa basis may be compromised. Switching to an independent route provides security.
• Career development: Some dependants prefer to have their own sponsored visa for professional reasons, though this is generally not advisable if it restarts the ILR clock.

Switching to a dependant visa

Conversely, someone on their own visa can sometimes switch to a dependant visa if their partner holds an eligible work visa. Again, the qualifying period for ILR resets from the date the new dependant visa is granted. This is usually only advisable if the person was unlikely to reach ILR on their existing route (for example, if their employer cannot extend their sponsorship).

Key warning

Switching visa categories resets your qualifying period. If you have been in the UK for 4 years as a dependant and switch to a Skilled Worker visa, you start again at zero for ILR purposes on the Skilled Worker route. Only switch if there is a compelling reason to do so, and take immigration advice before making the decision.

Common issues and pitfalls

Based on common questions and real-world experiences, here are the most frequent issues families face when applying for ILR with dependants.

1. One family member exceeds the absence limit

This is the single most common issue. The main applicant qualifies, but a dependant (often a child who spent a long summer abroad) has exceeded 180 days in a rolling 12-month window. The dependant's ILR application is refused while the main applicant's is approved. The dependant then needs to extend their visa and try again later. Track each family member's absences separately from day one.

2. Underestimating the cost

Families often budget for the main applicant's ILR but forget that each dependant pays the full £1,846 application fee. A family of four needs approximately £7,861 just for the ILR applications. Start saving early - use our UK Visa Cost Calculator to get a complete picture of costs.

3. Child turning 18 before application

As discussed above, a child who turns 18 before the ILR application date must meet adult requirements: English B1 and Life in the UK test. This is often a surprise. Check the timeline carefully and consider applying before the child's 18th birthday if possible.

4. Partner who joined later

If a partner dependant arrived in the UK months or years after the main applicant, they may not have completed the 5-year qualifying period when the main applicant becomes eligible. The main applicant can apply for ILR on time, but the partner must wait. This is not a problem - it just means the partner applies for ILR later and needs an extension in the meantime.

5. Inconsistent travel history

If the main applicant and dependant report different dates for the same trip, it raises red flags. The Home Office cross-references applications submitted together. Ensure all family members provide consistent travel histories. If you travelled separately on some occasions, make sure this is clearly documented.

6. Missing or expired documents

Each dependant needs their own complete set of documents. A common oversight is not having a valid passport for a child, not obtaining parental consent when the other parent is not part of the application, or not arranging certified translations of birth certificates. Prepare documents for all family members at the same time.

7. Not understanding that dependant status is linked

If the main applicant's ILR application is refused, dependant applications are normally also refused. Similarly, if the main applicant leaves the UK or loses their visa status before the dependant applies for ILR, the dependant's basis for settlement may be affected. Ensure the main applicant's case is strong before submitting the family's applications.

Children born in the UK

The nationality rules for children born in the UK depend on the parents' immigration status at the time of birth. This is an area where many families are confused.

Automatic British citizenship

A child born in the UK is automatically a British citizen if, at the time of birth, at least one parent has:

• British citizenship, or
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / settled status, or
• Right of abode in the UK

If neither parent has ILR or British citizenship at the time of birth, the child is not automatically a British citizen - even though they were born in the UK. The child will need their own immigration status (typically as a dependant on the parent's visa).

Registration as a British citizen

Children born in the UK who were not automatically British citizens can be registered as British citizens once a parent obtains ILR or British citizenship. The registration application is made using Form MN1 and costs £1,214 (plus a £80 citizenship ceremony fee for those aged 18+). A child born in the UK who lives in the UK continuously for the first 10 years of their life is also entitled to registration, regardless of the parents' status.

Children born abroad

Children born abroad to parents who do not have British citizenship or ILR will need to apply for entry clearance as a dependant to join the family in the UK. They start their qualifying period from the date their visa is granted, not from the date the parent's visa was granted.

After ILR: what changes for dependants

Once a dependant is granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), their immigration status fundamentally changes. Here is what ILR means in practice for each family member.

What ILR gives dependants

• Independence from the main applicant: The dependant no longer relies on the main applicant's visa status. They can live and work in the UK independently, even if the main applicant leaves the country or the relationship ends.
• No visa restrictions: Full right to work, study, and access public services without restriction.
• Access to public funds: Eligible for welfare benefits, housing benefit, and other support if needed.
• Full NHS access: No more IHS payments. Free NHS healthcare as a settled person.
• Path to citizenship: After holding ILR for 12 months, dependants can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation (subject to meeting the naturalisation absence rules and other requirements).

Naturalisation requirements

The standard naturalisation route requires 5 years of residence in the UK, including 12 months with ILR. The absence limits for naturalisation are different from ILR: no more than 450 days absent in the 5-year period, and no more than 90 days absent in the final 12 months. If a dependant is married to a British citizen, the qualifying period is reduced to 3 years (with no more than 270 days absent and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months). See our guide to naturalisation requirements for full details.

ILR can be lost

ILR lapses if the holder is absent from the UK for more than 2 continuous years. This applies to dependants individually. If a dependant spends more than 2 years abroad (for example, returning to their home country for an extended period), their ILR will lapse and they would need a Returning Resident visa to re-enter the UK. Applying for British citizenship as soon as eligible removes this risk, as citizenship cannot be lost in the same way.

How ILR Tracker helps

Managing the ILR journey for a whole family adds complexity: multiple sets of trips to track, separate absence calculations for each person, and significant costs to plan for. ILR Tracker was designed to handle exactly this.

Track absences for each family member

Log trips for each person and ILR Tracker automatically checks every rolling 12-month window for each family member. See at a glance whether anyone is approaching the 180-day limit, and get warnings before trips are booked that could push someone over.

Eligibility dates

Enter each family member's visa start date and see their individual ILR eligibility dates. If a dependant joined later, their date will be different from the main applicant's - and ILR Tracker shows this clearly.

Cost planning

The Financial Planner shows the full cost breakdown for your family's ILR applications, including per-person fees, IHS costs, and optional services. No surprises when application day arrives.

Document tracking

The Application Planner provides a tailored document checklist for each visa route. Track which documents you have gathered for each family member and get a readiness score that shows how prepared you are.

Free tools to get started

You do not need an account to try our free calculators:

• ILR Eligibility Calculator - Find out when each family member can apply for ILR.
• ILR Absence Calculator - Check absence days for each person across every rolling 12-month window.
• UK Visa Cost Calculator - Get personalised cost estimates for your whole family.
• ILR Document Checklist - See exactly what documents each family member needs.
• Life in the UK Practice Quiz - 1,000 practice questions for adult dependants preparing for the test.

For ongoing tracking with saved trip history, trip import from calendars and spreadsheets, financial planning, and application readiness scoring for your whole family, create a free ILR Tracker account.