Settlement for dependants when the main applicant gets ILR

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Assess each family member separately

The main applicant's ILR does not automatically grant settlement to a partner or children. Each person needs appropriate permission and must meet the relevant conditions. The Skilled Worker family guidance ↗ allows eligible family members to join the application or apply later.

Create a family table showing the route, start of dependant permission, eVisa expiry, children's ages and expected settlement dates. Also check how the main applicant is obtaining ILR. Settlement under long residence can have different consequences from settlement directly as a Skilled Worker.

A partner has their own qualifying period

A Skilled Worker's partner normally needs five continuous years as that person's dependant, a genuine relationship and an intention to continue living together. Time on an independent visa cannot simply be added to this dependant period. However, eligible time as the same person's dependant under another route may count.

Prepare previous immigration decisions, relationship and cohabitation evidence, a travel table and proof of current circumstances. English and Life in the UK are separate requirements. The current Immigration Rules ↗ provide for B2 in the relevant dependant settlement applications dated on or after 26 March 2027. Before then, the rules specify B1 unless an exemption applies.

Children have separate conditions

Do not automatically impose the partner's five-year rule on every child. Relevant factors include permission as a child, not leading an independent family life and both parents' position. Both parents normally need to be settled or applying for settlement, subject to specified exceptions such as sole responsibility or serious and compelling circumstances.

Children over 16 may need recent evidence of address and financial support. For those aged 18 or above, first obtaining dependant permission before adulthood and remaining appropriately dependent are important. A birth certificate is not the only document required. Separately establish whether a UK-born child is already British or may qualify for citizenship registration.

If the family is not yet ready for ILR

The official guidance permits qualifying Skilled Worker dependant permission to be extended after the main applicant settles. Do not automatically switch to an ordinary spouse family visa: it is a different route and can alter the qualifying timetable. Submit the appropriate extension before existing permission expires, budgeting for fees and IHS for the remaining period.

Main applicants and dependants may have separate applications and decisions. Retain the principal settlement reference and decision, linked family application confirmations and current eVisas. Families affected by long residence should use the separate guidance ↗. Where routes have changed, obtain an assessment of the whole timeline. The objective is to maintain valid permission until each person qualifies, rather than synchronising dates through an unsuitable application.