How many years does it take to convert a UK spouse visa to permanent residence? Five major conditions for the 2026 new regulations

"I am in the 5th year of my spouse visa. Can I submit my permanent residence application at any time?" This type of background question is particularly common this year. The answer is: The path has not changed, but there are pitfalls hidden in the details of each level. Today I will break down the core requirements for converting a spouse visa to permanent residence (ILR) in 2026 to help you avoid detours. 📌 Today is July 20, 2026. The following is subject to the current GOV.UK announcement.

How many years does it take to convert a spouse visa to permanent residence?

The mainstream is the 5-year path : As a partner, if you have lived legally in the UK with a family visa for 5 consecutive years, you can apply for ILR. The application form is SET(M).

There is also the 10-year path , which is suitable for applicants who take the "human rights/exceptional circumstances" (family life cannot continue outside the UK and wait for insurmountable obstacles). The income threshold is low but the time is doubled. The two paths do not conflict with each other. Which one you choose depends on the category you were originally approved for.

Regarding the rumors that "5 years will be changed to 10 years": The current 10-year settlement reform for economic visas is still in the consultation stage, and has not yet been implemented in the family/spouse path. The 5-year transfer of spouse visa to permanent residence is still valid.

Is the income threshold for permanent residence for a partner visa still £29,000?

Yes. From April 2024, the minimum income requirement (MIR) for family visas will increase to £29,000/year and has been maintained since then. Plan , which was previously rumored to be increased to £38,700, was suspended and was not implemented.

After review in 2025, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) believed that £29,000 was on the high side, with a recommended range of approximately £23,000–£25,000. However, as of mid-2026, the government has not yet adopted , and the threshold is still £29,000. The form of proof of income (salary, savings, self-employment, etc.) is strictly required. Incompatible materials are a common reason for rejection. Be sure to prepare all items by category.

How to pass the English and Life in UK exams for permanent residence in the UK?

Two hard thresholds are indispensable:

👉 English reaches B1 (listening, speaking, reading and writing, the permanent residence stage has higher requirements than the initial visa) - it can be met by recognized English test scores or English-taught degree qualifications.

👉 passed Life in the UK Test——You only need to pass the test once in your life, and the results are permanently valid.

Reminder: The English threshold will be tightened in the future. If you still have poor grades, it is recommended to pass the exam as soon as possible. Don’t be stuck in a hurry before submitting the form.

How to calculate exit and continuous residence for spouse visa permanent residence?

Many people misunderstand this point. The spouse (partner) path does not apply the strict "180 days/12 months" upper limit like the technical work permit. But this does not mean that you can leave at will - if you leave the country for a long time or frequently, you may be questioned whether the relationship is genuine and subsisting (genuine and subsisting), , and whether the UK is your main place of living.

In practice, it is more important to keep reasonable departure records and materials that can prove the couple lives together (shared address, joint bills, etc.) than counting the number of days. If you are not sure about your situation, you can use 永居计算器APP to calculate the key time points to the nearest day to avoid early submission or missed calculations.

How much does it cost to apply for permanent residence with a spouse visa and how long does it take to get the result?

The application fee for ILR in 2026 is £3,226 per person for . There is no additional charge for collecting fingerprints and photos (biometric information). Standard review usually results in 6 months after submission of biometric information.