Evidentially tricky settled status appeal
We won Settled Status for Client A, a French national, despite complex residency evidence issues. Using witness statements, we succeeded at the First Tier Tribunal.
Content Correct as of September 2025
Introduction
A settlement visa, also known as indefinite leave to remain, can only be applied for once a person qualifies, usually after a set period of residence in a visa category that leads to settlement. In most instances, settlement is obtained once a person has resided in the UK for five years. It remains valid unless you leave the UK for a continuous two-year period; even if you do so, it may still be possible to apply for a ‘returning resident’ visa.
Applications for settlement are complicated, and the requirements will vary depending on your immigration category.
Latitude Law’s expert solicitors are on hand to advise and assist, whether you would like information about a visa application or help to complete it.
Our team has extensive knowledge and years of experience helping individuals achieve settlement in the UK on their way to becoming a British citizen. Settlement status can be achieved in many different ways, including working under the points-based system, visa sponsorship, UK ancestry, relationship with British / settled family, and so on.
Settlement, also called ‘indefinite leave to remain’ or ‘permanent residence’, is unlimited permission to reside in the UK. This status removes restrictions on travel or work and allows the holder to receive UK benefits if otherwise eligible. Settlement is often available to applicants after they have completed at least five years’ UK residence in a qualifying immigration route.
Some routes - such as Global Talent and Innovator - offer a three-year settlement option. It may also be available to people who have completed 10 years’ continuous lawful UK residence regardless of the type of permission they held.
On 12 May 2025 the Government published a white paper policy document called Restoring control over the immigration system; in this white paper proposal, it is mentioned that the Government may increase the standard qualifying period for permanent residence (also known as indefinite leave to remain or settlement) from five to ten years, although the details have not been released.
We Can Help with Securing UK Settlement Visas
A UK settlement visa allows you to live, work and study in the UK with very few restrictions. Permanent residence is the most secure status you can obtain under immigration rules, short of becoming a British citizen.
It frees you from most immigration controls, allowing residence, education and work with no restrictions. Given that a settlement visa can be expensive to apply for, working with the experts to maximise your chances of first-time success is a good idea.
Indefinite leave to remain is only available to those who meet the specific requirements of their immigration route. For most applicants, this will mean completing five years’ continuous UK residence and satisfying any other criteria their route demands. For example:
If married to a British citizen, you can apply to join your partner in the UK. You will need to satisfy various requirements, including relationship, financial, English language and TB requirements.
Once you have been in the UK on a partner visa for at least 5 years, you can normally apply to settle in the UK.
Citizenship by naturalisation is the most common method for adults to become a UK citizen. You can apply for naturalisation having lived legally in the UK for at least 5 years, assuming you meet criteria such as residence criteria, language ability requirements, character requirements and more.
You’ll also have to pass a ‘life in the UK’ test, which will test your knowledge of British history, tradition and daily life. This is effectively to test that you integrate well with society.
Get a UK Settlement Visa with Our Help
To apply for a UK settlement visa, you’ll first need to gather the relevant documents (proof of identity, financial stability, proof of relationship, etc.), then you’ll need to make an online application, as well as passing the ‘life in the UK’ test.
This application process can be confusing and difficult to succeed the first time. This wouldn’t be an issue if the price of the application wasn’t over £3,000 for the base application alone. As a result, we’d recommend working with experts such as Latitude Law, who can talk you through the entire application process, as well as advising you towards the best possible chance of success at the first attempt. Get in touch today to find out more.
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Settlement visa fees are around £3,029 in most categories. For more information regarding fees, visit the government website visa fees page to see which fee will apply to you.
Indefinite leave to remain in the UK is another way of saying a person is allowed to permanently stay in the UK. They will no longer be subject to immigration rules and controls.
Students are not on a UK settlement route, so their study is not building up qualifying time for settlement.
However, students can combine their status with other categories and when they have completed 10 years’ continuous lawful residence, they may apply for settlement on that basis (or qualify for it some other way first).
You should receive a decision on your settlement visa application within six months. However, you can pay for a faster decision in some visa categories. Latitude Law aims to prepare clear and persuasive settlement applications which can be processed quickly by the Home Office.
The UK settlement visa allows an individual to remain in the UK for as long as they like. Once you have lived in the UK for at least one year on a settlement visa, you will be eligible to apply to become a British citizen (immediately if you are married to a British citizen).
Settlement in the UK can only usually be lost if you are absent for a continuous period of two years or more, or if you commit a serious criminal offence and face deportation from the UK.
We won Settled Status for Client A, a French national, despite complex residency evidence issues. Using witness statements, we succeeded at the First Tier Tribunal.
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Naturalisation as a British citizen is a significant life decision, and it is best that you consult an immigration specialist before proceeding with your application. As a niche law firm specialising in UK immigration and nationality law, our lawyers are uniquely qualified to provide all the help you require to ensure your application is successful.
Whether you’re looking to apply for the first time or aiming to renew your partner visa, Latitude Law is well placed to help you secure the right to live with your family member in the UK.
The UK government believes that family should stay together wherever possible, which is why they offer visas for family members of British citizens or migrants who are settled in the UK. The immigration solicitors at Latitude Law can guide you through the application process and provide legal advice on complex matters, such as past refusals and appeals.
