Earned Settlement Checker

Partner of a non-British person: how long until settlement?

Family and Private Life routes do not qualify for the three- or five-year pathways, so the default for these routes is ten years. The government estimates about 39,000 people on family visas not sponsored by a British citizen will move to a longer pathway.

If you are the partner of a main applicant on a shorter pathway, you can generally settle at the same time if you arrived together. A partner who joins later completes the same qualifying period from their own arrival.

Worked example. The dates below are illustrative, calculated as of 2 November 2026. They assume every other requirement is met.

Earliest settlement: January 2033 (10-year pathway)

On what you told us, your route leads to a 10-year pathway.

Pathway
10-year pathway
Earliest date
January 2033

Why this pathway

  • Family and Private Life routes do not qualify for the 3- or 5-year pathways, so 10 years is the default. Around 39,000 people on family visas not sponsored by a British citizen move to a longer pathway.

Before you apply

  • Met No criminal record
  • Met No outstanding government debt
  • Met English at B2
  • Met Life in the UK test passed
  • Met Sustained contribution (at least £12,571 a year)Assessed over several years using your best years, so a short low-income period such as maternity leave need not count against you.
  • Met No public funds in the last five years
  • Met No immigration breach as an adult

Still unclear

  • A partner who arrives with a main applicant on a shorter pathway can settle at the same time as them. If that is you, your timing may follow the main applicant.

Good to know

  • Family members: a partner who arrives with you can generally settle at the same time. A partner who joins later completes the same qualifying period from their own arrival. Children under 18 settle with parents. Young adults aged 18 to 24 who remain dependants settle alongside their family, and those aged 25 or over must qualify independently.
  • Only time on routes that count towards settlement builds your qualifying period. Time on temporary routes such as Student or Graduate does not.
  • Estimates assume continuous lawful residence. Rules on absences from the UK are not covered here.
  • The government response does not give an implementation date and says further guidance will follow. Applications are normally decided under the rules in force on the date of the decision, so treat dates as estimates.

Based on A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: Government Response to the Consultation (CP 1707), Home Office, November 2026. Rules as of 2 November 2026. General information only, not immigration advice.

Check your own situation

Frequently asked questions

What if I came with my partner who is a Skilled Worker?

A partner who arrives with the principal applicant can generally settle at the same time, provided each meets the relevant requirements. Your timing may follow your partner's pathway.

Do I need my own income?

You need to show a minimum level of contribution, but a household income threshold of £25,142 lets couples combine earnings, so a partner caring for children does not necessarily need £12,571 individually.

General information only. This is not immigration advice and is not affiliated with the Home Office or GOV.UK. Rules may change and guidance is still to come. For advice on your own case, speak to an OISC-regulated adviser or a solicitor.

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