Can international students bring dependants to the UK?

Under UKVI rules, international students are only permitted to bring dependants (spouse and children) if enrolled in a postgraduate research course (such as PhDs or designated research-based master’s programs).

What is the 28-day financial maintenance rule for the UK Student Visa?

Your required maintenance funds (£1,529/month in London up to 9 months, or £1,136/month outside London up to 9 months, plus any unpaid course fees) must be held continuously in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application.

What is the minimum salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The general minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year (or the occupation’s going rate). New entrants (graduates under 26 or switching from a Student/Graduate visa) benefit from a discounted threshold of £30,960 per year (70-80% of going rate).

How long does it take to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Skilled workers qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years of lawful residence on a qualifying work visa, provided they meet salary thresholds and have no more than 180 days of absence in any 12-month period.

Home United Kingdom HubIndefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / UK Settlement

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / UK Settlement Requirements & Roadmap

Country: United Kingdom•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$2885 USD

Average Processing Window3 Wks (6 months)

Approval Rate Index86%

Eligibility Requirements

5 continuous years on a qualifying visa route (Skilled Worker, Scale-up), meeting continuous residence requirements (no more than 180 days absence in any 12-month period), passing Life in the UK test.

Documents Checklist Drawer

Proof of 5 continuous years of legal residence in the UK

Pass certificate for the Life in the UK Test

English Language CEFR Level B1 proof

Employer confirmation letter stating continued employment and salary at required rate

Absence calculation ledger and travel history

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Complete 5 full qualifying continuous years on an eligible settlement route.

Pass the Life in the UK test at an official test centre.

Obtain an employer letter confirming ongoing need and salary.

Submit online Set(O) application up to 28 days before completing your 5-year qualifying period.

Pay £2,885 per applicant and attend biometric appointment.

Receive Indefinite Leave to Remain status (unrestricted settlement).

Core Rejection Reasons

•Exceeding the 180-day absence threshold in any consecutive 12 months.
•Failing to meet the minimum salary threshold at the time of ILR application.
•Unresolved tax discrepancies with HMRC.

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official United Kingdom immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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