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Completing application form SET(M)

This page gives general guidance on completing application form SET(M) to apply for permanent residence in the United Kingdom (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain') as the husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner of a permanent resident. You can download the form from the right side of this page.

You should also read the detailed guidance (SET(M) guidance, which you can download from the right side of this page) before completing the form. You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. We will not refund your fee if we refuse your application or you withdraw it.

In order to apply for permanent residence, you will first need to show that you have enough knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.

You should use application form SET(M) if you:

  • already have temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom (limited leave to remain) as the husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner of a permanent resident;
  • have lived here for two years in this category; and
  • are still married or in a civil partnership and plan to live together.

If you were given permission to stay in the United Kingdom as an unmarried or same-sex partner and are now applying for permanent residence as the husband, wife, or civil partner of the same person, your two-year qualifying period started:

  • when you received permission to stay as an unmarried or same-sex partner; or
  • on the date when you arrived in the United Kingdom, if this was later than the date on which you were given a visa to come here in this category.

If you delayed your journey to the United Kingdom by weeks or months from the date you received your visa, your visa will run out before the end of your two-year qualifying period and you may need to apply to extend your visa, using application form FLR(M) (see Applying to extend your visa for more information on doing this).

You must not send us your application more than 28 days before the end of your two-year qualifying period. If you do, we may refuse your application with no refund of the fee. However, you must make your application before your current permission to stay in the United Kingdom expires.

You must be in the United Kingdom to apply. For information on obtaining initial permission to come to the United Kingdom in this category, see Can I live in the United Kingdom? To extend your temporary permission to stay in this category, see Applying to extend your visa.

You can use one form for a joint application by you and any children aged under 18, if they are applying as your dependants. Children over 18 must apply separately, using application form SET(F) - see Completing application form SET(F).

Section 9 of the application form gives details of the documents you need to send to support your application. You should send the original documents, not a copy. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining the reasons for providing a certified copy rather than the original document.

You can post your application to us, or apply in person. See Contact for addresses and details of how to do this. You need to make an appointment in advance to apply in person. It is a same-day service available at a premium fee and is only suitable for straightforward applications that will not require further enquiries.

We cannot tell in advance how long it will take to decide your application so you should not make non-urgent travel plans until we have returned your passport to you. However, our current target times for deciding applications show how quickly we aim to make a decision.

You must fill in the form in block capitals using a black pen. Please enter all dates as dd-mm-yyyy, for example 29-04-2000.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?

    If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.

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Permanent residence in the United Kingdom as the husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner of a permanent resident

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Terms explained

  • Civil partnership

    A legal relationship that can be registered by two people of the same sex and that gives the couple legal recognition for their relationship. In a range of legal matters, civil partners are treated the same as opposite-sex partners who are married.

  • Dependant

    Someone who depends on you financially, such as a husband, wife, partner, or child.

  • Indefinite leave to remain

    Indefinite leave to remain (often known as ILR) is permission to stay permanently (settle) in the United Kingdom, free from immigration control.

  • Limited leave to remain

    Permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily, for the length of time stated on your visa.

  • Notary

    A notary is also known as a notary public. A notary is a public official who is legally authorised to witness the signing of documents and perform other formal duties.

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