Settlement: spouse, unmarried partner or civil partner of a person present and settled in the UK

The spouse, unmarried partner or same sex partner of a person settled in the UK may apply for indefinite leave to remain after two years' "probation period".  The requirements for settlement are as follows:

• subsisting marriage and intention to live together permanently;
• ability of the family to maintain themselves without recourse to public funds;
• knowledge of life in the UK;
• good character (no unspent convictions, including driving offences).

Those who have been married for more than four years prior to coming to the UK can apply for indefinite leave to enter.  However, the Life in the UK test can only be taken in the UK and those who have not done it would normally be given a two year visa with a comment "KOL required".  This means they can take the test at any time in the UK and then apply to change their temporary status to permanent.

SET(M) form April 2012 for spouses of persons present and settled in the UK