Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the ultimate aim of the vast majority of people who apply for a UK Spouse Visa. If your Thai wife has lived in the UK permanently for five years, towards the end of this period, she will be eligible to apply for ILR. ILR means that your Thai wife will be able to live in the UK permanently and is the first stage in the process of obtaining British Citizenship.
How to Apply For ILR
As your Thai wife approaches the end of her five years living permanently in the UK and assuming that she still qualifies, she will need to start preparing her documents to submit to the UK Home Office. The documents include:
- All passports that have been held during her stay in the UK along with travel documents
- Proof of income such as wage slips or proof of savings in a UK Bank
- Evidence of passing the Knowledge of British Life test and the A1 English Test (IELTS)
- Reasons for any absence from the UK
How Long Does the Application Take?
If you are applying for ILR by post, it can take up to six months to process and complete, and your Thai wife’s passport will be surrendered during this time. A five-day priority service is available along with 24-hour super priority service.
How can Thai Visa Express Help?
Thai Visa Express is a team of professional immigration consultants who are always ready to assist you with your UK visa application in Thailand. We have over 15 years of experience dealing with UK visas & immigration daily, and we are regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) in the UK. We offer a free 30-minute consultation from one of our designated caseworkers, contact us today.