UK outlines 7 family visa routes to indefinite leave to remain

The UK government has published guidance outlining seven family-based routes through which eligible migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain, granting the right to live, work, and study in Britain without time restrictions. Each application costs £3,226, with decisions typically issued within six months of biometric enrolment. The eligible categories include partners and parents applying with family visas, children dependent on family or work visas, adult dependent relatives, and dependants of innovator founder visa holders. Applicants must follow the same process as their qualifying family member and cannot travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man during processing. Applications can be submitted up to 28 days before meeting residency requirements, but submitting too early risks refusal, and an expired visa must be renewed first. Alternative settlement routes exist outside the family category for those who do not qualify.