🇬🇧 Difference between 5 and 10 year route for Partners and Parents.

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The difference between 5 and 10-year routes for spouses, partners and parents of British citizens. 

5 or 10 years refer to the time you need to spend in the UK to qualify for Settlement, ie permanent residency, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). 

5-year route is a standard one. You can qualify for permanent residency after 5 years in the UK. The 1st visa is for 30 months (2.5 years) if you apply inside the UK, such as when switching from a Student, Graduate, Youth Mobility or a work visa. Or for 33 months (2.5 years + 3 months) if you apply outside the UK. Then extension for further 2.5 years, then settlement after 5 years. 

10-year route is used when you have serious, exceptional circumstances why you cannot meet the requirements of the standard route. For example, a serious illness or similar family circumstances are preventing you or your partner from meeting the Financial Requirement £18,600. Here the 1st visa is again for 30 months (2.5 years), but you need further 3 extensions until you can settle in the UK after 10 years. There may be better solutions, however, such as switching from the 10 to 5-year route or settling after 10 years on any visas.

Can you combine them when counting to settlement? In the 5-year route, No, you cannot mix and match. You need 5 years in the 5-year route. Also, cannot combine with other categories, such as work, student etc. However, in the 10-year route, you can combine. 

Can you switch from one to another? Yes, you can switch anytime, as long as you can meet the requirements, usually Financial £18.600. It means getting settlement after 5 years (from switching) instead of 10 years.

To discuss your options, please book a consultation with a lawyer here. We offer advice over WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, phone or email. As always, a consultation fee counts towards our full service!

1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC - accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 15 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. 

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