If you are the partner of a British citizen or a settled person and have lived in the UK for almost 5 years, the SET(M) application form is the next step to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. This post provides an overview of the SET(M) application form, the requirements and the application process.
Who Should Use the SET(M) Application Form
The SET(M) form is for individuals who have already been living in the UK on a family visa and now wish to settle permanently. You can apply if:
- You are the spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner of a British citizen or settled person.
- You are the parent of a child who is present and settled in the UK.
A minority of older cases may apply after 2 years, however, usually you would either have completed or will be completing the required qualifying period on the 5‑year family route.
Applicant’s along with dependants must be present in the UK at the time of applying.
If your current leave was granted under the ten‑year route, or if you are the partner of a points‑based migrant or an HM Forces member, you should use a different form. Check the letter granting your leave if you are unsure which route you are on.
Eligibility for ILR under SET(M)
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain using SET(M), you must meet all of the requirements under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Failure to satisfy the requirements may lead to refusal and loss of your application fee. These requirements include the following:
Residence and Genuine Relationship
You must complete a continuous residence period of 5 years or 60 months in the UK, as a partner or parent of a settled person. If applying as a partner, you must show that the relationship is genuine and subsisting and that you intend to continue living together in the UK for the foreseeable future.
Financial Requirement (5‑Year Route) And Accommodation
Most applicants on the five‑year route must meet a minimum income threshold. Note that the minimum income threshold increased to £29,000 per annum on 11 April 2024. Applicants who were on the 5 year route before the increase came into effect may apply under the previous threshold, if they are applying with the same partner. The previous threshold is £18,600 gross income. This threshold increases based on the number of dependents, with an additional £3,800 for the first child and an additional £2,400 for each additional child.
Acceptable income sources include Employment or self‑employment earnings, such as salaried or non salaried income, dividends, and self‑employed profits; Non‑employment income such as property rental income; Pension income; Savings may be used alone or in combination with income to make up any shortfall.
You must prove that you and your family have adequate accommodation, this includes demonstrating that you have the legal right to reside in your property and that there is sufficient room for all occupants, without the accommodation being overcrowded.
Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK
Applicants aged 18 to 64 must pass two tests:
- Life in the UK Test. A multiple‑choice exam assessing knowledge of British history, culture and values. You must provide the pass reference or certificate.
- English language requirement. Demonstrate speaking and listening ability at B1 level on the Common European Framework or higher. You can meet this by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the Home Office; or
- Holding a degree taught or researched in English; or
- Being a national of a majority English‑speaking country.
Exemptions apply if you are aged 65 or older, or have a long‑term physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirements.
Good Character
The Home Office will assess your personal history to ensure you are of good character. This involves checking for criminal convictions, immigration breaches and financial issues such as unpaid taxes or County Court judgments. You must declare all convictions (including those spent) and provide full and accurate information. Failure to disclose information can lead to refusal and may affect future applications.
When to apply for ILR using SET(M)
You must apply before your current family visa expires, you may apply within 28 days before completing the required qualifying period of 60 months. Applications made too early are likely to be refused.
If your visa expires before you reach the qualifying date, you should renew your visa first by applying for further leave to remain and then apply for ILR.
If you are approaching the end of your five year qualifying period, now is the time to review your eligibility and financial evidence carefully. Contact our experienced team for structured guidance on preparing your Set(M) application.
Overview of the SET(M) Application Form
The SET (M) form is detailed and requires applicants to confirm their eligibility route, provide extensive personal, relationship, residence and financial information, disclose any immigration or criminal issues, supply supporting documents and make formal declarations. Ensuring each section is completed correctly and accompanied by the required evidence is mandatory to avoid delays or refusal. The Set M application form includes the following sections:
Applicant & Adviser Details
The form begins by capturing the applicant’s identifying information which includes name, passport number and nationality.
It asks whether you have an immigration adviser, including the organisation name, regulator (e.g., Immigration Advice Authority), contact address and telephone number. This ensures the Home Office has accurate contact details for correspondence and verifies that the adviser is properly regulated.
Eligibility & Route Confirmation
The form checks whether the applicant is applying under the five‑year partner route or as a parent of a settled child. It confirms that the applicant is in the UK and asks whether any other applications are pending.
Personal Information & Nationality
Applicants must supply personal data including date and place of birth, gender, marital status, passport details and biometric residence permit (BRP) number. The form asks about other names, nationality or citizenship, whether a national identity card is held and when the applicant started living at the current address.
Residence & Travel History
Applicants provide their telephone number and indicate how long they have lived in the UK. They must list every period spent outside the UK that lasted more than two weeks, stating the country visited, the reason for the trip and the dates of departure and return. The form also asks about family or friends overseas and any cultural ties in other countries.
Relationship Details
For partner applications, the form asks whether the couple are married or in a civil partnership, whether they live together permanently in the UK and whether they could live together outside the UK. It records the ages of the applicant and sponsor at the time of the marriage or civil partnership and asks about any children from current or previous relationships.
Immigration History & Criminality
Applicants must provide details of any Home Office reference numbers and declare whether they have criminal convictions, civil judgments, cautions or penalties and any arrests or charges. They must confirm their current immigration status and disclose any civil penalties under immigration law.
Financial And Accommodation Details
Applicants must confirm whether they meet the financial requirements and what types of income will be relied upon to satisfy this requirement.
Further, the form asks whether their home is owned or rented, the size of the property and whether anyone other than the applicant, partner and children lives at the accommodation.
Document Checklist
An automated checklist reminds applicants to supply evidence including cohabitation (e.g., six pieces of correspondence to both partners at the same address), financial evidence such as bank statements, passports or identity cards, evidence of council tax and housing costs, evidence of the sponsor’s settled status.
Note that this is an automatically generated checklist and should not be solely relied upon for the preparation of your application, as you may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Seek professional advice to ensure your submission covers all the necessary evidentiary requirements.
Payment & Service Selection
The payment section records the total fee paid and the service level chosen (e.g., super‑priority).
Consent & Third‑Party Declarations
If evidence from a third party (for example, financial support from family) is provided, the applicant must provide a declaration signed by each person providing evidence. Without consent the Home Office may not accept third‑party evidence.
Declaration & Terms
The final section sets out a declaration confirming that the information provided is correct and complete, that the applicant consents to the Home Office verifying data with other organisations and that they understand false information may lead to prosecution and refusal. Applicants must accept the privacy policy and terms and conditions before submitting the form.
The SET(M) Application Process
The SET(M) form is completed online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. The application process includes the following steps:
- Gather the evidence required in your application. Seek professional advice if your circumstances are unusual or if you lack certain documents.
- Ensure you use the correct form SET(M) and the latest version. Answer all questions truthfully and fully, including sections about your immigration history, address history, finances and criminal records.
- Pay the ILR fee for 2026 is £3,029 per applicant. Dependants must each pay the full fee. The fee is non‑refundable even if your application is refused.
- After submitting your application, create an account with the UKVCAS service to book a biometric appointment. At the appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken, and your identity documents checked. You must attend the appointment in person. If you fail to provide your biometrics, your application will be invalid.
- UKVCAS allows you to upload your supporting evidence online before your appointment. Ensure all documents are clear and legible. Once uploaded, you can keep the originals.
- After applying, you must remain in the UK while your application is pending. Leaving the UK (or the Common Travel Area) after submitting your application may lead to it being withdrawn.
Processing Times and Priority Services
Standard processing for SET(M) applications can take between eight weeks and six months, although most decisions fall within the three to six month range. UKVI offers an optional priority service for a further fee of £1000, a decision is usually made by the end of the next working day. Availability is limited and fees are non‑refundable.
While your application is being processed, you may continue to live and work in the UK under the conditions of your existing visa provided you have made an in time valid application.
What happens after SET(M) is Granted
Once your SET(M) application is approved, you will be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain and issued confirmation of your settled status, usually in digital eVisa format. ILR removes time restrictions on your stay. You may live and work in the UK without further visa extensions, access public services where eligible, and travel in and out of the UK.
However, ILR can lapse if you remain outside the UK for more than two consecutive years. It is therefore important to maintain residence if you intend to keep your settled status.
After holding ILR for 12 months, most applicants may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, subject to meeting residence and good character requirements. If you are married to a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation immediately after ILR is granted.
Proposed Changes for 2026
The UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper proposes extending the qualifying residence period for ILR from five years to ten years for most migrants. It also suggests a points‑based assessment of applicants’ contributions to the UK, including tax compliance and community involvement. These changes are not yet law, but it is prudent to apply under current rules if you already meet the five‑year requirement.
How Whytecroft Ford Can Help
Whytecroft Ford provides comprehensive support for family route ILR applications under the SET(M) form. Our role is to ensure your application is accurate, complete and properly evidenced before submission. We can:
- Confirm your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
- Prepare and submit your SET(M) application on your behalf
- Collate, review and upload supporting documents to meet Home Office evidential standards
- Draft clear legal representations where required
- Prepare and submit the application and supporting documents
- Liaise with UKVI and respond to any follow up queries
Our approach is practical and detail focused. We aim to reduce the risk of refusal by ensuring that your application meets the relevant requirements from the outset.
To discuss your SET(M) application or to book a consultation, contact our immigration team on 0208 757 5751 or via our online enquiry form.
Related Links
FAQs
You can apply up to 28 days before completing your qualifying period (usually 60 months for the five‑year route). Do not apply earlier or after your visa expires.
Yes, if they are under 18, live with you and are not married or leading independent lives. Each child pays a separate fee.
You will need payslips, bank statements and/or other income documents covering the required period to show that you or your partner earns at least the minimum income threshold or that you meet the adequate maintenance test.
ILR requires proof of B1 English and passing the Life in the UK test unless you are exempt.
Once you have held ILR for at least 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen), you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation, provided you continue to meet residence, language and good character requirements.
