FLR(M) for New Partner

[Lydia_H]

Hi all,

I have a question related to the spouse visa route. I currently have ILR in the UK that was obtained through an unmarried partner visa in 2021. The relationship broke down just over a year ago and my previous partner (British citizen) has since left the UK. I am now in a new relationship and am engaged to be married. My question is, would I be allowed to sponsor my new partner through the spouse visa route, even though I obtained my ILR through partnership myself (albeit unmarried).

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[alterhase58]

Your route to ILR is not relevant once you hold ILR. ILR enables the holder to live in the UK without any restrictions (as long as you remain resident). There's no such thing as dependent ILR.

[Lydia_H]

Your route to ILR is not relevant once you hold ILR. ILR enables the holder to live in the UK without any restrictions (as long as you remain resident). There's no such thing as dependent ILR.

Thank you so much for your prompt reply and reassurance. I was just a bit worried because I remember when submitting my applications in the past, they asked if the sponsor had previously been sponsored themselves and also how they acquired their settled status (i.e. British citizen, or if ILR, the route through which this was obtained).

Just wanted to check that my previous status wouldn't prejudice any FLR(M) applications in future.

[Ticktack]

Your route to ILR is not relevant once you hold ILR. ILR enables the holder to live in the UK without any restrictions (as long as you remain resident). There's no such thing as dependent ILR.

Thank you so much for your prompt reply and reassurance. I was just a bit worried because I remember when submitting my applications in the past, they asked if the sponsor had previously been sponsored themselves and also how they acquired their settled status (i.e. British citizen, or if ILR, the route through which this was obtained).

Just wanted to check that my previous status wouldn't prejudice any FLR(M) applications in future.

It certainly would make them scrutinize your application more, but it doesn't out rightly cripple it. If it's genuine and subsisting, then it is what it is.

[Lydia_H]

Thank you both! I guess all we can do is apply and see what comes of it. If any issues then we'll have to think of other options.