Earned settlement · Dependant visa

Earned settlement for dependants and children

If you're in the UK as the partner or child of a visa holder, the proposed earned settlement reform changes how and when you can settle. Your route is closely tied to the main applicant's.

Last updated: 18 June 2026

Estimate my timeline

Proposed under consultation — not yet law. These rules come from the 2025 Immigration White Paper and the A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation (CP 1448). New Immigration Rules could be introduced from around April 2026. This page is guidance, not legal advice.

Your baseline qualifying period

10 years — usually aligned to the main applicant

Dependants generally face the same 10-year baseline as most applicants, and in practice settle alongside the main visa holder. Partners and children of British citizens can qualify for a −5 year reduction. Children who turn 18 before settling may need to qualify in their own right.

Ways to settle faster

Only the single largest reduction applies — they don't stack.

−5 yearsBeing the partner or child of a British citizen.

Aligned to main applicantWhere the main applicant qualifies for a reduction (high income, Global Talent, public service), dependants typically settle on the same timeline.

−1 yearEnglish at C1 (CEFR) — for adult dependants, above the B2 minimum.

What could make you wait longer

+5 yearsIf public funds (benefits) are claimed for less than 12 months.

+10 yearsIf public funds are claimed for more than 12 months.

+ up to 20 yearsFor illegal entry, arriving as a visitor, or overstaying more than 6 months. The total qualifying period is capped at 30 years.

Who this applies to

This applies to partners and children who are in the UK as dependants of a visa holder and have not yet been granted ILR. A key point: children who turn 18 before settling may need to meet the requirements in their own right rather than relying on a parent. Exemptions for children and other vulnerable groups are still under discussion, so the final rules may differ.

Your earned-settlement checklist

Confirm the main applicant’s route and timeline — yours is usually aligned to it.
Check whether you qualify for the −5 year reduction as a partner/child of a British citizen.
For adult dependants: reach B2 English minimum (C1 for an extra −1 year).
Track each child’s age — turning 18 before settling can change their route.
Avoid claiming public funds where it could add to the qualifying period.
Adults pass the Life in the UK test before applying.

Estimate your own timeline

Our free calculator applies the proposed baseline and adjustments to your situation in seconds — privately, in your browser.

Open the earned settlement calculator

Related settlement routes

Skilled Worker route Global Talent route

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Do dependants follow the main applicant’s settlement timeline?

Generally yes. Dependant partners and children usually settle on the same timeline as the main visa holder, so if the main applicant qualifies for a reduction the dependants typically benefit too. This is based on the published proposals, which are not yet law.

What happens to a child dependant who turns 18 before settling?

Under the proposals, children who turn 18 before being granted ILR may need to qualify for settlement in their own right rather than as a dependant. Exemptions for children are still under discussion.

Can a partner of a British citizen settle faster?

Yes. Being the partner or child of a British citizen is proposed to give a −5 year reduction against the 10-year baseline.

Do dependants need to meet English and Life in the UK requirements?

Adult dependants are expected to meet the B2 English minimum and pass the Life in the UK test. Requirements for children are still being finalised in the consultation.