This Practice Note sets out the requirements for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) as a partner under appendix fm, Family life as a partner, which covers the five-year route to settlement. The requirements for settlement under the ten-year route were moved to the immigration rules, Appendix Settlement Family Life from 20 June 2022 as part of the Home Office’s project to simplify the Immigration Rules. It is anticipated that Appendix FM will be simplified in 2023. See Practice Note: Partners and parents applying for settlement under the ten-year route: eligibility table.

The relevant provisions are set out at the Immigration Rules, Appendix FM, paras R-ILRP.1.1‒D-ILRP.1.3, and are summarised in the table below. Home Office guidance for caseworkers is found in its Settlement: family and private life guidance. Note that references to 'partner' include spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner. This table incorporates the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement which is set out in the Immigration Rules, Appendix KoLL. Specified documents will be required to meet the