Completing application form SET(M)

This page explains how to use application form SET(M) to apply for permission to settle in the UK (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain') as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled here.

You should also read the detailed Guide SET(M) before you complete the form. You will need to pay a fee when you apply, and we will not refund your fee if we refuse your application or if you withdraw it.

You can find the form and guidance documents under 'Application forms' on the right side of this page.

Can I apply using this form?

You should use application form SET(M) if you:

• currently have temporary permission to remain in the UK as the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled here;
• have lived here for 2 years in this category; and
• are still planning to live together (and are still married or in a civil partnership, if applicable).

If we gave you permission to remain in the UK as an unmarried or same-sex partner and are now applying to settle here as the husband, wife or civil partner of the same person, your 2-year qualifying period started on whichever is the later of these two dates:

• the date when we gave you permission to remain as an unmarried or same-sex partner; or
• the date when you arrived in the UK.

Please do not send us your application more than 28 days before the end of your 2-year qualifying period. If you do, we may refuse your application and we will not refund the fee. However, you must apply before your current permission to remain in the UK ends.

If you delayed your journey to the UK by weeks or months after the date when you were given permission to enter, that permission will expire before the end of your 2-year qualifying period. In that case, you may need to apply to extend your visa using application form FLR(M) before you can apply for settlement.

You must be in the UK when you apply.

When you apply, you will need to show that you have a good knowledge of language and life in the UK if you are aged between 18 and 64.

If you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, or if you are the partner of an EEA national, you should not use form SET(M). The For European citizens section explains how you can apply for permanent residence in the UK.

Can I include my dependants in my application?

You can use one form for a joint application by you and any children aged under 18, if they are applying as your dependants. Children over 18 must apply separately, using application form SET(F).

Which documents must I send?

Section 10 of form SET(M) lists the documents that you must send with your application. You should send the original documents, not copies. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original, or by a notary - but you must include a letter explaining why you are providing a certified copy rather than the original document.

How do I apply?

You must complete the form in block capitals using a black pen. Please enter all dates as dd-mm-yyyy (for example, 29-04-2000).

You can make your application:

• in person through the settlement checking service; or
• by post; or
• in person at one of our public enquiry offices.

Applying through the settlement checking service

Customers applying for settlement using form SET(M) can make their application through a local authority. If you want to use the service, you must book an appointment with a local authority.

The service is not available from all local authorities. If your local authority does not currently provide the service you can go to another authority in your area.

To make it easier for you to find your closest local authority that offers the service, we have separated the information into offices in England, Greater London, Scotland and Wales.

For further information on the settlement checking service and what it offers, please see the Settlement checking service page.

If you use the settlement checking service when applying for Indefinite leave to remain you may keep your passport(s). A certified copy of your passport(s) will be taken by a trained member of staff within the local authority. You are able to keep your passport but we do recommend that you do not make travel plans whilst we consider your application as this will result in an invalid application which will be rejected.

Applying by post

You can make your application by posting form SET(M), with the documents listed in section 10 of the form, to the address given on the cover of the form.

Applying at a public enquiry office

Our public enquiry offices offer a same-day service at a premium fee, enabling you to make your application in person and receive a quick decision. The service is available by appointment only, and is only suitable for straightforward applications which will not require further enquiries.

You and your settled partner should attend your appointment at the public enquiry office. If your partner cannot come with you, they must provide a letter stating that they support your application. The letter must be signed and dated, with a daytime phone number where they can be contacted if necessary.

For more information about our same-day service, see the Public enquiry offices pages.

How soon will you decide my application?

We cannot tell in advance how long it will take to decide your application, so you should not make non-urgent travel plans until we have issued your Biometric Residence Permit. Our service standards for processing applications show how quickly we aim to make a decision.

Indefinite leave to remain (often known as 'ILR' and 'settlement') is permission to remain in the UK without any time restrictions on the length of stay. It is not the same as naturalisation as a British citizen and may, in specific circumstances, be ceased or invalidated, for example, if a fraudulent application is uncovered, if the person resides outside of the UK for more than 2 years or as a result of a criminal conviction that results in a Deportation Order coming into force.Someone who depends on you financially, such as a husband, wife, partner, or child.A notary is also known as a notary public. A notary is a public official who is legally authorised to witness the signing of documents and perform other formal duties.