This month is a big milestone for our family. My wife has completed her 5th year in the UK, which means she is now eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Tier 2 spouse route. She has completed the application form, and her TLS appointment is scheduled for 17 January.
At this stage, filling out the form (SET M) correctly and understanding why each document is required makes a huge difference. I want to walk through how we answered each section of the application and what evidence supports those answers.
Personal Details
The form starts with basic personal information. Name, date of birth, nationality, and passport details.
How we answered it:
We used the exact details shown on her passport and BRP. No abbreviations. No nicknames.
Why it matters:
The Home Office matches this information against immigration records. Any mismatch can cause delays.
Documents used:
Passport (old and latest passport) and BRP.
Immigration History
This section asks about her current visa and how long she has lived in the UK.
How we answered it:
We confirmed she is on a Tier 2 spouse route and has completed five continuous years of lawful residence.
Why it matters:
ILR eligibility depends on continuous lawful stay. The Home Office checks there are no gaps or overstays.
Documents used:
BRP, previous visa details, and address history.
Address History
The form asks where she has lived during the qualifying period.
How we answered it:
We listed every address with clear start and end dates. No gaps.
Why it matters:
This proves continuous residence in the UK.
Documents used:
Council tax letters, bank statements, and official correspondence covering the full period.
Relationship Details
This section confirms the relationship with the sponsoring partner.
How we answered it:
We confirmed we are legally married and living together.
Why it matters:
ILR under the spouse route requires a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Documents used:
Marriage certificate and six joint documents addressed to both of us at the same address over the last 2.5 years.
Partner’s Immigration Status
The form asks about the sponsor’s status in the UK.
How we answered it:
We confirmed that I hold Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Why it matters:
The sponsor must be settled in the UK for the spouse to qualify for ILR.
Documents used:
My ILR evidence and BRP.
Financial Requirement
This is one of the most detailed sections.
How we answered it:
We confirmed that we meet the income requirement through my employment.
Why it matters:
The Home Office needs proof that the family can support itself without public funds.
Documents used:
Employment letter, recent payslips, bank statements showing salary deposits, and P60.
Accommodation Details
The form asks where the applicant lives and whether the accommodation is suitable.
How we answered it:
We confirmed that we live in a property I own and that my wife has permission to live there.
Why it matters:
The Home Office checks that the accommodation is adequate and not overcrowded.
Documents used:
Proof of property ownership, a letter granting permission to live at the address, and my ID.
English Language Requirement
This section checks English ability.
How we answered it:
My wife confirmed she meets the requirement through a degree taught in English.
Why it matters:
English ability is a mandatory requirement for ILR.
Documents used:
Original degree certificate and supporting confirmation where required.
Life in the UK Test
The form asks if the applicant passed the Life in the UK test.
How we answered it:
We entered the test reference number.
Why it matters:
Passing this test is mandatory. Without it, ILR cannot be granted.
Documents used:
Life in the UK test pass reference.
Good Character and Compliance
This section asks about criminal records, immigration breaches, and public funds.
How we answered it:
All answers were “No,” as applicable.
Why it matters:
The Home Office checks honesty and compliance with UK laws.
Documents used:
Declarations in the form and supporting records if required.
Final Declarations
The form ends with declarations from the applicant and partner.
How we answered it:
Both declarations were completed truthfully and carefully.
Why it matters:
Signing confirms that all information provided is accurate.
Documents used:
Signed partner declaration and application confirmations.
Preparing for the TLS Appointment on 17 January
After completing the form, we focused on preparing documents for the TLS portal. Every document supports a specific answer in the form. Missing documents can delay or affect the outcome.
This stage feels more serious than filling in the form itself. It is the final proof that everything written in the application is true.
DadBuhay Real Talk
ILR is not just another visa. It is stability for our family. It removes expiry dates and constant renewals. Watching my wife reach this stage reminds me how much effort it takes to build a life abroad.
We prepare carefully. We double-check everything. We take this step seriously.
I’ll share another update after her TLS appointment on 17 January. One step closer.
– Until then, love you bye! And that’s #Dadbuhay.
DadBuhay 
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