How does the points system affect spouse visa ILR?

Spouse visa holders will need to score enough points across English language, community integration, and potentially employment categories. The B2 English requirement and financial requirements are the most significant changes.

Will I need B2 English for ILR on the spouse route?

The B2 English requirement is expected to apply to spouse visa ILR applications. Transitional arrangements may protect those who started their spouse visa journey before the change.

Is employment required for spouse visa ILR?

Employment is not a strict requirement for spouse visa ILR, but earning employment points could strengthen your application under the new system. The financial requirement for the spouse route is primarily assessed through your sponsor's income.

ILR Points Impact on Spouse Visa 2026

Spouse visa holders face changes to the ILR requirements including the potential B2 English requirement and the new points system. This guide explains the impact and how to prepare.

How the Points System Affects Spouse Visa ILR

The proposed points-based ILR system will affect spouse visa holders applying for ILR. While the spouse route has traditionally been assessed differently from work routes, the new system introduces points-based elements.

English Language

The biggest change for spouse visa holders is the potential B2 English requirement. Currently, spouse visa ILR requires B1 English. Under the new system:

B2 may be required at the ILR stage
Transitional rules are expected to protect those who started their journey before the change
Check if you are exempt (majority English-speaking country, English-taught degree, age 65+)
If you need B2, start preparing now — see study tips and IELTS score guide

For the current requirements, see our spouse visa English guide and the B2 proposal guide.

Employment Points

While employment is not a strict requirement for spouse visa ILR, the new points system may award points for:

Employment during your time in the UK
Tax and NI contributions
Self-employment

Even if employment is not mandatory, earning these points can strengthen your application and make up for lower scores in other areas. See our employment points guide.

Financial Requirements

The spouse visa income threshold has been a key requirement for years. Under the new system:

Financial requirements continue to apply at ILR
The threshold may be assessed as part of the points system
Meeting higher financial thresholds could earn additional points

See our financial requirement guide for the latest thresholds.

Community Integration

The points system includes community integration factors:

Volunteering — see community groups guide
Knowledge of life in the UK (assessed through the Life in the UK test)
Engagement with local community

Other ILR Requirements

Standard requirements still apply:

Continuous residence
Life in the UK test
Good character
Genuine and subsisting relationship with your sponsor

See the spouse visa to ILR guide and documents checklist.

Transitional Arrangements

If you are already on the spouse visa journey before the points system takes effect, you should be protected by transitional rules. This means:

B1 English should remain sufficient for your ILR application
Current financial thresholds should apply rather than any new ones
The points system may not apply to you at all, depending on when it is implemented

Check GOV.UK for the latest transitional arrangements.

Preparation Timeline

From day one: Start learning English. Keep records of employment and community involvement.
Year 2-3: Take the Life in the UK test. Check English level.
Year 4: If you need B2, book your English test. Gather financial evidence.
Before ILR: Compile your document checklist. Apply through GOV.UK.

Next Steps

Check whether the transitional rules protect you. If not, start preparing for B2 English early. For the latest guidance, visit GOV.UK.

Related guides: