Closed petition: 2-year ILR spouse visa route for all long-term residents on prior visas

Closed on 28 September 2025

Create a faster ILR pathway for those in the UK 3+ years (e.g., student/work visas) marrying British citizens and entered the UK after 2012. Allow ILR after 2 years on a spouse visa, not 5. Require marriage to a British citizen (by birth or naturalised ≥10 years) and proof of integration.

We think current rules unfairly treat long-term residents like new arrivals, ignoring prior contributions (taxes, NHS fees, integration). We think a 2-year spouse visa route for those who arrived post 2012 but have been here 3+ years would reward commitment, reduce financial/emotional strain, and keep families together. We think it would target a small group without undermining immigration controls. We think personal cases, like mine, show penalising integration after years of study/work, fluency, and marriage to a British citizen is unfair. We think this aligns with UK values of rewarding contribution and family unity.