UK ILR Forms SET(M), SET(O), SET(LR) Explained

UK ILR applications use SET-series forms ('Settlement'). The correct form depends on the route. This article walks through the main forms and the route each applies to.

SET(M) for spouses and partners

SET(M) covers applications from spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and same-sex partners of British citizens or persons with settled status. The applicant must have held a relevant family route visa for 5 years (or 2.5 years under specific concession routes) before applying.

SET(O) for other 5-year routes

SET(O) is the catch-all form for most 5-year routes not covered by SET(M) or one of the specialist forms. It covers Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Global Talent, and various legacy categories. The form has route-specific sections that the applicant completes based on their specific visa category.

SET(LR) for Long Residence

SET(LR) is the form for the 10-year Long Residence route. The form requires detailed evidence of continuous lawful residence throughout the 10 years, including absences.

Specialist forms

SET(DV) covers the domestic violence concession route. SET(BP) covers the bereaved partner route. SET(F) covers applications from refugees who have completed their qualifying period.

Completing the form

All SET forms are completed online via the GOV.UK application service. The applicant uploads supporting documents and books a biometric appointment as part of the application process.

SET(M) in detail

SET(M) covers applications from spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and same-sex partners of British citizens or persons with settled status. The applicant must have held a relevant family route visa for 5 years (or 2.5 years under specific concession routes) before applying.

The form structure includes sections on: personal details; immigration history; the relationship with the British/settled partner (including evidence of subsisting relationship); financial requirement evidence; accommodation evidence; tests and language; good character declarations; dependants (if applying together).

Specific sections cover the relationship evidence. The applicant must show the relationship is genuine and subsisting; evidence includes cohabitation, joint financial arrangements, photographs over the relationship period, and other indicators of the relationship's authenticity.

For Spouse/Partner ILR, the financial requirement applies at the ILR stage. The current threshold is GBP 29,000 (April 2024, rising to GBP 38,700 from April 2025). Specific evidence formats are required; the form's guidance details the acceptable evidence.

Form SET(M) takes most applicants several hours to complete fully. The system saves progress, allowing the form to be completed across multiple sittings. Specialist immigration solicitors typically take a few hours to complete the form for clients including the supporting evidence preparation.

SET(O) in detail

SET(O) is the general settlement form covering most other 5-year routes including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and several legacy categories. The form structure varies by the specific route the applicant has been on.

The form has route-specific sections that the applicant completes based on their specific visa category. For Skilled Worker, the sections cover: sponsorship details; salary; English language; continuous residence; absences; and the standard ILR criteria.

For Global Talent applicants, the sections cover the endorsement, work in the endorsed field, and the standard ILR criteria. For legacy categories (such as Tier 1 General), specific transitional provisions apply.

The financial evidence section varies by route. Skilled Worker applicants typically provide salary evidence; investment-based routes have different evidence requirements; talent-based routes focus on the endorsement evidence.

SET(O) is the most commonly used SET form because it covers a wide range of routes. The form is structured to handle the variability; completing the relevant sections for the specific route while leaving non-applicable sections blank is the typical approach.

SET(LR) in detail

SET(LR) is the form for the 10-year Long Residence route. The form requires detailed evidence of continuous lawful residence throughout the 10 years, including absences.

The form sections cover: personal details; immigration history including all visas held during the 10 years; address history; absence schedule; tests and language; good character; dependants (if applying together).

The absence schedule is particularly important. The Home Office calculates the total absences and individual trip lengths against the 548-day total and 184-day single-trip limits. The schedule should be comprehensive and accurate.

The address history shows where the applicant has lived during the 10 years. Evidence of address (such as utility bills, council tax bills, bank statements) supports the address history claims.

Long Residence applications often require the most extensive documentation of any ILR route because the 10-year qualifying period generates substantial evidence. Specialist immigration solicitors typically handle these applications because of the complexity.

Specialist forms in detail

SET(DV) covers the domestic violence concession route. The form has specific sections on the qualifying relationship, the abuse evidence, and the supporting documentation. Specialist legal advice is typically essential for these applications.

SET(BP) covers the bereaved partner route. The form has sections on the partnership, the partner's death, and the surviving applicant's circumstances. Documentary evidence includes the death certificate, the marriage certificate, and the previous family route visa documentation.

SET(F) covers applications from refugees who have completed their qualifying period. The form structure addresses the refugee status and the qualifying period under that status.

Specialist forms typically have route-specific evidence requirements that the SET(O) or SET(M) general forms do not address. Using the correct form ensures the application captures all the relevant criteria for the specific route.

If the applicant is uncertain which form applies, the GOV.UK 'find an application form' service helps identify the correct form. Specialist immigration advice can confirm the form choice for unusual cases.

Completing the form in practice

All SET forms are completed online via the GOV.UK application service. The applicant creates an account, completes the form sections, uploads supporting documents, and pays the fee.

The form can be saved and returned to over multiple sittings. The system retains progress; the applicant logs back in to continue. The form is submitted when all sections are complete and the fee paid.

After submission, the applicant books a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service point. The appointment captures fingerprints and a photograph; some appointments include document scanning at additional fee.

The fee is paid at the time of submission. The fees are substantial (GBP 3,029 standard for ILR from April 2024); planning the timing of payment around any priority service decision is sensible.

The application is then processed by the Home Office. Standard processing is up to 6 months; priority service (where available) is 5 working days; super-priority is 24 hours.

Choosing the correct SET form: a decision flowchart

The correct SET form depends on the applicant's qualifying route. A practical decision flowchart starts with the relationship to the British or settled person, then narrows by route type. For applicants in a Spouse or Partner relationship with a British or settled person, use SET(M); the form covers spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and same-sex partners on the family route.

For applicants on Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, or various legacy work routes (such as Tier 1 General, Representative of an Overseas Business, Investor), use SET(O). The form covers most non-family 5-year settlement routes.

For applicants relying on the 10-year Long Residence rule (paragraph 276B of the Immigration Rules), use SET(LR). The form has specific sections covering the long-residence requirements including detailed travel history across the qualifying 10 years.

For applicants on the domestic violence concession route, use SET(DV). For applicants on the bereaved partner route, use SET(BP). Refugees who completed their 5-year qualifying period use SET(F).

Using the wrong form typically results in the application being treated as invalid; the fee may not be refunded. The GOV.UK 'find an application form' service walks through the decision based on the applicant's circumstances and is the authoritative reference. For unusual cases, OISC-registered immigration advisers or solicitors can confirm the correct form.

The practical takeaway: confirm the form choice before starting the application; the form determines which evidence and questions are required; switching forms after partial completion requires starting over.

Common errors and how the Home Office responds

Common SET form errors fall into a few categories. Incomplete sections: leaving mandatory questions blank typically triggers a request for further information; the Home Office's standard response timeline is 14 to 21 days; failure to respond can result in refusal. Inconsistent information: dates that don't reconcile between the form and supporting evidence (such as employment start dates) trigger scrutiny; preparing the supporting evidence first and then completing the form helps avoid this.

Missing supporting documents: applicants sometimes complete the form fully but fail to upload all required supporting evidence; the online system flags missing documents but does not always prevent submission. Reviewing the upload list against the form's evidence requirements before final submission catches gaps.

Wrong fee paid: the SET forms have different fee structures depending on the route and any premium services selected; the online system calculates the fee but applicants should verify the total before payment. Paying less than required results in an invalid application; paying more does not typically expedite processing.

Translation issues: non-English documents require certified translations; uncertified translations are typically not accepted. The Home Office's standard response is a request for properly certified translations within a defined window.

For applicants who realise an error after submission, contacting the Home Office promptly to provide correction is the typical route. Specialist immigration legal advice can help with significant errors that may otherwise lead to refusal.

Specialist forms beyond SET(O) and SET(M)

Specialist SET forms cover specific routes beyond the standard SET(O) and SET(M). SET(LR) for the 10-year Long Residence route; SET(F) for refugees who completed their 5-year qualifying period as a refugee; SET(DV) for the domestic violence concession route; SET(BP) for the bereaved partner route; SET(AF) for armed forces personnel and their families.

Each specialist form has route-specific evidence requirements that the general SET(O) or SET(M) does not address. For example, SET(LR) requires detailed travel history across the qualifying 10 years; SET(F) requires evidence of continued refugee status; SET(DV) requires evidence of the qualifying relationship breakdown and domestic abuse.

For complex cases or unusual routes, specialist immigration advice can confirm the correct form and the evidence required. The GOV.UK 'find an application form' service walks through the decision based on the applicant's circumstances.

Online application platform and digital submission

All SET forms are completed online via the GOV.UK application service. The system requires the applicant to create a UK Visas and Immigration online account, work through the form sections, upload supporting documents, pay the fee, and book a biometric enrolment appointment at a UKVCAS service point. The system saves progress; the application can be completed across multiple sessions.

Form-specific common errors to avoid

Common form-specific errors include: leaving address history gaps; inconsistent dates between form and supporting evidence; mismatched salary figures; incomplete travel logs. Reviewing the form against the supporting evidence before final submission catches most errors; specialist immigration support can identify subtler issues.

After the application: tracking progress and responding to requests

After submission, the applicant tracks the application via the GOV.UK application service. The Home Office may request additional information; responding promptly within the typical 14 to 21-day deadline keeps the application moving. The decision letter typically arrives by email and post; the eVisa or BRP is issued separately on grant.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information based on rules and figures published by UK government and regulator sources as of May 2026. It is not personal financial, legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules, fees and figures change and individual circumstances vary. Readers should check primary sources or consult a qualified, regulated adviser before acting on any information here.

Frequently asked questions

Can the wrong form be used and corrected later?

Submitting the wrong form typically results in the application being treated as invalid and the fee may not be refundable. Using the correct form from the start matters. Specialist immigration advice helps confirm the form choice for unusual cases; for standard routes, the GOV.UK 'find an application form' service guides the choice.

Are the forms available in languages other than English?

The official forms are in English. Applicants who need translation can request unofficial translations but submissions must be in English. The Home Office does not provide official translations of the forms; applicants typically arrange translation themselves for understanding the form, then complete in English.

How long does it take to complete the form?

Most applicants spend several hours over multiple sessions. The system saves progress, allowing the form to be completed across multiple sittings. Time depends on the route complexity and the applicant's familiarity with the documentation. Specialist immigration solicitors typically take 3 to 8 hours per application for completion plus evidence preparation.

Is there a paper version of the form?

Paper applications are typically only accepted in very limited circumstances. The online application is the standard route. Paper applications may be available for specific exceptional cases; the Home Office can be contacted for these limited situations.

Can professional help be used to complete the form?

Yes. OISC-registered immigration advisers and qualified solicitors can complete the form on the applicant's behalf. Professional help is not required but can be useful in complex cases. The applicant remains responsible for the accuracy of the information; the adviser's role is to prepare the application correctly.

Can the application be submitted in person?

The application itself is submitted online. The biometric enrolment is in person at a UKVCAS service point. Premium service centres offer additional services including document scanning, copying, and biometric enrolment at a single appointment for higher fees.

What happens after submission of the form?

After online submission, the applicant pays the fee and books a biometric enrolment appointment. The appointment captures the biometric data and (optionally) scans the documents. The Home Office then processes the application; the standard processing time is up to 6 months.

Frequently asked questions

Can the wrong form be used and corrected later?

Submitting the wrong form typically results in the application being treated as invalid and the fee may not be refundable. Using the correct form from the start matters. Specialist immigration advice helps confirm the form choice for unusual cases; for standard routes, the GOV.UK 'find an application form' service guides the choice.

Are the forms available in languages other than English?

The official forms are in English. Applicants who need translation can request unofficial translations but submissions must be in English. The Home Office does not provide official translations of the forms; applicants typically arrange translation themselves for understanding the form, then complete in English.

How long does it take to complete the form?

Most applicants spend several hours over multiple sessions. The system saves progress, allowing the form to be completed across multiple sittings. Time depends on the route complexity and the applicant's familiarity with the documentation. Specialist immigration solicitors typically take 3 to 8 hours per application for completion plus evidence preparation.

Is there a paper version of the form?

Paper applications are typically only accepted in very limited circumstances. The online application is the standard route. Paper applications may be available for specific exceptional cases; the Home Office can be contacted for these limited situations.

Can professional help be used to complete the form?

Yes. OISC-registered immigration advisers and qualified solicitors can complete the form on the applicant's behalf. Professional help is not required but can be useful in complex cases. The applicant remains responsible for the accuracy of the information; the adviser's role is to prepare the application correctly.

Can the application be submitted in person?

The application itself is submitted online. The biometric enrolment is in person at a UKVCAS service point. Premium service centres offer additional services including document scanning, copying, and biometric enrolment at a single appointment for higher fees.

What happens after submission of the form?

After online submission, the applicant pays the fee and books a biometric enrolment appointment. The appointment captures the biometric data and (optionally) scans the documents. The Home Office then processes the application; the standard processing time is up to 6 months.