What’s New in UK Family Visa Applications, Spouse, Fiancé Visas, Indefinite Leave to Remain and Naturalisation as a British Citizen in 2025 / Notification of UK Residence Permit
The UK immigration system remains one of the strictest and most prestigious in the world. Every year it undergoes changes that directly affect those planning a marriage with a British citizen, applying for a UK Family Visa (Spouse or Fiancé Visas), and moving forward towards Indefinite Leave to Remain and a Naturalisation as a British citizen application.
Married or Planning to Marry a British Citizen
If you are preparing to marry a British citizen or are already married and plan to relocate under a Spouse Visa, the changs introduced in 2024–2025 directly affect your strategy.
The same applies if you are considering Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK or planning a Naturalisation as a British citizen application.
In addition, notification of a UK residence permit for Russian citizens and holders of second citizenship is a critical legal requirement that must be followed to ensure a smooth immigration process.
Immigration Is More Than Paperwork
Immigration is not just about documents.
Stress, responsibility, and the need to consider every detail are part of the journey.
Mistakes in a UK Spouse Visa or Fiancé Visa application can lead to refusal, while ignoring the rules for notification of a UK residence permit can result in fines in your home country.
Many couples underestimate:
- Complex financial requirements
- Higher English language standards for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Longer Home Office processing times
The “double regulation” of complying with both UK Home Office rules and the laws of the country of origin
What’s New for UK Family Visa Applications in 2025
Financial Requirements
Since April 2024, the minimum annual income for a UK sponsor has increased to £29,000.
This is one of the highest thresholds in the world.
A proposed rise to £38,700 has been postponed, but discussions continue.
Language Requirements
The Home Office has announced that for Indefinite Leave to Remain, applicants will soon need English at B2 level, higher than before.
This must be factored into your long-term immigration plan.
- The qualifying residence period for Indefinite Leave to Remain may increase from 5 to 10 years.
- A new points-based system will consider education, integration, and contribution to UK society.
ILR and Naturalisation: Key Points to Note
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) remains the ultimate goal for most applicants.
However, ILR processing time in 2025 has increased, with decisions now taking 6 to 12 months.The Life in the UK test has also become more challenging, checking not only history and culture but also elements of the British legal system.If you are planning a Naturalisation as a British citizen application, be aware of new integration requirements and longer residence periods after receiving ILR.
Notification of UK Residence Permit for Russian Citizen
- Notification must be submitted within 60 days of obtaining a UK residence permit.
- If you have obtained the status abroad, the period is counted after you enter Russia
- If the permit was issued abroad, the deadline is counted from the date of entry into Russia.
- Late notification can lead to fines from 500 to 1,000 RUB.
Why Clients Trust The Royal Visa
Me, Natalia Shigapova, and my team. The Royal Visa offer personalized premium-level support.
Why clients choose The Royal Visa:
- Former staff member of a UK visa centre — I know the process from the inside.
- Almost 20 years of experience in visas and immigration.
- Over 13 years of personal relocation experience, including marriage to a foreign national.
- We work in Russian and English, taking into account the mentality of both sides.
- The Royal Visa team includes UK immigration lawyers and accredited consultants.
- IOSC-certified — international recognition of immigration law expertise.
What You Receive with The Royal Visa
With our firm you get:
- A tailored strategy for your unique situation.
- Assistance with document preparation and translations.
- Full assistance with document preparation and certified translations.
- Support with integration: housing, marriage registration, adaptation, even pet relocation.
We’ll figure it out together:
- What’s new in UK wives and fiancées visas, ILR, citizenship in 2025 / UK residence permit notice;
- how to structure the process for your couple;
- what steps are necessary to successfully obtain ILR and citizenship.
The Royal Visa is a premium migration center. We create not just visas, but the future of your family.
You can get in touch in a convenient way:
Tel: +34674104906
To leave an application: on our website
