Receiving a UK spouse visa and finally arriving in the UK is a major milestone. However, this marks the start of a longer journey toward settlement and eventual Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Preparing for the next steps from day one can make the process smoother, less stressful, and more successful.
This article explains:
- Immediate practical steps after arrival
- How to settle into the UK and integrate into local life
- What evidence to build from day one for ILR
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Guidance on professional support from immigration lawyers
- Answers to the 10 most frequently asked post-arrival questions
Understanding your UK spouse visa conditions
Your spouse visa allows you to:
- Work in the UK without sponsorship
- Study full-time or part-time
- Access the NHS (Immigration Health Surcharge paid)
You usually cannot access public funds unless your visa specifies otherwise.
Other obligations:
- Keep your contact details up to date with the Home Office
- Comply with UK immigration rules and visa conditions
First practical steps after arriving in the UK
1. Get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or confirm your eVisa
Your BRP is proof of your right to live and work in the UK. To keep it safe, it is required for employment, healthcare, travel, visa extensions, and ILR applications.
2. Apply for or register for a National Insurance (NI) number
Essential for working and paying taxes. You can start work before your NI number arrives, but apply as soon as possible and keep confirmation emails or letters as evidence.
3. Open a UK bank account
A bank account is essential for managing finances and as evidence of residence and shared financial activity for ILR.
4. Register with a GP and dentist
Healthcare registration provides third-party evidence that you are genuinely living in the UK. Appointment letters, prescriptions, and GP registration certificates serve as proof for ILR applications.
Registering with local services
Registering with the local authority and community services is an important part of settling into life in the UK. It not only helps with day-to-day practicalities but also creates strong, independent evidence that you are genuinely living in the UK and integrating into your local area, something the Home Office expects to see for future applications such as a spouse visa extension and ILR.
Council tax registration
Council tax is one of the most valuable documents you can have for immigration purposes.
Tips:
- Ensure you are registered at the correct address as soon as you move in
- Where possible, register both partners jointly, as joint council tax bills are strong proof of cohabitation
- Keep annual bills, payment confirmations, and any correspondence from the local council
Council tax documents often span long periods, which makes them particularly useful for demonstrating continuous residence over several years.
Libraries and local authority services
Registering for local services helps establish a paper trail showing you are living in the UK on a long-term basis.
This may include:
- Library membership cards or confirmation letters
- Correspondence from your local council
- Local authority services or community registrations
While these documents are not usually core evidence on their own, they can help fill gaps if other documents are limited during certain periods.
Children’s schools or nurseries (if applicable)
If you have children, school or nursery records are very strong evidence of family life in the UK.
Useful documents include:
- School or nursery registration letters
- Attendance records
- Letters addressed to parents at the family home
These records clearly demonstrate residence, stability, and family integration and are often well-regarded by the Home Office.
Practical tip for ILR preparation
Whenever you register for a service:
- Keep the confirmation email or letter
- Save envelopes showing your address
- File documents by year so they are easy to retrieve later
Over time, these local records help build a clear picture of your life in the UK and support your ILR application from a spouse visa alongside other key evidence.
Housing in the UK
- Housing can be challenging for new arrivals without a UK credit history:
- Landlords require a Right to Rent check
- Using a UK partner’s credit profile or a guarantor can help
- Tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, and council tax bills are strong evidence of cohabitation for ILR
Building a UK credit history
Tips to safely build credit:
- Register your address with the local council
- Use a UK bank account regularly
- Choose SIM-only mobile contracts initially
- Avoid unnecessary credit
Evidence to build from day one for ILR
Start collecting evidence immediately if you plan to apply for ILR after five years:
Core evidence categories
- Immigration documents: passports, BRP / eVisa confirmations
- Proof of cohabitation: joint tenancy/mortgage, council tax, utilities
- Financial evidence: payslips, P60s, bank statements, employer letters
- Relationship evidence: photos, messages, invitations
- Healthcare and education records: GP letters, prescriptions, school letters
- Travel records: boarding passes, flight confirmations, passport stamps
Track absences carefully:
- Record the date left and returned
- Note the reason for travel
- Ensure compliance with the continuous residence absences rule UK spouse visa
Employment and National Insurance: practical considerations
You can work before your NI number arrives. Keep payslips, employer letters, and confirmation emails as evidence for ILR applications.
When to start thinking about a spouse visa extension
Extensions typically occur at 30 months. Evidence overlaps with ILR. Preparing early reduces the risk of delays and strengthens future applications.
Seeking professional guidance: how an immigration solicitor/lawyer can help
Even after your spouse visa is granted, preparing for extensions and ILR involves detailed evidence and strict deadlines.
How a lawyer can help
- Explain visa conditions clearly
- Guide evidence collection for extensions and ILR
- Review applications before submission
- Advice on unusual circumstances
- Reduce stress and ensure deadlines are met
Choosing the right lawyer
- Ensure they are regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) (Previously known as the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) or SRA
- Check experience with spouse visas and ILR
- Look for clear communication, availability, and transparent fees
- Take advantage of a free consultation to see if the law firm is the right fit for you
Why do many people choose Mulgrave Law for UK immigration support
At Mulgrave Law, we know navigating UK immigration rules is overwhelming, especially once your spouse visa has been granted and you are thinking ahead to extensions and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Many of our clients come to us at this stage because they want clarity, reassurance, and a clear plan for the future.
Our London immigration experts serve the UK and clients across the world. You can expect the following from the word go:
1. Clear and structured legal guidance
We focus on explaining the immigration process in plain English, so you understand not just what is required, but why it matters. Our clients often tell us that having a clear roadmap including timelines, evidence requirements, and key deadlines makes the process feel far more manageable.
We help you plan ahead, rather than reacting at the last minute, which is particularly important when working towards a spouse visa extension or ILR.
2. Strong focus on evidence and preparation
A successful application is built on the right evidence, presented properly. We guide clients on:
- Which documents carry the most weight with the Home Office
- How to organise evidence clearly and logically
- How to avoid common mistakes that can cause delays or refusals
This structured approach helps ensure applications are thorough, accurate, and well prepared.
3. Clear communication and ongoing support
Immigration applications can be stressful, especially when rules feel unclear or change over time. We prioritise clear and timely communication, so you always know where you stand.
4. Support in complex or uncertain situations
Some clients come to us with additional challenges, such as longer absences from the UK, reminder deadlines, or uncertainty about whether they are meeting the requirements. In these situations, we provide tailored advice and practical solutions, helping clients feel reassured that their case is being handled carefully.
5. Why clients recommend us
Feedback on Google reviews, Trustpilot, and our testimonials page highlights our organised approach, attention to detail, and supportive service. Our clients have a clear plan and well-prepared evidence, making their immigration journey significantly less stressful.
If you are unsure about your next steps after a UK spouse visa has been granted, or you want confidence that you are building the right evidence for ILR, we would be happy to talk through your situation and explain how we can help.
Book your FREE initial consultation with a London immigration spouse visa lawyer
Get started by filling out our online contact form,
calling us on 02072537248, or emailing us at info@mulgravelaw.co.uk
10 frequently asked questions after arrival
1. What to do after the partner arrives in the UK?
Register with a GP, apply for an NI number, open a bank account, set up housing, and begin collecting joint documents immediately.
2. What evidence is needed for ILR?
Proof of residence, genuine relationship evidence, financial documents, Life in the UK and English test certificates, and travel records.
3. How do I prove cohabitation for UK settlement?
Joint official documents carry the most weight. Supporting evidence like photos and messages adds context.
4. How many days can I spend outside the UK before ILR is affected?
Track absences carefully; avoid exceeding permitted limits in any rolling 12-month period.
5. Do I need Life in the UK and English tests for ILR?
Yes, unless exempt. Keep certificates for your records.
6. Can gaps in documents cause refusal?
Not automatically, but unexplained gaps can be problematic.
7. Is relationship evidence like photos and messages enough?
Helpful but not sufficient alone. Combine with official joint documents.
8. What are the most common ILR mistakes?
Poor absence tracking, weak cohabitation evidence, missing test certificates, and disorganised documentation.
9. Should documents be digital or paper?
Keep both. Originals are required for submissions; digital copies help with organisation.
10. When should I start preparing for ILR?
From day one, early, consistent evidence collection prevents last-minute stress.
Final thoughts
Settling in the UK after a spouse visa is exciting, but preparation is key. Register with services, collect evidence, manage absences, and seek professional guidance if needed. This ensures you are on the strongest possible path toward ILR and long-term settlement.
Book your FREE initial consultation with Mulgrave Law
Fill out our online contact form,
Call us on 02072537248, or
Email us at info@mulgravelaw.co.uk
Continue your reading on UK visas and immigration:
- UK Spouse Visa Extension: Requirements, Costs And Mistakes To Avoid
- Free 30-Minute Immigration Consultation | Speak to an Expert UK Immigration Lawyer
- UK Spouse Visa made simple
- How to Prove a Genuine and Subsisting Relationship for a UK Spouse Visa Application
- Why the British passport remains one of the world’s most valuable travel documents