Webinar: Understanding the 5- and 10-year routes to settlement in family life cases

There are two distinct timelines to settlement (otherwise known as indefinite leave to remain) for partners and parents under Appendix FM: the 5-year route and the 10-year route. The applicable route depends on whether the applicant meets the standard requirements.

In this webinar we explore what these journeys to settlement look like in practice, focusing on the differences between the 5-year and 10-year routes.

The session will cover:

• The standard requirements for permission on the preferable 5-year route
• The 10-year route and Appendix Settlement Family Life which accommodates those who fall short of the requirements
• Costs and the availability of fee waivers
• The new Part Suitability requirements
• Strategic switching from the 10-year to 5-year route
• What happens when someone on the 5-year route can no longer meet the requirements
• The relevance of time spent on other routes to settlement, including the private life route
• Settlement refusals and ways to challenge decisions

Presenter

Nath Gbikpi. 

Nath is a solicitor with over a decade’s experience in immigration, asylum and British nationality law. She has particular expertise with applications for entry clearance, leave to remain and settlement based on family and private life.

Audience

Level: introductory

This webinar is aimed at immigration advisers who want to improve their knowledge on making settlement applications for people on the family life route.

Booking

The ticket cost is £55 + VAT for members and £65 + VAT for non-members. Members, to secure your discount, please log in to your Free Movement account before booking.

We are running an early bird discount on tickets until 23:59 on Wednesday 31st December 2025. Use code “SETTLEMENT14012026” for 20% off.

Important notes

• A recording of the webinar is NOT included in the ticket price.
• After the webinar, you will be emailed a copy of any presentation slides.
• If you would like a certificate of attendance for your continuing professional development record after the webinar has finished, please email editor@freemovement.org.uk.
• Refund policy: We understand that circumstances can change. Cancellation and refund is possible with no questions asked up to 7 days before the webinar is due to begin. Please contact editor@freemovement.org.uk.