(1)What are the two routes to settlement as a Partner or a Parent?
Appendix FM provides two routes to settlement on the basis of family life as a partner or parent. These are a 5-year route and a 10-year route where:
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the 5-year route as a partner or parent is for those who meet all of the relevant suitability and eligibility requirements of the Immigration Rules at every stage.
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the 10-year route as a partner or parent applies: in respect of applications for leave to remain, to those who meet all of the suitability requirements, but only certain of the eligibility requirements as a partner or parent where paragraph EX.1. of Appendix FM applies and is met. Paragraph EX.1. is not an exception to the Rules as a whole, but to certain eligibility requirements for leave to remain under the 5-year partner and parent routes under Appendix FM; or where entry clearance or leave to remain is granted following consideration under paragraph GEN.3.1. or GEN.3.2. of Appendix FM and in light of the exceptional circumstances to which that paragraph refers.