Settlement after domestic abuse

Your safety comes first

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Immigration questions can wait until you are safe. When you are ready, we can talk to you confidentially, at your pace, and we will never contact your partner or former partner about your enquiry.

Who may qualify for domestic abuse ILR

The domestic abuse settlement route is mainly for people whose permission to stay in the UK depends on a partner — for example a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner of a British citizen or a settled person — where the relationship has permanently broken down because of domestic violence or abuse. The rules are specific about which immigration categories qualify, so the first step is always to check your current status and route.

What counts as domestic violence or abuse

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It includes emotional and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour. Many people do not realise that what they have experienced counts as abuse in law. We will listen to what has happened and advise you on how it fits the legal definition.

Evidence — and where there is none

Applications are supported by evidence such as police reports, court orders, medical records, refuge or support-service letters, and statements from people who knew what was happening. Your own detailed statement matters too. If you have little or no documentary evidence — which is common, because abuse often happens behind closed doors — that does not automatically prevent an application. We will advise you honestly about how your account can be presented.

Apply as soon as you can

It is usually best to apply as soon as possible after the relationship breaks down, and you should not simply wait for your current leave to expire. Leaving it late can create avoidable problems with your status, your access to services and the strength of the application itself.

The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession

If you are destitute because of the abuse, the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession can provide a short period of temporary permission to stay with access to public funds, while a settlement application is prepared. This can give you breathing space to find safety and gather evidence. We can advise whether the concession applies to you and how it fits with the settlement application.

Spouse visa holders, pre-settled status and other situations

If you hold pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and your relationship has broken down because of domestic abuse, different provisions apply and you may be able to retain your rights. Whatever your current status, tell us the full picture and we will explain which rules apply to you.

Legal aid and other support

Legal aid may be available for some domestic abuse immigration matters, and we will tell you if we think you may qualify and signpost you appropriately. We can also point you towards specialist support organisations that help survivors of domestic abuse, alongside the legal work.

Confidential, unhurried advice

Everything you tell us is confidential. You can bring a friend or support worker to any meeting, and we can agree how and when it is safe to contact you. If your immigration status is at immediate risk, tell us when you enquire so we can treat it as urgent.