What are your options if you want to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK if your relationship has broken down because of domestic violence or abuse?
Here is the official advice from the Home Office.
Domestic violence and abuse can be emotional, psychological, physical, sexual or financial. It includes threatening or controlling behaviour to try to harm, isolate or frighten someone.
You can apply if your partner was one of the following:
a British citizen
a person settled in the UK (including as a refugee)
a member of the UK armed forces who has served for at least 4 years
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It’s also called ‘settlement’. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
You must tell the Home Office if you separate from your partner and your visa is based on that relationship.
When to apply
Apply for indefinite leave to remain as soon as possible after the relationship breaks down. Do not wait until your current visa expires.
Fees and how long it takes
The application fee is £2,389 per person, unless you do not have enough money to support yourself. You can include your children on your application if they’re eligible.
You also need to pay £19.20 per person to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
You’ll usually get a decision about your application within 6 months.
If you do not have enough money to support yourself.
If you cannot pay the fee.
You do not have to pay the fee if you can provide evidence that you:
do not have a place to live and cannot afford one
have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating
have a very low income and paying the fee would harm your child’s wellbeing
Evidence can include bank statements, a signed letter from your local authority or a signed letter from an agency that’s been giving you support.
Fees and how long it takes
It costs £2,389 for each person applying. You can include your children on the same application form, if they’re eligible.
You also need to pay £19.20 per person to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service.
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
Get a faster decision on your application
You can pay to use the super priority service to get a faster decision.
It costs an extra £800 to get a decision:
by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday.
Two working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend.
