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ILR Domestic Violence
You should never have to choose between your safety and your right to remain in the UK. If your relationship ended due to domestic abuse, the law allows eligible survivors to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Our SRA-regulated solicitors provide clear, accurate guidance to help you secure your status and rebuild your life independently.
If you need advice on a ILR Domestic Violence application, speak to our solicitors. Call us now at 020 3384 4389
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Under UK immigration law, the ILR Domestic Violence route allows eligible partners whose relationship has permanently broken down due to domestic abuse to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
Domestic abuse can include physical violence, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial control, or coercive and controlling behaviour. The Home Office does not require abuse to be physical for an application to succeed.
This route is available to individuals who were last granted permission to stay in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person with settled status, and whose relationship ended as a direct result of domestic abuse. Applications are made using the SET(DV) form.
Essentials to ILR After Domestic Abuse
ILR Domestic Violence Visa Duration
Successful applicants under the ILR Domestic Violence route are granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR, also referred to as settlement, allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. There is no requirement to renew your immigration status once ILR is granted.
Benefits of ILR After Domestic Abuse
ILR allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration time limits. You can access the NHS and other public services in accordance with UK law and, if you meet the separate eligibility requirements, you may later apply for British citizenship.
Key Requirements
You may apply for ILR under the ILR Domestic Violence route if your last grant of permission was as the partner of a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or a recognised refugee. You must be in the UK at the time of application and demonstrate that the relationship permanently broke down as a direct result of domestic abuse. Certain criminal convictions may affect whether ILR can be granted. In some cases, the Home Office may grant limited leave instead, depending on the circumstances.
Required Documents
To apply under the ILR Domestic Violence route, you will need to provide a valid passport or other identity document (where available), evidence that your relationship has permanently broken down, and credible evidence of domestic abuse. You must also provide details of your accommodation and, where relevant, information about your financial circumstances.
Applicants under the Domestic Violence ILR route are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, as the application is for settlement rather than limited leave. This means you can continue to access NHS services without paying the surcharge as part of the application.
The Home Office application fee for an ILR Domestic Violence application is currently £3,029. Applicants who cannot afford the fee may apply for a fee waiver, subject to meeting the Home Office criteria. Legal representation is optional, and in some cases, legal aid may be available depending on eligibility.
The Home Office aims to decide most ILR Domestic Violence applications within six months. This is not a guaranteed timeframe. Applications involving complex evidence, safeguarding concerns, or further verification may take longer. Submitting clear, complete documentation can help reduce avoidable delays.
The main application route within the UK is the Victim of Domestic Abuse route, which replaced what was previously known as the ILR Domestic Violence route. A separate route exists for individuals affected by transnational marriage abandonment, where a person has been stranded overseas following the breakdown of a relationship due to abuse.
Is Fear About Your Immigration Status Keeping You in an Unsafe Situation?
Worrying about your immigration status should never prevent you from seeking safety. If your relationship has ended due to domestic abuse, UK immigration law provides a route for eligible individuals to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Our SRA-regulated solicitors can explain your options clearly and confidentially.
Benefits
Why Trust Us with Your ILR Domestic Violence?
Applying for ILR after domestic abuse can feel overwhelming. Our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors provide clear, careful guidance and handle your application with discretion, accuracy, and full compliance with Home Office requirements.
97.37%
Success Rate
37,573
Applications Approved
93.7%
Immigration Appeal Win Rate
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Average Rating
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
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Evidence-based case preparation
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Home Office compliance checks
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Success rate optimisation
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Risk mitigation strategies
From Consultation to Visa Approval
Our immigration specialists streamline your application process by clearly identifying which evidence and strategies will strengthen your case.
By aligning your unique circumstances with Home Office requirements, we help you focus on high-impact preparations while addressing any potential weaknesses in your application.
Maximising Your Approval Chances
Our goal is to maximise the chances of your visa being approved the first time. By carefully reviewing your circumstances, identifying potential weaknesses, and preparing strong supporting evidence, we significantly reduce the risk of refusals. Every application is checked by senior immigration solicitors who apply their expertise to make your case as clear, accurate, and persuasive as possible. This attention to detail is what improves success rates and helps our clients move forward with confidence.
Success Rate Optimisation
We carefully analyse every detail of your application to maximise the chances of approval. By addressing weaknesses, strengthening supporting evidence, and ensuring full compliance with Home Office rules, we optimise your case for success. This thorough approach significantly improves approval rates and gives you confidence throughout the process.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
We identify potential risks in your application early and put safeguards in place to address them. By preparing strong evidence, clarifying complex points, and anticipating Home Office concerns, we minimise the chance of delays or refusals.
Work With Trusted, SRA-Regulated UK Immigration Experts
Your immigration journey is too important to risk on unqualified or unregulated help. Every case we handle is prepared by SRA-regulated solicitors who apply structured legal reasoning, precise documentation checks and full compliance with Home Office and UKVI rules.
Our accreditations are your assurance that you are working with a reputable, experienced and highly trained legal team. We combine decades of immigration expertise with strict professional standards to give you clarity, confidence and complete peace of mind — no matter which visa or application route you are pursuing.
What is an ILR Domestic Violence Visa?
If your relationship has ended due to ILR domestic violence or abuse while on a spouse or partner visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
Abuse can take many forms, physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or financial, and may be used to control, isolate, or intimidate. If you were last granted a visa through a partner who is a British citizen, settled in the UK, an EU national with Pre-Settled Status, or a refugee, you could qualify for this route.
An ILR Domestic Violence Visa UK allows survivors to secure ILR, giving them the right to live, work, and study in the UK independently, access benefits, and move towards British citizenship. It is essential to inform the Home Office UK if your visa was tied to a now-ended abusive relationship.
Who Can Apply for ILR After Domestic Abuse in the UK?
If you are in the UK and your last visa was granted as the spouse, civil partner, or partner of a British citizen, a settled person (including a refugee), or under the ILR Domestic Violence Concession (DDV), you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a survivor of domestic abuse.
- A family member under Appendix EU, whether with limited leave, joining family member status, or retained right of residence.
- The partner of a refugee under Appendix FM or Family Reunion rules.
- The partner of a person settled in the UK under Part 8 (paragraphs 285 or 295E).
- A victim of domestic abuse under Appendix FM.
- The partner of a British citizen or HM Forces member under Appendix Armed Forces or Part 7.
- Someone with leave outside the rules through the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse concession, who previously held one of the above permissions.
To qualify for ILR after domestic violence in the UK, you must:
- Be in the UK at the time of applying.
- Have been last granted permission as:
- The partner of a British citizen, a settled person, a refugee, or
- Someone with 30 months’ leave under the ILR domestic violence rule, or
- A holder of leave under the DDV concession.
- Show that your relationship has permanently broken down as a direct result of ILR domestic violence or abuse.
Evidence of Abuse
You will need to provide credible evidence proving that domestic abuse caused the relationship breakdown. The Home Office will carefully assess all documentation and supporting details.
If you meet the above criteria but have a prison sentence of under 12 months within the past seven years, or a non-custodial sentence or out-of-court disposal within the last 2 years, you may be granted 30 months’ limited leave instead of ILR.
ILR Validity Rules for Domestic Abuse Cases
To make a valid ILR application under Appendix VDA, you must:
- Use the correct online form:
- Victims of domestic abuse (and their child applying at the same time) use one form.
- A child applying separately from their parents uses a different form.
- Pay the application fee (unless a fee waiver is granted).
- Provide biometric information.
- Submit a passport or other identity document confirming identity and nationality (unless exempt or excused).
Do you know?
According to the ILR domestic violence immigration rules, applications not meeting these requirements may be treated as invalid. However, in some cases, the Home Office may use discretion and accept the application without a passport or identity document.
What is Coercive Behaviour?
Coercive behavior, as defined by Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015, involves actions that have a severe impact on a victim. Examples include:
- Monitoring: Tracking a person’s schedule and interactions.
- Isolation: Excluding someone from their friends and family.
- Psychological Harm: Dehumanising, criticising, or belittling the victim.
- Financial Control: Managing finances and preventing access to money.
- Threats: Threatening to harm the victim, a child, or a pet.
- Deprivation: Denying fundamental rights and basic needs.
- Humiliation: Degrading or humiliating an individual.
Under the new Home Office immigration rules, there is no distinction between psychological and physical abuse when evaluating ILR domestic violence claims.
Do you know?
Organisations like Refuge, Women’s Aid, or domestic abuse charities can provide professional letters to support your ILR application.
Who Can’t Apply for ILR Domestic Violence?
You might not be able to get ILR even though you have been a victim of domestic abuse, if you are in the UK, because
- anyone who is married to, living with, or legally married to someone who has limited leave to enter or stay.
- someone who is engaged, married, or planning to get married.
- A person who wants to seek asylum in the UK.
- the spouse or civil partner of a British or Commonwealth citizen who is serving or has served in the British forces but has not yet finished at least four years of “reckonable service.”
- an individual from the European Economic Area (EEA) or a part of their family.
You are also ineligible to apply due to
- Criminal convictions: Serious offences may prevent applicants from securing ILR under the domestic violence route. In some cases, only temporary leave may be granted.
- Good character issues: Fraud or other unsuitable conduct (e.g., immigration-related fraud) can also make an applicant ineligible.
Pro Tip:
Don’t wait for your visa to expire. Apply as soon as your relationship breaks down to protect your status under the ILR Domestic Violence route
Documentation Checklist for ILR Domestic Violence
When applying for a UK visa under the domestic abuse category, you will usually need to provide:
- Passport and travel documents, including a current, valid passport (if possible), plus any previous passports showing your immigration history.
- Proof of relationship breakdown, such as a divorce decree, civil partnership dissolution certificate, or evidence that cohabitation has ended.
- Evidence of domestic abuse. This may include police records, medical reports, court orders, injunctions, statements from support organisations, or social worker reports.
- Accommodation details, e.g., tenancy agreements, mortgage papers, or proof of suitable housing in the UK.
- Financial evidence (if relevant) such as payslips, bank statements, or proof of financial circumstances.
Note: This is not a complete list, and requirements may change with immigration rule updates. The exact documents you should provide will depend on your individual case.
Including Children in Your ILR Domestic Violence Application
You may include your dependent children on your Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR domestic violence application. This is generally possible if:
- Your ex-partner is the child’s other parent.
- The child’s other parent is deceased.
- You are the sole remaining parent.
- Other compelling circumstances exist.
Eligibility Requirements for Dependent Children
To qualify, all children must meet the following criteria:
- They must have been living with both you and your ex-partner in the UK.
- You must be able to provide adequate care and financial support for them without recourse to public funds.
- They must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living an independent life.
- Children over 18 may also be eligible if they meet the criteria for minors and have previously held immigration leave as your dependent child. Additionally, they must satisfy the following:
- You, as the parent, were a partner of a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK.
- They must pass the Life in the UK Testand demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English.
Cost & Processing Time
The standard fee to apply for a domestic abuse visa UK is £3,029. But if you are facing financial hardships, you can request a fee waiver.
Evidence of financial hardship can include:
- Homelessness or living in unsafe conditions.
- Inability to afford essential living costs, such as food or utilities.
- The payment of fees would put a child’s health or safety at risk.
Next Steps After an ILR Domestic Violence Application
After submitting your application, you will be required to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph. You will receive instructions from the Home Office on how to book your biometric appointment.
All children aged six or over included in your application must also attend a biometric appointment.
While your application is being processed, travelling outside the UK may result in your application being treated as withdrawn. If you need your passport for identification purposes, you can request its return, but you should seek legal advice before doing so to avoid risking your application.
What If Your ILR Domestic Violence Visa Is Refused
If your ILR Domestic Violence ILR application is refused, you may have several options depending on the type of decision issued.
Administrative Review
If you believe the Home Office made a caseworking error, you may be able to request an administrative review. This allows a different caseworker to check whether the Immigration Rules were applied correctly.
An administrative review does not reconsider new evidence or reassess the facts of your case. It focuses only on identifying errors in how the decision was made. Availability depends on the type of refusal issued.
Judicial Review
If an administrative review is not available or has been unsuccessful, you may be able to pursue a judicial review. Judicial review is a legal challenge against the lawfulness of the decision-making process, not the outcome of your application.
This is a complex procedure, and strict time limits apply. Legal representation is strongly recommended.
Alternative Immigration Options
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply under a different UK immigration route, such as a work or study visa. Eligibility depends on meeting the specific requirements of that route, and in many cases, applications must be made from outside the UK. Professional advice is recommended before pursuing an alternative option.
Domestic Violence FAQs
The Home Office aims to decide most Domestic Violence ILR applications within six months. This is not a guaranteed timeframe. Applications involving complex evidence, safeguarding concerns, or further verification may take longer. Providing clear and complete documentation can help reduce avoidable delays.
If your application is refused, the options available depend on the type of decision issued. In some cases, you may be able to request an administrative review if there was a caseworking error. If this is not available or is unsuccessful, judicial review may be an option. It may also be possible to consider a different immigration route, depending on your circumstances.
You must be in the UK and have last been granted permission as the partner of a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or a recognised refugee. You must also show that your relationship permanently broke down as a direct result of domestic abuse. Each requirement must be supported by credible evidence.
Evidence can include police reports, medical records, court orders, statements from domestic abuse support organisations, or other credible documentation showing that abuse occurred and caused the relationship to end. Abuse does not need to be physical to qualify.
Your rights depend on your existing immigration status at the time you apply. In some cases, applicants may have access to public funds or the right to work, but this is not automatic and depends on the permission you currently hold. Legal advice is recommended to confirm your position.
No. Applications under the Domestic Violence route are for settlement, so the Immigration Health Surcharge does not apply.
Travelling outside the UK while your application is under consideration may result in the application being treated as withdrawn. You should seek legal advice before making any travel plans.
Legal representation is not mandatory, but Domestic Violence ILR applications often involve complex evidence, discretion, and safeguarding considerations. Many applicants choose to work with an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor to ensure the application is prepared accurately and in line with Home Office requirements.
The Domestic Violence route allows eligible individuals to apply directly for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). While it is sometimes referred to as a “Domestic Violence visa,” the outcome of a successful application is settlement, not a temporary visa.
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