Domestic Violence Visa
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What is the Domestic Violence Visa?
The Domestic Violence Visa UK is a special immigration route that allows individuals who have experienced or victim of domestic abuse during their time in the UK on a partner visa, spouse visa, or civil partner visa to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
This route exists to protect victims whose relationship broke down because of domestic violence, ensuring they can remain in the UK independently. If your relationship has ended due to physical, emotional, financial, or psychological abuse, and you were in the UK as a spouse or civil partner, you may be able to apply for ILR under the domestic violence concession.
This route falls under the domestic violence rule in the UK immigration system, and it offers a path to settle in the UK without needing to remain dependent on the abusive partner.
Who is the Domestic Violence Visa For?
You may be eligible to apply for ILR under domestic violence provisions if:
This visa route also applies to:
If you are admitted to the UK as a spouse, partner, or civil partner of a foreign national who has status in the UK, and you experience abuse, you may qualify under this rule.
What is the Application Process Like?
The application for ILR under domestic violence is made to the Home Office, and the applicant must demonstrate that their relationship broke down due to domestic abuse.
Step-by-step ILR Application under Domestic Violence Route
Check your eligibility
Confirm that your immigration status qualifies and that the relationship ended because of domestic violence.Use the domestic violence concession
If you are destitute, you may use the domestic violence concession to gain access to public funds temporarily while your ILR application is processed.Make an application for ILR
Submit your indefinite leave to remain application using the official Home Office portal for the domestic violence route.Gather evidence of domestic violence
Include police reports, court orders, doctor letters, social services records, and support from women’s shelters or domestic violence charities.Attend biometric appointment
You must attend an appointment to submit fingerprints and a photograph.Wait for a decision
ILR applications under domestic violence typically take 6 months, although expedited decisions are sometimes made for urgent cases.
What Are the Requirements?
The domestic violence visa UK requires strong evidence that you were the victim of domestic violence or abuse, and that your relationship ended for that reason.
1. Immigration Status Requirement
You must:
2. Relationship Breakdown Requirement
You must prove that:
3. Evidence of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse includes more than physical violence. It can also include:
The definition of domestic violence is broad under UK immigration law. The Home Office will consider the totality of the evidence provided, including:
Key Benefits of the Domestic Violence Visa
The domestic violence visa exists to protect individuals from having to remain in abusive relationships to maintain their immigration status.
Key benefits include:
Victims can remain under the domestic violence route without having to rely on the abusive partner’s sponsorship.
Why Choose Bekenbey?
At Bekenbey, we recognize that applying for indefinite leave to remain after abuse is both legally and emotionally challenging. Our immigration solicitors and family lawyers offer:
Confidential and compassionate legal advice
Help gathering evidence of domestic violence
Step-by-step assistance with your application for ILR
Guidance on using the domestic violence concession
Representation if your application is refused
We understand the definition of domestic violence under immigration law and know what the Home Office expects in terms of proof and documentation.
Whether your relationship ends because of domestic abuse, physical abuse, or psychological control, our team can support your path to safety and settlement.
Apply for ILR Under Domestic Violence Rules Today with Bekenbey
If you are a victim of domestic violence and were on a family visa, civil partner visa, or spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
You must apply from within the UK, and you must show that:
Your relationship broke down because of domestic violence
You were granted limited leave to remain as a partner
You are still in the UK at the time of application
You do not need to wait until your current visa expires. If you’re destitute, you may also access the Destitution Domestic Violence Concession, which gives you access to public funds for 3 months while your ILR application is processed.
At Bekenbey, we will help you:
Complete and submit your ilr application
Use the domestic violence concession where needed
Collect strong evidence that domestic violence occurred
Provide legal support for your stay in the UK
Needed Documents
We’ve listed all the key documents required for your visa application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:
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Questions, Answered
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