If you came to the UK as the partner of a British citizen, a settled person, or a person with certain types of status, and the relationship has broken down because of domestic abuse, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain without waiting for the five years. You do not have to stay in the relationship to keep your status.

Who qualifies

Your last grant of leave was as a partner under Appendix FM, or as a partner of a person with refugee status, or as the partner of a member of the armed forces, or under certain work routes where the rules extend the protection.
The relationship broke down permanently because of domestic abuse, during your last period of leave.
Domestic abuse includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial abuse, coercive control and threats. It can come from the partner or the partner's family.

You can apply even if your leave has expired, and the financial and English requirements do not apply.

The concession for people with no money

If you have no access to funds, the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession gives three months' leave with access to public funds while you prepare the settlement application. We apply for the concession first where it is needed.

Evidence

The Home Office accepts a wide range of evidence and does not require a conviction. Useful evidence includes police reports or crime reference numbers, court orders, medical records, letters from a GP, domestic abuse support organisation, social services or refuge, and your own detailed statement. We help you gather what exists and explain what is missing.

This is not a complete list. What you need depends on your circumstances, and the documents vary from case to case. Your solicitor will tell you exactly what applies to you.

Confidentiality

Your application is not shared with your former partner. We can correspond with you at a safe address and by a method you choose.

Fees

The Home Office fee is £3,226 (correct on 13 October 2026), but a fee waiver is available if you cannot afford it; most applicants under the concession qualify. Legal aid may be available for this work; ask us.

What we do

We assess your eligibility in a confidential first conversation, apply for the concession if you need it, prepare the evidence and statement, and submit the settlement application. If refused, there is a right of appeal and we act in it.