Individuals admitted to or permitted to stay in the UK who are victims of domestic violence may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if their relationship has broken down and they can supply corroborative evidence of this.
Domestic violence can be emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or financial and includes threatening or controlling behaviour.
An applicant applying for a domestic violence visa needs to be a spouse, civil, unmarried, or same-sex partner of a:
- a British citizen or person who has ILR
- an individual with pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme
- a member of the armed services with 4 years service
- a person with refugee status.
A person who has been 'abandoned' outside the UK, may also be able to apply for a domestic violence visa from overseas.
For those applying for a domestic violence visa from within the UK, it may be possible to claim public benefits and permission to live here through the ‘Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession’ for up to 3 months, but the application for the domestic violence visa must be submitted during this period.
Those granted ILR as a victim of domestic violence will be able to live and work here. This category recognises that individuals should not be penalised nor feel obligated to remain in an abusive relationship.
We understand domestic violence cases are sensitive. RLegal will guide you through the evidential requirements and assist you from start to finish with your application.
For more information, please contact us on +44 (0) 207 038 3980 where you can talk to one of our team, email us on info@rlegal.com or complete our online enquiry form.
Alternatively click on the links below for frequently asked questions.
