Apply for ILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence or Abuse

: Written by: Arshad Mahmood; Last Updated: 29 August 2025

The Domestic Violence (DV) ILR route allows certain migrants who were in the UK on a spouse or partner visa to apply for settlement (ILR) if their relationship has permanently broken down because of domestic abuse.

If you are in the UK on a spouse visa, partner visa or civil partner visa and your relationship has broken down permanently due to domestic violence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse of the Immigration Rules. This route allows victims of abuse to settle in the UK independently, without relying on their abusive partner for immigration status. An application for ILR as a victim of domestic violence is made by completing the SET (DV) application form online.

Get expert advice on ILR as a victim of domestic violence. Learn who qualifies, required evidence, fee waivers, processing times, and how Premium Solicitors can help you apply successfully.

Page Contents
Ask a Question for Free Immigration Advice
DDV Concession
Who Can Apply?
Fee Waiver for ILR Application
What is Domestic Violence?
Evidence of Domestic Violence
Application Process
Our Team of Immigration Solicitors
Book An Appointment
Get a Fixed Fee Quote
Frequently Asked Questions

Ask a Question for Free Advice

Our dedicated team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London specialises in ILR applications for victims of domestic violence. We offer one-time free immigration advice online to address your specific enquiries about an ILR application as a victim of domestic violence and abuse. You can either call our free immigration advice helpline, 0044 20 3930 3900, to simply ask a question to our specialist UK immigration solicitors in London for fast and friendly free immigration advice and consultation, or you can schedule an appointment online for comprehensive and detailed immigration advice & consultation with one of our top-rated UK immigration solicitors and lawyers.

Ask a Question for Free UK Immigration Advice Online

Application for DDV Concession

If you are destitute and in need of urgent financial support, you can apply for the Destitute Domestic Violence (DDV) Concession before your ILR application.

As a result of a successful application for the Destitute Domestic Violence (DDV) Concession, the Home Office UKVI will grant you 3 months’ temporary leave to remain. This temporary concessionary leave of 3 months will allow you to access public funds (Universal Credit, housing, etc.). The DDV Concessionary leave for 3 months will also give you time to prepare and submit your full ILR application.

Who Can Apply for ILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence?

You may qualify for ILR as a victim of domestic violence and abuse if:

You were last granted leave to remain in the UK as the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
Your relationship has permanently broken down due to domestic violence or abuse.
You can provide evidence of the domestic violence (police reports, medical records, court orders, witness statements, letters from domestic abuse support organisations, etc.).

Fee Waiver to Apply for ILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence

If you cannot afford to pay the Home Office UKVI fee for your ILR application as a victim of domestic violence, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. If you wish to apply for ILR with the fee waiver option, on the SET(DV) online form, please indicate that you cannot pay the fee and are prompted to upload your supporting evidence as part of your application. The eligibility for fee waiver may be based on Inadequate accommodation, inability to afford essentials, risk to the child’s well-being, low or no income, etc.

To assess your eligibility for a fee waiver for an ILR application, the Home Office UKVI may require Bank statements, utility bills, support letters, tenancy agreements, etc.. There is evidential flexibility. If you're unable to provide certain documents due to your circumstances (e.g. trauma, abuse), the Home Office may accept reasoned explanations or substitute documentation.

What is Domestic Violence and Abuse?

According to the Home Office UKVI guidance, domestic violence includes:

Physical abuse
Emotional/psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Financial control/abuse
Coercive or controlling behaviour

Evidence of Domestic Violence

The Home Office accepts different forms of proof as evidence of domestic violence and abuse, such as:

Police reports, arrest records, or caution notices
Medical or hospital records
Non-molestation orders, injunctions, or court orders
Reports/letters from domestic abuse charities, refuges, or social workers
Witness statements from friends, family, or professionals
Circumstantial evidence of incidents of domestic violence

Application Process for ILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence

Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a victim of domestic violence is a sensitive and urgent process. Below is a clear, step-by-step outline of the application process:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

You can apply for ILR as a victim of domestic violence if:

You were last granted leave to remain as the partner (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or same-sex partner) of a British citizen or a person with settled status.
Your relationship has permanently broken down as a result of domestic violence.
You are currently living in the UK.

Step 2: Gather Evidence of Domestic Violence

The Home Office requires credible evidence that domestic violence caused the breakdown of your relationship. Examples include:

Police reports, caution notices, or prosecution records
Court documents (non-molestation, occupation, or restraining orders)
Hospital or GP medical reports
Letters from domestic violence refuges, social workers, or support organisations
Statements from solicitors, teachers, or community leaders
Witness statements from family or friends
Circumstantial evidence

Step 3: Consider a Fee Waiver (If Needed)

If you cannot afford the Home Office fee for the ILR application as a victim of domestic violence, you can apply for ILR with the fee waiver option.

You must show that you are destitute, lack adequate accommodation, or cannot meet essential living costs.
Evidence may include: benefit refusal letters, bank statements, eviction notices, or letters from charities/refuges.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

The application is made online via the SET (DV) form on the UKVI website. You will need to create an account, complete the form carefully, and upload your supporting documents.

Step 5: Biometrics & Supporting Documents

After submitting the online application, you will be directed to book a UKVCAS (Sopra Steria) biometric appointment. You must attend to provide fingerprints, photographs, and submit original documents.

Documents can usually be uploaded online or scanned at the appointment.

Step 6: Await the Home Office Decision

Standard processing time: Up to 6 months. Priority may be given if you are destitute or in a refuge. If you apply for ILR before the expiry of your leave, your immigration status is protected under Section 3C leave while you wait, meaning you remain lawfully in the UK.

Step 7: Decision Outcome

If your application is approved, you will receive Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and can live, work, and study in the UK without restriction. You may later apply for British citizenship.

If your application is refused, you may be able to request an Administrative Review, make a fresh application, or challenge the refusal through Judicial Review. Legal advice is strongly recommended.

Our Team of Leading Immigration Solicitors in London

Premium Solicitors Ltd is a London-based law firm specialising in providing high-quality legal services to individuals seeking to apply for ILR as a victim of domestic violence. Their expertise in immigration law ensures that clients receive personalised and thorough assistance throughout the immigration application process. The firm is particularly skilled in handling complex immigration cases. Their in-depth knowledge of UK immigration law allows them to navigate these challenges effectively, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Premium Solicitors Ltd is renowned for its client-focused approach, providing clear communication and support throughout the entire process. They understand the emotional and financial stress involved in UK immigration matters and work diligently to alleviate these concerns by providing transparent and reliable legal services. By choosing Premium Solicitors Ltd, clients benefit from a high level of expertise and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for their UK immigration applications. The firm’s reputation for thoroughness, professionalism, and success makes it a top choice for individuals seeking settlement based on domestic violence and abuse.

The exceptional quality of our UK visa and immigration services is reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews rating, with 99% of our clients expressing their satisfaction. Our dedicated team of London-based UK immigration solicitors is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing unwavering dedication and outstanding legal support for ILR applications for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

At Premium Solicitors, located in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled UK immigration services through our team of dedicated and specialist immigration solicitors. Our team comprises experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in UK immigration laws. This expertise allows us to provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

Meet Our Key Team of UK Immigration Solicitors: