Indefinite Leave to Remain — Bereaved Partner / Domestic Violence Route
Secure Settlement Following the Death of a Partner or the Breakdown of a Relationship Due to Domestic Violence
Apply for ILR under the Bereaved Partner or Domestic Violence (DV) Route through Legate Hub | Specialist Immigration Solicitors
Overview
This route enables individuals who were previously granted leave as a partner or spouse of a British citizen or settled person to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) where the relationship has ended either because the sponsor has passed away or due to domestic violence. Legate Hub provides sensitive, confidential legal support to help applicants regularise their status permanently, ensuring the submission of complete and verified evidence in accordance with Home Office guidance.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must have been granted leave to remain in the UK as the partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) of a British citizen or person with settled status.
- The relationship must have broken down permanently either due to:
- the death of your partner; or
- domestic violence experienced during the relationship.
- You must be in the UK at the time of application.
- You do not need to complete the usual five-year qualifying residence period for ILR under this route.
- You must meet the suitability criteria (no serious criminality or breaches of immigration law).
- There is no financial requirement for this route, but you must provide evidence that the relationship and qualifying circumstances are genuine.
Required Documents Checklist
- Current passport and UK eVisa.
- Previous visa documentation showing your leave as a partner or spouse.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof of durable relationship.
- In bereavement cases: death certificate of your partner and any medical or coroner documentation.
- In domestic violence cases: evidence such as police reports, court orders, medical reports, letters from domestic abuse support organisations, or witness statements.
- Evidence that you lived together in the UK prior to the relationship ending (tenancy, bills, correspondence).
- Any dependent child’s birth certificate and immigration status documents (if applicable).
- Certified translations for any non-English documents.
Application Process
- Step 1 – Initial Consultation & Evidence Review: Legate Hub conducts a confidential assessment of your circumstances to confirm eligibility and identify key evidence supporting your ILR claim under the Bereaved Partner or DV route.
- Step 2 – Document Preparation: Download the Bereaved Partner / DV Checklist from our Document Centre below. We assist in compiling verified evidence to demonstrate either bereavement or domestic violence as the qualifying circumstance.
- Step 3 – Application Submission & Biometrics: Legate Hub prepares and submits your ILR application online, ensuring correct category selection, evidence upload, and scheduling of your biometric appointment.
- Step 4 – Home Office Decision: We liaise with UKVI and respond to any evidence or clarification requests until a final decision is reached.
- Step 5 – Settlement Confirmation: Upon approval, we guide you through BRP collection and advise on dependent applications or future citizenship eligibility.
Typical Processing Timeline
| Service | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| Standard ILR Application | Approximately 8 weeks from biometric submission. |
| Complex / Sensitive Case Review | Varies depending on documentation and Home Office review requirements. |
Note: Applicants are encouraged to provide as much documentary evidence as possible. Legate Hub ensures all sensitive material is handled with confidentiality and respect.
Apply through Legate Hub – Start Your Bereaved Partner / DV ILR Application
Download Application Forms
- ILR Bereaved Partner / DV Checklist (PDF)
- Domestic Violence Evidence Template (PDF)
- Bereavement Evidence Guide (PDF)
Download and complete these templates before your consultation. Legate Hub will review your evidence and prepare your ILR submission with full confidentiality.
Why Choose Legate Hub
Legate Hub provides specialist, confidential representation for applicants affected by bereavement or domestic violence. Our solicitors handle these cases with sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring every client receives fair and respectful treatment while securing their lawful right to settlement in the UK.
Book a Confidential Consultation
Discuss your case privately with one of our experienced immigration solicitors. Contact Legate Hub today for discreet legal guidance and support.