If your visa is based on your relationship, a separation or divorce can affect your right to stay in the UK. Let’s go through the key steps and options available to you.
If your relationship has ended, it’s important to notify the Home Office, as your visa relies on being in a genuine, ongoing RELATIOSHIP.
Once the Home Office has been informed, they will likely curtail, or shorten, your visa. In most cases, this means you’ll be given 60 days to either apply for a new visa or make arrangements to leave the UK. This 60-day period allows time to consider your next steps and gather required documents for a new application if you wish to remain in the UK.
HOWEVER, There are exceptions to this rule:
If your visa is due to expire in less than 60 days, they may not extend it.
If the relationship breakdown involved domestic violence, the Home Office may allow additional time to apply under a special provision.
If your relationship ended due to domestic abuse, there is a specific route that may allow you to stay in the UK permanently. The Domestic Violence Concession enables APPLIANT to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) DUE TO DOMESTIC abuse.
- If your visa is curtailed and you are given the 60-day period, here are some routes that could allow you to remain in the UK:
- If you are employed, switching to a Skilled Worker visa may be an option.
- If you have a child who is British, settled, or has lived in the UK for at least seven years, you may qualify to stay as a parent.
- If you’ve lived in the UK legally for 10 years, you may qualify for ILR under the long residence route.
- If you’ve been in the UK for 20 years, or if there are significant obstacles to returning to your home country, the private life route may be an option.
- Each of these routes has specific requirements, so it’s advisable to review them carefully or seek professional advice to determine the best course of action