United Kingdom•Europe

Open

Bereaved Partner Visa

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–6 months

Estimated Cost

£3,226 GBP

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

This route allows immediate settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK for partners of a person who had permission as a partner on a specified route and has died.

The Bereaved Partner route grants immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK to partners of a British citizen or settled person who had a valid family visa and whose sponsor has died. No minimum residency period applies, and there is no Life in the UK Test or language requirement.

Applicants pay a £3,226 fee, with a fee waiver available for those who cannot afford essential living costs. The application is made in the UK online (form SET(O)), with a decision usually within 6 months. Dependent children can apply at the same time.

This visa is ideal for bereaved partners already in the UK on a family visa who need immediate settlement without having to meet financial or language thresholds.

Curious about life in the United Kingdom?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have had permission as a partner on a specified route (excluding fiancé/fiancée/proposed civil partner).

Sponsoring partner must have died.

Must have been living together in the UK in a genuine and subsisting relationship immediately before the partner's death.

Must be in the UK when you apply.

Meet suitability requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Death certificate of the sponsoring partner

Evidence of genuine and subsisting relationship

Evidence of applicant's previous partner visa

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Immediate settlement
No financial requirement
No language requirement

Worth Knowing

High application fee
Requires proof of relationship
Failure to prove genuine relationship
Failure to meet suitability requirements

Application Process

Gather evidence of death and relationship.

Complete SET(O) or SET(AF) form.

Apply for fee waiver if destitute.

Pay fee (if not waived).

Attend biometric appointment.

Submit documents.

Application Forms

Go to application portal

SET(O)

Settle in the UK in various immigration categories

Fill online

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Gather evidence of death and relationship.; Complete SET(O) or SET(AF) form.; Apply for fee waiver i…

gov.uk

Dependent Visa

Dependent children can apply at the same time.

gov.uk

Fee Breakdown

ILR Application Fee: 3226 GBP

gov.uk

Fees

£3,226

gov.uk

Forms

SET(O) (Settlement); SET(AF) (Armed Forces)

gov.uk

Forms · SET(O) · description

Settle in the UK in various immigration categories

gov.uk

Forms · SET · name

SET(O)

gov.uk

Job Offer Required

false

gov.uk

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

Ready to see if the Bereaved Partner Visa is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery

Overview

This route allows immediate settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK for partners of a person who had permission as a partner on a specified route and has died.

This visa is ideal for bereaved partners already in the UK on a family visa who need immediate settlement without having to meet financial or language thresholds.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have had permission as a partner on a specified route (excluding fiancé/fiancée/proposed civil partner).

Sponsoring partner must have died.

Must have been living together in the UK in a genuine and subsisting relationship immediately before the partner's death.

Must be in the UK when you apply.

Meet suitability requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Death certificate of the sponsoring partner

Evidence of genuine and subsisting relationship

Evidence of applicant's previous partner visa