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Victim of Domestic Abuse 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

Up to 6 months

Application Fee

3,226 GBP

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Allowed

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 settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK for partners of settled people whose relationship broke down permanently due to domestic abuse.

The UK Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse route grants Indefinite Leave to Remain to migrants who held permission as a partner on a specified route and whose relationship broke down due to domestic abuse. It leads directly to permanent settlement, with no income or language requirement.

A temporary concession (MVDAC) provides immediate leave and access to public funds while the ILR application is processed — decisions typically take up to 6 months. The fee is £3,226, but a full fee waiver is available for those without sufficient funds. Dependent children can apply at the same time.

This visa is ideal for migrants in the UK on a partner visa whose relationship has permanently broken down due to domestic abuse and who need a safe, fast route to independent settlement.

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have had permission as a partner on a specified route.

Relationship broke down due to domestic abuse.

Meet suitability requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Evidence of domestic abuse (police reports, medical reports, etc.)

Evidence of previous relationship and visa

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Immediate settlement
Access to public funds via MVDAC
No financial/language requirements

Worth Knowing

Requires sensitive evidence
High application fee
Failure to provide evidence of abuse
Failure to meet suitability requirements

Application Process

Apply for MVDAC for temporary leave.

Gather evidence of abuse.

Complete SET(DV) form.

Apply for fee waiver if destitute.

Pay fee (if not waived).

Attend biometric appointment.

Submit documents.

Application Forms

Go to application portal

SET Application to Settle in UK as Victim of Domestic Violence (SET(DV))	Fill online
MVDAC Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession Application	Fill online

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Apply for MVDAC for temporary leave.; Gather evidence of abuse.; Complete SET(DV) form.; Apply for f…	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(DV) (Settlement); MVDAC (Temporary Concession)	gov.uk
Forms · MVDAC · description	Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession Application	gov.uk
Forms · SET · description	Application to Settle in UK as Victim of Domestic Violence (SET(DV))	gov.uk
Job Offer Required	false	gov.uk

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Overview

This route allows settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK for partners of settled people whose relationship broke down permanently due to domestic abuse.

This visa is ideal for migrants in the UK on a partner visa whose relationship has permanently broken down due to domestic abuse and who need a safe, fast route to independent settlement.