You can apply for ILR as a victim of domestic violence if you've experienced abuse or violence from your partner who is a British or settled person in the UK.

The term "settled person" refers to someone who has the right to live in the United Kingdom without any time restrictions. This status is often referred to as “Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)” or “Permanent Residency”.

Once you obtain ILR, you can enjoy many benefits, such as the ability to work and study without restrictions and the possibility of applying for British citizenship after a specified period.

To get legal advice and assistance with your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application as a victim of domestic violence or abuse, get in touch with our highly experienced UK immigration solicitor today.

Page Contents

  1. What is domestic violence?
  2. Eligibility requirements to apply for ILR as a victim of domestic violence
  3. ILR application processing time
  4. Super priority service for ILR application
  5. Solicitors for ILR applications
  6. Need legal advice & assistance?

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence or abuse refers to a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain power and control over another person in an intimate relationship. It can occur between partners, spouses, or family members.

Domestic violence can take various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. Physical abuse involves any form of violence or force, such as hitting, slapping, or kicking. Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual activity or forcing the partner to engage in sexual acts against their will.

Emotional and psychological abuse can include tactics such as intimidation, humiliation, threats, manipulation, isolation, and controlling behaviour. It aims to undermine the victim's self-esteem, independence, and security.

Eligibility requirements to apply for ILR as a victim of domestic violence

To be eligible to apply for ILR under the category of domestic violence:

  • You must have been subjected to domestic violence or abuse by your partner during your time in the UK. This includes physical violence, emotional or psychological abuse, or other forms of abusive behaviour.
  • You must prove that you have permission to stay in the UK as a spouse, unmarried partner, registered civil partner or same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
  • You must prove that your relationship broke down because of domestic violence or abuse from your partner or your partner’s family.

You will need to provide evidence of the abuse you have suffered, such as police reports, medical records, court orders, or statements from support organisations. It is essential to gather as much evidence as possible to support your application.

The Home Office will assess your application and consider the evidence provided to determine if you are eligible for ILR under this category. If your application is successful, you will be granted indefinite leave to remain, allowing you to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions.

ILR application processing time

ILR applications based on domestic violence or abuse usually take between 3 to 6 months if applied using the standard service. However, it may take longer if your case is complex.

Super priority service for ILR application

Home Office does not offer Priority or Super Priority Service to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a victim of domestic violence.

Immigration solicitors for ILR under domestic violence or abuse

Our team of immigration solicitors in London will be able to assist you with any type of Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) application.

Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

  • Provide detailed immigration advice.
  • Assess your circumstances and eligibility for ILR application.
  • Explain the entire ILR application process.
  • Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of your ILR application and your circumstances.
  • Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
  • Fill out the complete ILR application form and prepare a detailed representation and cover letter for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
  • Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
  • Upload all the supporting documents.
  • Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
  • Keep you updated with every stage of your ILR application.

Contact our immigration solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your Settlement or ILR application.

We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish. 

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.

You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.

CALL