UK ILR Domestic Violence Concession Route

The UK ILR domestic violence concession provides a route to ILR for individuals whose Spouse or Partner relationship has broken down due to domestic violence. The applicant must have been in the UK on a relevant relationship visa. This article covers eligibility and the supporting process.

Eligibility

The applicant must have been in the UK on a relevant Spouse, Partner, or related visa, with the relationship ending due to domestic violence or abuse. The form SET(DV) is used. The standard 5-year qualifying period does not apply; ILR can be granted on a shorter timeline.

Evidence accepted

A wide range of evidence is accepted: court orders, police reports, medical evidence, social services reports, and statements from approved domestic abuse organisations. Sole reliance on the applicant's own statement is rare; supporting documentation strengthens the application.

DDV concession

The Destitution Domestic Violence (DDV) concession can grant 3 months of leave with access to public funds, providing immediate financial support while the applicant prepares the ILR application. The DDV is requested separately from the ILR application.

Application process

SET(DV) is completed online via GOV.UK. The applicant uploads supporting evidence and books a biometric appointment. The Home Office's specialist team typically handles these applications and may request additional evidence.

Support organisations

National domestic abuse helplines (such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline) and specialist organisations can provide both immediate support and assistance with the evidence-gathering process. Many provide free advocacy and can connect applicants to immigration legal representation.

Eligibility in detail

The applicant must have been in the UK on a relevant Spouse, Partner, or related visa, with the relationship ending due to domestic violence or abuse. The form SET(DV) is used. The standard 5-year qualifying period does not apply; ILR can be granted on a shorter timeline.

The qualifying visas include: Spouse visa; Partner visa under Appendix FM; some specific predecessor routes such as Refugee family reunion in some cases. The applicant must have been on the visa with the British or settled partner; the partner must have been British or settled.

The relationship must have broken down due to domestic violence or abuse. The 'domestic abuse' definition is broad and includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, and coercive control. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides the statutory definition.

For applicants currently in the relationship (where abuse is ongoing), the DDV concession provides immediate support while planning to leave. For applicants whose relationship has already ended (recently or some time ago), the SET(DV) application can be made directly if within the relevant timeframes.

The route is open to applicants of any gender. While the route was originally designed with women in mind given historical patterns, it applies equally to male victims of abuse and to victims in same-sex relationships.

Evidence accepted in detail

A wide range of evidence is accepted: court orders (such as non-molestation orders, occupation orders); police reports (incidents reported to the police, even if no prosecution followed); medical evidence (such as records of injuries treated, mental health diagnoses related to the abuse); social services reports; statements from approved domestic abuse organisations (such as Women's Aid, Refuge, Galop, Karma Nirvana).

Sole reliance on the applicant's own statement is rare; supporting documentation strengthens the application. Even a single piece of corroborating evidence (such as a police report or a statement from a support service) can be material.

For applicants who did not report the abuse to authorities at the time, gathering retrospective evidence can be difficult. Specialist support services can sometimes provide statements based on their case records or assessments. Specialist legal advice can identify the available evidence.

The Home Office has training and specific procedures for assessing DV applications. The caseworkers are typically experienced in handling these sensitive cases; the assessment focuses on the credibility of the abuse claim alongside the documentary evidence.

For applicants with limited documentary evidence, the credibility of the personal statement is important. A detailed, consistent statement with specific dates, incidents, and impacts is more persuasive than a generic statement.

DDV concession in detail

The Destitution Domestic Violence (DDV) concession can grant 3 months of leave with access to public funds, providing immediate financial support while the applicant prepares the ILR application. The DDV is requested separately from the ILR application.

To qualify for DDV, the applicant must: be in the UK on the relevant family visa; have left the abusive relationship; be destitute (unable to support themselves without recourse to public funds); intend to apply for ILR under SET(DV).

The DDV application is made via specific forms; the Home Office processes DDV applications quickly because of the urgent nature of the situations. Specialist legal advice or support from domestic abuse organisations typically helps with the application.

During the DDV period (3 months), the applicant can access Universal Credit and other public funds. This supports the practical needs of leaving the abusive situation: housing, food, clothing, transport, legal advice.

The DDV is typically followed by the SET(DV) ILR application. Where ILR is granted, the applicant's status is settled and access to public funds continues. Where ILR is refused, the consequences depend on the specific situation; specialist legal advice is essential.

Application process in detail

SET(DV) is completed online via GOV.UK. The applicant uploads supporting evidence and books a biometric appointment. The form's structure includes specific sections on the relationship, the abuse, the supporting evidence, and the applicant's circumstances.

The Home Office's specialist team typically handles these applications and may request additional evidence. The team is trained to handle the sensitive nature of the applications; communications are typically handled with appropriate care.

The fee for SET(DV) is the standard ILR fee unless a fee waiver is granted. Fee waivers are available for applicants in destitution; the waiver application is made alongside the SET(DV) application.

Processing times for SET(DV) typically aim to be quicker than standard ILR processing given the urgent circumstances. The exact timeline varies; specialist legal advice can advise on current processing patterns.

If granted, the applicant has ILR with all the standard rights. If refused, the applicant has options including administrative review or appeal (where appeal rights apply); specialist legal advice on the next steps is essential.

Support organisations in detail

National domestic abuse helplines and specialist organisations can provide both immediate support and assistance with the evidence-gathering process. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) is the central point of contact in England.

Specialist organisations include: Women's Aid (England-wide network with local services); Refuge (national support and accommodation); Galop (for LGBT+ victims); Karma Nirvana (for South Asian women and others affected by 'honour'-based abuse); Welsh Women's Aid, Scottish Women's Aid, Northern Ireland's Women's Aid Federation.

Many provide free advocacy and can connect applicants to immigration legal representation. Specialist immigration solicitors with experience in domestic violence cases can guide the application process; some work pro bono or accept legal aid.

For applicants currently in abusive situations, safety planning is the first priority. The support organisations help with leaving safely, finding accommodation, accessing benefits, and starting the immigration process.

For applicants who have already left the relationship, the support organisations can provide ongoing support during the application process and afterwards. The immigration process can be lengthy; ongoing support helps with the emotional and practical challenges.

Support pathway from immediate safety to ILR

The practical pathway typically follows: contact a specialist DV organisation for immediate support and safety planning; apply for Destitution Domestic Violence concession (3 months leave with public funds); seek specialist immigration legal advice; submit SET(DV) ILR application with comprehensive evidence; receive ILR grant typically within 3 to 6 months.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information based on rules and figures published by UK government and regulator sources as of May 2026. It is not personal financial, legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules, fees and figures change and individual circumstances vary. Readers should check primary sources or consult a qualified, regulated adviser before acting on any information here.

Frequently asked questions

Is the route only for women?

No. The route is open to any applicant whose relationship has broken down due to domestic abuse, regardless of gender. Male victims and victims in same-sex relationships are equally eligible. The route applies based on the abuse and the qualifying relationship, not on gender.

Is a police report required?

Not strictly. A wide range of evidence is accepted. A police report is one form of evidence and strengthens the application but is not the only acceptable form. Other evidence such as medical records, court orders, social services reports, and statements from support organisations can substitute or supplement.

Can the applicant remain in the UK during the application?

Yes. The DDV concession can grant 3 months of leave with public funds while the ILR application is prepared and submitted. After the DDV period, the applicant typically has Section 3C leave during the SET(DV) application processing. The applicant retains lawful status throughout if applied within the required timeframes.

Does the abusive partner need to be British?

The standard route requires the partner to be British or settled. The relationship visa under which the applicant came must have been on this basis. For applicants whose partner was on a temporary visa themselves, the SET(DV) route does not typically apply; specialist advice can identify other options.

Are children included?

Children can typically be included as dependants in the application. Their own evidence requirements apply. Children's safety and well-being is a primary consideration; the Home Office considers the family unit as a whole in domestic violence cases.

Is there a time limit on applying after leaving the relationship?

The standard timeframes for the route apply. Applications should typically be made promptly after leaving the relationship; significant delays can affect the case. Specialist legal advice can confirm the position for specific timing situations.

Does the route apply to fiances and engaged couples?

The route typically applies to married, civil partnership, and unmarried partner relationships. Engaged couples on fiance visas may have specific considerations; specialist advice can identify the available routes for the specific situation.

Frequently asked questions

Is the route only for women?

No. The route is open to any applicant whose relationship has broken down due to domestic abuse, regardless of gender. Male victims and victims in same-sex relationships are equally eligible. The route applies based on the abuse and the qualifying relationship, not on gender.

Is a police report required?

Not strictly. A wide range of evidence is accepted. A police report is one form of evidence and strengthens the application but is not the only acceptable form. Other evidence such as medical records, court orders, social services reports, and statements from support organisations can substitute or supplement.

Can the applicant remain in the UK during the application?

Yes. The DDV concession can grant 3 months of leave with public funds while the ILR application is prepared and submitted. After the DDV period, the applicant typically has Section 3C leave during the SET(DV) application processing. The applicant retains lawful status throughout if applied within the required timeframes.

Does the abusive partner need to be British?

The standard route requires the partner to be British or settled. The relationship visa under which the applicant came must have been on this basis. For applicants whose partner was on a temporary visa themselves, the SET(DV) route does not typically apply; specialist advice can identify other options.

Are children included?

Children can typically be included as dependants in the application. Their own evidence requirements apply. Children's safety and well-being is a primary consideration; the Home Office considers the family unit as a whole in domestic violence cases.

Is there a time limit on applying after leaving the relationship?

The standard timeframes for the route apply. Applications should typically be made promptly after leaving the relationship; significant delays can affect the case. Specialist legal advice can confirm the position for specific timing situations.

Does the route apply to fiances and engaged couples?

The route typically applies to married, civil partnership, and unmarried partner relationships. Engaged couples on fiance visas may have specific considerations; specialist advice can identify the available routes for the specific situation.