Family Visas
If you were in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or settled person and they have sadly passed away, you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in your own right. Losing your partner should not also mean losing your home here. We handle these applications with care and sensitivity, and take as much of the weight off you as we can.
At a glance
Settlement in your own right
A route to Indefinite Leave to Remain for the surviving partner of a British citizen or settled person
Who it is for
Spouses, civil partners, and unmarried or same-sex partners last granted leave as the partner of a British or settled person who has since died
Support with fees
A fee waiver may be available if you cannot afford the Home Office fee. Ask us and we will help you apply
When you came to the UK as someone's partner, your right to be here was tied to that relationship. It is natural to worry, after losing your partner, about what that means for your immigration status. The rules recognise this. There is a settlement route specifically for bereaved partners, so that grief is not made harder by the fear of having to leave.
This route allows the surviving partner of a British citizen or settled person to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is settled status in your own right. You do not need a new sponsor and you are not dependent on anyone else. We will explain whether this route is open to you and guide you through it gently, at your own pace.
Every situation is different and we treat yours with care, but applications on this route generally consider the following. Unlike many settlement applications, this route does not require you to pass the Life in the UK test or an English language test, which removes one source of pressure at a hard time.
Your previous leave
You normally need to have last been granted leave as the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner of a British citizen or settled person, and to be in the UK when you apply. We check your immigration history to confirm this route is open to you.
A genuine relationship
You need to show your relationship was genuine and subsisting when your partner passed away. We help you do this sensitively, drawing on evidence you are likely to already have.
Supporting documents
This usually includes your partner's death certificate and evidence of your life together. We will tell you exactly what is needed and help you gather it without added stress.
Help if you cannot afford the fee
If you cannot afford the Home Office application fee, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver on the grounds of affordability. We can help you with this so that cost is not a barrier.
The information on this page is a general guide, correct as at June 2026, not advice on your case. The rules and time limits for applying can change, so it helps to speak to us when you feel ready. Everything you tell us is treated in strict confidence.
You can talk to us when you feel ready, at your own pace. We will explain your options and whether this route is open to you, with no pressure.
We tell you clearly which documents are required and help you put them together, so you are not left guessing at a difficult time.
We prepare the application and supporting letters, and deal with any fee waiver, so your case is presented fully and correctly.
We submit the application, deal with the Home Office on your behalf, and keep you informed until a decision is made.
Where a fee waiver does not apply, the Home Office application fee and any related costs are paid separately and are not included in our fee. We will explain the likely costs to you clearly before you decide to go ahead.
Not necessarily. This route exists so that the surviving partner of a British citizen or settled person can apply to stay in the UK with settled status in their own right. Speak to us and we will tell you whether it is open to you.
You do not have to wait until your visa is close to expiring, and there is no fixed deadline, so you can apply once you feel able. It is sensible not to leave it too long, because the permission you currently hold was based on your relationship, and you do need to be in the UK when you apply. Please do not feel rushed at a painful time. Speak to us when you feel ready and we will advise on the position in your case.
Usually your partner's death certificate and evidence that your relationship was genuine and ongoing, much of which you are likely to already have. We give you a clear, tailored list and help you gather it.
You may be able to apply for a fee waiver if you cannot afford the Home Office fee. We can help you with that application so cost is not a barrier.
