You can stay in the UK in your own right
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.
Who this route is for
- You were last granted leave in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or person settled here.
- Your partner has sadly passed away.
- Your relationship was genuine and subsisting at the time of their death.
- You wish to remain settled in the UK in your own right.
What the application involves
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.
How we help
- 1
A gentle first conversation
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.
- 2
Gathering what is needed
We tell you clearly which documents are required and help you put them together, so you are not left guessing at a difficult time.
- 3
Preparing your application
We prepare the application and supporting letters, and deal with any fee waiver, so your case is presented fully and correctly.
- 4
Submission and support
We submit the application, deal with the Home Office on your behalf, and keep you informed until a decision is made.
What is included in our service
- A sensitive assessment of your situation
- Help gathering the right documents
- Help with a fee waiver if needed
- Drafting of supporting letters
- Completion of the application
- Correspondence with the Home Office
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.