You have options, and your safety comes first
If you are in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999. Support is also available at any time through the free, confidential 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Your immigration status does not have to keep you in an unsafe situation.
This route, known as SET DV, allows a person who came to the UK as the partner of a British citizen or settled person to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain where the relationship has ended because of domestic abuse. It exists precisely so that people are not forced to choose between their safety and their immigration status. We will explain your options clearly and handle everything with discretion.
Who this route is for
- You were last granted leave as the partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK.
- Your relationship has permanently broken down as a result of domestic abuse.
- The abuse may be physical, but also includes emotional, psychological, financial, or controlling and coercive behaviour.
- You wish to remain in the UK in your own right rather than dependent on the relationship.
What the application involves
Each case is different and we treat yours sensitively, but applications on this route generally consider the following.
Your previous leave
You normally need to have last been granted leave as the partner of a British citizen or settled person. We check your immigration history to confirm this route is open to you.
That abuse caused the breakdown
You need to show the relationship broke down permanently because of domestic abuse. Abuse is not only physical, it includes emotional, psychological, financial, and controlling or coercive behaviour. We help you gather supportive evidence sensitively.
Supporting evidence
Evidence can take many forms, including reports to the police or other authorities, medical records, letters from support organisations or refuges, or a personal statement. You do not need every type, and we work with what you have.
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 cost is not a barrier to safety.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For confidential support at any time, the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The information on this page is a general guide, correct as at June 2026, not advice on your case, and everything you tell us is treated in strict confidence.
How we help
- 1
A confidential conversation
You can speak to us in confidence, at your own pace. We will listen, explain your options, and tell you whether this route is open to you, with no pressure.
- 2
Gathering evidence sensitively
We help you put together supportive evidence in a way that does not add to your distress, working with whatever you already have and advising on what else may help.
- 3
Preparing your application
We prepare the SET DV application and your personal statement, and deal with any fee waiver, so your case is presented clearly and fully.
- 4
Submission and support
We submit the application, deal with the Home Office on your behalf, and keep you informed and supported until a decision is made.
What is included in our service
- A confidential assessment of your situation
- Sensitive help gathering evidence
- Help with a fee waiver if needed
- Drafting your personal statement
- 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.