Visas when you separate or divorce
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1. Tell the Home Office
You must usually tell the Home Office when you divorce or separate from your partner if your visa is based on your relationship.
If you have a British National (Overseas) visa you do not need to tell the Home Office when you divorce or separate from your partner. You can apply to extend your visa or live permanently in the UK even if your relationship has ended.
Your visa is based on your relationship if you have permission to stay in the UK for a limited time as:
- a dependant on your partner’s UK visa
- a spouse or partner on a family visa
Your visa may also be based on your relationship if you have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
You’ll have to either apply to stay in the UK or leave.
The same rules apply if your ex-partner’s visa is based on your relationship (for example they’re your dependant or you’re their ‘sponsor’).
How to tell the Home Office
Send an email to the Home Office to tell them that the relationship has ended.
The email must include both you and your ex-partner’s:
- name
- date of birth
- address
- passport number
- Home Office reference number (you’ll find it on letters sent from the Home Office)
If you or your ex-partner have children in the UK, you must also include:
- their names and dates of birth
- names of their parents or guardians, and who they live with
- how much time they spend with you or your ex-partner
- how much child maintenance or financial help you give each other
- details of any family court cases you’re involved in
Forms you must attach to your email
Print and sign one of these forms:
- public statement if you do not want the Home Office to tell your ex-partner any details from your email
- consent form if you’re happy for the Home Office to tell your ex-partner details from your email
Attach a scan of the signed form to your email.
Both forms give the Home Office permission to contact your ex-partner at the address you give.
Where to send your email
Include ‘MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN’ in the subject line.
If you cannot send an email
If you do not have access to email, you can post a letter with your signed form.
UK Visas and Immigration
MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN
Status Review Unit
7th Floor
The Capital
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP
2. Apply to stay in the UK
If your visa is based on a relationship that’s ended you must apply if you want to stay in the UK.
Apply as soon as possible after the relationship breaks down. Do not wait until your current visa expires.
How to apply to stay in the UK
You may be able to apply for a new visa, for example:
- a work visa
- as a parent of a child who’s British, settled in the UK or has lived in the UK for at least 7 years
- based on your private life in the UK, for example you’ve lived in the UK for a long time
- another type of visa
Or you may be able to apply to settle in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). Check if you can settle in the UK:
- if your relationship has broken down because of domestic violence or abuse
- another way - for example you’ve lived in the UK for 10 years (long residence)
Getting indefinite leave to remain means you can live, work, study or claim benefits in the UK without time restrictions. You can use it to become a British citizen, if you’re eligible.
You can get advice about staying in the UK on the Citizens Advice website.