Visas when you separate or divorce

Skip to contents of guide

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:

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:

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.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Get a divorce: step by step

  1. Step 1 Get support and advice

    You can get support or counselling to help you through the divorce process.

    1. Get support and advice from Relate
    2. Find a counsellor on Counselling Directory

  2. Step 2 Check if you can get divorced

    1. Check if you can get a divorce
    2. Get legal advice if you want help with the divorce process

  3. Step 3 Make arrangements for children, money and property

    1. Make arrangements for your children
    2. Divide your money and property
    3. Check if your divorce will affect whether you can live in your current home

  4. Step 4 Apply for a divorce

    1. Apply for a divorce online or by post £593
    2. Get help with court fees
    3. Get legal advice
    4. Get help if your husband or wife cannot make decisions for themselves

  5. Step 5 Apply for a ‘conditional order’ or ‘decree nisi’

    1. Apply for a ‘conditional order’ or 'decree nisi'

  6. Step 6 Finalise your divorce

    1. Apply for a ‘final order’ or 'decree absolute'

  7. Step 7 Report that your circumstances have changed

    You also have to tell other government organisations that you're getting divorced if: