Visas when you separate or divorce

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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 or pre-settled status as the dependant of an EU national.

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’).

If you’re at risk, you can get help with domestic violence or abuse. 

How to tell the Home Office

You can use the online service to tell the Home Office that you’re separating or getting divorced.

Start now

Tell the Home Office by post

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 letter
  • consent form if you’re happy for the Home Office to tell your ex-partner details from your letter

Then send the form to the Home Office with a covering letter. The letter 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

What to do if you decide to get back together

If you decide to get back together after telling the Home Office that you’re separating or getting divorced, you’ll need to update the Home Office. 

You can either:

Where to post letters and forms

Post letters and forms to:

UK Visas and Immigration
MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN
Status Review Unit
7th Floor
The Capital
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP

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: