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You must usually tell the Home Office when you divorce or separate from your partner if your visa is based on your relationship.Ìý

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.Ìý

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

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

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.Ìý

You can either:

• send the Home Office another letter and copy of the form by post (include the same information that you put in the first letter or form)

Where to post letters and forms

Post letters and forms to:

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 on the Citizens Advice website.