If your relationship ends while you are in the UK on a spouse or partner visa, it can affect your right to stay in the country.

1. What Happens If Your Relationship Ends?

If you are in the UK on a visa based on your relationship with a British citizen or someone with settled status (like Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status), and the relationship breaks down:

You must tell the Home Office as soon as possible.

Your visa may be cut short.

You may need to apply for a new visa based on another reason (for example, your children, long residence, or work).

2. Do You Have to Leave the UK?

Not always. You may be able to stay in the UK if:

You have British children or children who have lived in the UK for 7 years

You are at risk of domestic abuse

You have lived in the UK for many years and it would be hard for you to return to your home country

Each case is different, and it’s important to get advice quickly.

3. Domestic Abuse or Violence

If your relationship ends because of domestic abuse, you may be able to apply to stay in the UK on that basis. The UK has special protections in place for victims.

This applies whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or an unmarried partner.

4. Children Involved

If you have children in the UK, especially if they are British citizens or have lived here for a long time, you may be allowed to apply to stay so you can continue parenting them.

You will need to show:

You have a real and ongoing relationship with your child

It would be unreasonable to separate you from them

5. Informing the Home Office

Either person (the visa holder or their partner) can notify the Home Office about the end of the relationship. After this, the Home Office may:

Shorten your visa

Ask you to apply for a new visa if you have another reason to stay

Summary

For the Visa Holder:

A relationship breakdown can affect your visa – you may lose your right to stay.

You should report it to the Home Office and seek immigration advice.

You may be able to stay if you have children, face domestic abuse, or meet other requirements.

For the British or Settled Partner:

You are not responsible for your ex-partner’s immigration status.

You may report the end of the relationship to the Home Office.

You do not have to stay in the relationship for visa purposes.

Important: Every case is different. Speak to us as soon as possible if your relationship has broken down.